NEWS & UPDATES
the Foxboro Y


All that’s happening at the Foxboro Y.

Posted on: Saturday, June 15th, 2024

Milford Summer Lunch Program

Our YMCA and the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition, in collaboration with Milford Public Schools Food Services, will once again operate a summer meal program in the community of Milford known as our Milford Summer Lunch Program.

Free Summer Lunches

  • Free lunches Monday through Friday
  • 11:00am to 12:30pm
  • Memorial Elementary School: 12 Walnut Street in Milford, MA
  • The program will run Monday, June 24th through Friday, August 16th.
  • No registration required.
  • Every Friday, we will have interactive activities and games for all to enjoy during the mealtime including special Friday events.

Volunteer Opportunities

Join our YMCA and the community of Milford as we provide lunches for youth and families who rely on school food through our 8 week summer lunch program. Volunteers are needed for two hour shifts that start at 10:45 a.m. in Milford, week days during the summer. All ages of volunteers welcome. It’s a great way to supervise fun activities, interact with families and make a difference.

Sign up to volunteer today! To sign up as a volunteer, please email Stephanie.

Posted on: Monday, June 10th, 2024

YMCA Golf Classic

Each year our YMCA is proud to host this golf classic to recognize the achievement of young people in our Leadership Development programs and raise funds for outreach programs that support teens in the 15 communities we serve.

We are pleased to invite you to join us for a great day of golf, for a great cause. This fun event is set for Monday, September 23, 2024 at Maplegate Country Club in Bellingham, Massachusetts.

What a value! In addition to an outstanding round of golf, the event will include continental breakfast, scrumptious food throughout the day, and will conclude with a buffet lunch — all while enjoying the complimentary beverage carts throughout the day and plenty of surprises along the way.

EVENT DETAILS

7:30-8:15am – Check-In & Registration / Continental Breakfast
8:30am – Shotgun start
2:30pm – Lunch / program
 Maplegate Country Club, 160 Maple St, Bellingham, MA

REGISTER NOW

How does the Hockomock Y helps kids to get on track and stay on track?

  • Teen Centers
  • Ropes Challenge Courses
  • Leaders Clubs
  • Youth and Government Programs
  • Teen Transitions and part-time staff development programs designed to teach skills and values needed to make safe decisions

Thank you to those who make this event possible. Your support of Hockomock Area YMCA Teen Programming and Outreach is sincerely appreciated.

Presenting Sponsor: Unic Pro

Sponsorships are welcome. For more information, contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or patrickm@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Monday, June 10th, 2024

Rediscover Summer

OUR OUTDOOR POOLS & SPLASH PARKS ARE OPEN

Splash into Summer with your Hockomock Area YMCA!

You and your loved ones can enjoy the perks of a Y membership. Take advantage of indoor and outdoor pools, state of the art wellness facilities, summer camp & summer session classes, friendly and helpful staff, and much more!

View each branch’s outdoor pool & splash park* schedule:

FOXBORO

FRANKLIN

NORTH ATTLEBORO

*Splash Parks at our Foxboro and Franklin locations

Hockomock Area YMCA active members can visit any branch facility including our indoor and outdoor pools and our splash parks in Foxboro and Franklin.

Members are welcome to bring guests with guest passes.

Please note: photo ID is required at every visit for non-members ages 18+. Day passes and reciprocal member usage permitted for use of our outdoor pool at our North Attleboro Y.

Day passes and reciprocal member usage are not permitted for use of outdoor pool and splash park at our Foxboro and Franklin Ys.

Not a Y member? You can join today and rediscover summer with us Click Here.

Invite your friends to free community days at the Spier Family Splash Park (in Foxboro) on July 13th & August 10th from 9:30 – 11:30am.

Posted on: Thursday, June 6th, 2024

Early Learning Center Off the Foxboro Common

Our newest YMCA Early Learning Center, Off the Foxboro Common

Our Hockomock Area YMCA is thrilled to have a new child care program at the location of the Bethany Congregational Church, off the Foxboro Common, located at 3 Rockhill Street in Foxboro! The Center opened in September 2023.

The Hockomock Area YMCA brings together more than 1,200 families in our three Early Learning Centers at our branch facilities, enabling parents and family members to go to work knowing their children are in safe, stimulating environments. Our centers are fully licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and are NAEYC accredited. Our commitment to strengthening the foundations of community means being there for children and families.

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Highlights of our new Early Learning Center Off the Foxboro Common include:

  • Five bright and inviting classrooms for Toddlers (ages 18 months+) and Preschool and Pre-K Children (ages 3-5 years) to grow and thrive.
  • Flexible scheduling options including 2, 3, 4 and 5 days a week care for working parents. We are open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Intensive screening & training of caring, licensed staff.
  • A curriculum combining learning through play in an engaging, fun environment.
  • Outdoor playground for each child’s physical and social development with peers.
  • With a commitment to healthy living, all of our child care programs teach children the importance of healthy minds and bodies. We provide a healthy morning and afternoon snack, including a fruit or vegetable as well as milk. A snack calendar is sent home monthly with the newsletter.
  • For more information or to schedule a tour, email our Director Kaitlin at kaitlinr@hockymca.org.

TAKE A TOUR

Meet our Director Kaitlin and join her on a tour of our amazing Early Learning Center Off the Foxboro Common.

For More Information and Registration:

Please email Kaitlin at kaitlinr@hockymca.org.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of our members and the community, offering programs and services to all regardless of ability to pay. Part of that mission is a financial assistance program to those who need support and for those who qualify. Learn more

Posted on: Saturday, June 1st, 2024

Summer Camp Fun Now in Full Swing

Our summer Camps are now in full swing and we could not be more excited! Our summer camps provide a safe place for kids to get away from technology and all the stresses of the outside world, and lets them enjoy just being a kid. We are proud and respectful of the trust parents place in our YMCA, a safe environment for children combined with quality programming.

All of our camp counselors are trained in first aid, CPR, and child abuse prevention. All staff must sign and comply with our Y’s Code of Conduct and Abuse Prevention Policies. Our Y’s founding core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are part of everything we do. Our camps give parents peace of mind knowing that their children are participating in safe, technology-free, fun and interactive activities with their peers, face to face, and having the time of their life.

At our camps, kids have the chance to try new things, to develop confidence, learn new skills, and have fun with old and new friends. Our campers will spend time in the beautiful outdoors while trying archery, rope climbing, planting in the garden, and so much more. They’ll play game favorites like Gaga, Capture the Flag, and Sticks & Arrows and swim daily in our pools. Our campers receive a daily swim lesson and get free swim time in the pool. Campers in Grades 2-6 will go on local field trips and special guests will visit our younger campers to round out their summer experience. And throughout all of these activities, our campers are creating amazing friendships and memories of the #BestSummerEver.

Our camp offerings range from traditional camps to sports camps, to enrichment camps, teen travel camps and more, for ages 3 through the teen years. To see more details on our camps and what camp would best fit your child, click on the orange “camp offerings” button.

To see what field trips and special guests are planned for our campers, please see below!

We look forward to meeting you and providing your kids with an amazing summer.

CAMP OFFERINGS

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Posted on: Saturday, June 1st, 2024

Golf with Legends

Our Legends Golf Classic

Monday, July 8, 2024

Our YMCA is partnering with TPC Boston for our 15th annual Legends Golf Classic, raising critical funds to support our Integration Initiative for children and adults with special needs and their families. This event will feature 18 holes of memorable golf, pairing foursomes with New England sports legends and creating a priceless experience for golfers.

This program was created in 2004 to meet an emerging need in the community, recognizing the importance of supporting children and adults with special needs and their families, and providing a community of inclusion at our YMCA.

AN AMAZING DAY

Thank you to all our amazing golfers and supporters for making this event a hole-in-one success! And special thanks to our 2022 Legends Honoree Butch Stearns and Boston 25 News for the event coverage.

For sponsorship or event inquiries, please contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or patrickm@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Saturday, May 25th, 2024

Summer Classes at Your YMCA

June 17 – August 18

Join us for Summer classes! Fun & Creative Activities for Youth Development are coming soon. Member registration is open and the session will start the week of June 17th. Don’t miss out.

** CLICK HERE TO REGISTER **

Summer Session runs 9 weeks long. We know many families take summer vacations and may go out of town – we understand and want to provide some flexibility. That’s why our summer program rates are only for 7 weeks, instead of 9.

Summer Classes include: Cooking, Dance, Gymnastics, Sports, Swim, STEM, Wellness & more!

Not a Y member? You can join today and save 50% on classes Click Here. The entire community is welcome to participate in our summer classes.

Registration is open. Reserve your spot today!

Also! For information on our day camps and to register for the Best Summer Ever, visit hockymca.org/camp

Posted on: Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month

When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a delightful activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The Hockomock Area YMCA is sharing tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Ensure children always ask permission before entering or nearing the water.
Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children swim, ensure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath-holding activities.

Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

Tip # 7: Use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool covers, and alarm systems to help prevent children from accessing water unsupervised.

Water safety isn’t just during swim time. Know the five layers of protection which include: barriers & alarms, supervision, water competency, life jackets and emergency preparation. You never know which layer will save a life.

Tip # 8: Prepare for emergencies by making sure everyone in your home takes water safety, first aid and CPR Courses.

Training in lifesaving skills such as lifeguarding and CPR presents opportunities for us all to take greater responsibility for ourselves and others. The Hockomock Area YMCA offers lifeguard, CPR and First Aid training programs with full certification. Reach out to us with any questions.

REGISTER FOR SUMMER SWIM LESSONS

45 Forge Hill Rd. Franklin, MA
CONTACT: Krystina Edens krystinae@hockymca.org

67 Mechanic St. Foxboro, MA
CONTACT: Christopher Tower christophert@hockymca.org

300 Elmwood St. North Attleboro, MA
CONTACT: Sheila Riley sheilar@hockymca.org

Posted on: Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

Kevin Hines Event

Featuring Kevin Hines

A message of Hope, Healing & Resiliency

Sponsored by our Hockomock Area YMCA, Healthy KP, the SAFE Coalition and MetroWest Health Foundation in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Cross Insurance Pavilion, Gillette Stadium

Foxborough, Mass

  • Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
  • Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
  • Q&A and Meet & Greet at 7:40 p.m.

Parking Information: Please park in Lot 22A and look for signage for the Kevin Hines event. To view the Gillette Stadium parking map: click here.

In 2000, Kevin Hines attempted his death by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge at age 19. He survived the fall and ever since he’s dedicated his life to advocating for those with mental pain and talking about mental health.

Kevin lives with a strict motto… Life is the single greatest gift we’ve been given. Cherish it always. #BeHereTomorrow

This event is free but registration is required through the YMCA.

REGISTER TODAY

All in the community (ages 10+ with guardian) are invited to attend.

Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope and healing while teaching people of all ages the art of wellness & the ability to survive pain with true resilience to be here tomorrow and every day after that.

This event is offered at no cost to the community due to the support and commitment to mental well-being provided by the Hockomock Area YMCA, Healthy KP and the SAFE Coalition, and the MetroWest Health Foundation.

Questions about this event, please email pur YMCA’s Social Worker Brynne Kirwan, LCSW at brynnek@hockymca.org.

Learn about Kevin’s journey and his mission to empower us to be here tomorrow and every day after that.

Posted on: Saturday, April 20th, 2024

Child Protection Praesidium Accreditation®

Each and every day, our Y remains focused on child protection and child safety.

I’m sharing today that our YMCA has some exciting news. Our YMCA has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management.

Praesidium Accreditation® is a prestigious honor that publicly acknowledges our organization has a strong commitment and the resources in place to achieve the highest industry standards in safety and abuse prevention.

To achieve Accreditation, our YMCA underwent a year-long rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas within their business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified our Y successfully implemented all of these standards.

We will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate our commitment to protecting those in our care from abuse.

We are proud to be part of the 24 YMCAs across the nation to reach this accreditation status and we look forward to helping mentor other YMCAs in their process of becoming accredited.

We encourage all individuals and organizations to play an active role in partnering with us to make our local communities a safer place for children and families. Together, we can prevent child sexual abuse by ensuring that adults have the knowledge, skills and resources needed to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. All of our resources are here.

Sincerely,

Jim Downs
CEO, Hockomock Area YMCA