NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y

All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Wednesday, March 18th, 2020

Emergency Childcare Services

Our YMCA is a charitable not for profit organization. We are proud our mission work will continue during this unprecedented time.

Beginning March 23, our YMCA has been approved to provide emergency drop in childcare programming, in accordance with state guidelines. This drop in care will take place at our Foxboro Y’s Early Learning Center and our Franklin Y’s Garelick Early Learning Center now through June 29th, unless extended by the State. We will operate Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm at each location. Our emergency childcare is meant for essential personnel who have no other options. We are proud to be here for families who need us.

We are serving children ages 6 weeks to 14. This drop in child care is provided on a first come, first served basis.

For more information on the process to enroll, please contact Kim Jennings at 781-879-6271 or kjennings@hockymca.org.

Once enrolled, please complete these forms: Enrollment Form and Medical Form.

For the protection of our parents/caregivers, children and staff, drop off and pick up will occur at the front door to our centers. Only children and staff will be able to enter the Center.

We are taking the following precautions at the Y to address concerns of the Coronavirus:
  • We will be taking the temperature of all children & staff entering the program to help create a healthier center. Any child with a registered temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to attend that day and not return for 24 hours, symptom free.
  • Children and staff will wash their hands immediately upon entering the classroom and throughout the day.
  • Our staff continue to sanitize with a new infection-prevention solution and electrostatic sprayer at all facilities on an ongoing basis.

As a community organization with a mission grounded in serving the greater good, we are here to help meet emerging needs in our communities.

We appreciate everyone’s support as we strive to protect the health & safety of our YMCA community, care for those in need, and work together in the days ahead.

Posted on: Monday, March 16th, 2020

Just Keep Swimming! Coloring Pages to Keep us Connected

As a way to stay uniquely connected and draw inspiration from our community, we’re inviting you to put your creative spin on aquatics themed coloring pages. We can’t wait to see your finished pictures!

Three coloring pages are available!

They are fun, they are reminders that your YMCA swim friends are thinking of you, and they are a great stress reliever. Download your coloring page from the selection below and share your artwork with us!

  • Download or print one of the 3 art works below.

  • Color the page in your own creative way.

  • Take a picture of your amazing colored drawing.

  • Follow and tag @hockomockymca on Instagram or email hockomockymca@gmail.com for a chance to be featured on our Instagram Stories!

Color this picture of a girl swimming

Color this picture of a boy swimming

Color this picture of a whale

coloring-two


» CONNECT WITH US / WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ON THE POOL DECK SOON

» Facebook – Hockomock Area YMCA


» Instagram – Hockomock Area YMCA


» Twitter – Hockomock Area YMCA


» Facebook – Foxboro YMCA Swimming


» Facebook – Franklin YMCA Swimming

social media-4-web

Posted on: Tuesday, March 10th, 2020

Looking Back at 2019

Our Hockomock Area YMCA is a place where people and relationships matter. We are motivated by the stories we get to tell around the impact our Y has on our members and in the communities we serve. Stories help us share the innovative ways we seek to offer programs to improve the wellness of our members, to provide support to kids & families, and to protect the youth who are entrusted to our care.

This brief video looks back on some of our Y’s 2019 highlights and I hope you share our pride in the impact we have every day in the 15 communities we serve.

This celebrates the work we get to do. We get to be a community convener and we get to put smiles on people’s faces. We get to share your stories of impact. Together we are accomplishing great things.

Here’s to 2020 and the continued difference we will make in the communities we get to serve.

hockymca.org/give>Enjoy this video and a sincere thank you for all you do in support of our YMCA.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

Posted on: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020

School Age Learning Support Program

As a community organization with a mission grounded in serving the greater good, we are here to help meet emerging needs in our communities.

We are in communication and collaboration with our local school leaders and partners.

We know that schools and schedules may look different this fall and we are planning for all contingencies in order to support families as they navigate the upcoming school year.

While all school district decisions are not yet made, our YMCA will be here to help supplement learning and provide a safe, nurturing environment for children.

More information will be shared as soon as we have more details and as final district plans are approved. Until then, please fill out our interest form so that we can learn more about your needs and communicate with you directly as we have more details on our programming.

CLICK HERE FOR INTEREST FORM

At all three of our YMCA full facility branches, we are planning to provide onsite full-day remote learning and enrichment programming Monday through Friday as space allows. We are also identifying additional YMCA programming and models that may be needed on site at schools and buildings in communities we serve.

We appreciate everyone’s support as we strive to protect the health & safety of our YMCA community, care for and help provide support and learning to children and families who need us, and work together collaboratively in the days ahead.

Posted on: Wednesday, February 26th, 2020

Teen Corps Empowers Young People to Reach Their Potential

GET INVOLVED/VOLUNTEER
HIGH SCHOOL TEENS

2 1/2 month free leadership and job readiness program: Teen Corps

Teen Corps provides teens the chance to gain experience in a professional setting while aiming toward their growth in the area of work habits — the kind that can serve them for life.

The Teen Corps Program focuses on keeping the Y’s up-and-coming leaders connected with each other and spreading values into our communities. TCs meet weekly for one hour to be trained in areas including: best practices when you’re applying for a job (including sending professional emails and making skillful phone contacts), dressing for success, working with children, training in cpr and first aid, and more. This leadership program will offer preparatory mock interviews and other classes including: Resume Bootcamp, Customer Service 101, and Landing the Job.

Participants will be expected to attend all events (including four hours of volunteering every week at the YMCA, which is a great way to learn cross skills from the numerous departments within the Y). The 10 week TC program starts Thursday, March 12, 2020 and meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for 60 minutes (no meeting on 4/23).

TCs will earn: 40 hours of work experience and 10 hours of training. This volunteer position is ideal for teens who aspire to become YMCA staff in the near future and who are forming a resume for their post-high school plans and/or acceptance into honors societies (or other clubs). Parent meeting will be held: March 5th at the Franklin Y (45 Forge Hill Rd) from 6:30-7:00 p.m.

For more information on the program, email Ross Gemba rossg@hockymca.org or contact Member Services at 508-528-8708.

Posted on: Thursday, February 20th, 2020

Partner with us for our 6th annual Food Drive

Thank you for your support of local families in need. This year, our Healthy Food Access Initiative is excited to share a food drive that will support school-based food pantries. From March 9 through April 15, donation boxes will be available for you to bring along a healthy food item (or two!) during your next visit to the Y.

Did you know? One in nine people in eastern Massachusetts is at risk for food insecurity. Due to significant increases in food insecurity, many schools are now hosting food pantries, which greatly aids families where transportation or work schedules conflict with their accessing the town food pantry.

School-based food pantries rely heavily on community resources to provide kids the healthy food they need and deserve. Volunteers, staff, parents, teachers, clubs, churches, and other community groups are all crucial to implementing and sustaining these programs through food drives and fundraising efforts.

Please support local families by donating healthy, kid-friendly food items. Typically, children carry this food home and often prepare it themselves, so we are asking for food that is reasonably nutritious, lightweight, and easy to prepare. All food will be donated directly to the schools or the town food pantries. Suggested items include: oatmeal cups/packets, macaroni & cheese boxes/cups, granola bars (nut free whole grain preferred), applesauce or mandarin orange cups (no added sugar), whole grain crackers, tuna pouches in water (low sodium), Progresso chicken soup (low sodium), rice boxes/cups, Barilla Ready Pasta and pasta boxes. Grocery store gift card donations can also be made in person at YMCA Member Services.

Your volunteer support is also welcome in these ways: weighing and counting donations, transporting donated items, and helping spread the word about this initiative with friends and neighbors.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Shannon Nisbett at shannonn@hockymca.org.

Sponsored by: Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Food Access Initiative and Stop & Shop.

Posted on: Friday, February 14th, 2020

Part Day Preschool Programs

Our Part Day Preschool Programs in Franklin, Mansfield and North Attleboro are enrolling for the 2020-2021 Academic Year.

We offer part day preschool programs to enhance the social and academic skills of children ages 2.9 to 5 years old. The program focuses on activities that promote character development including caring, respect, honesty and responsibility. Our preschool staff strive to create a warm, structured environment in which preschool children develop a positive self-image through activities which enhance individual skills as well as positive group interaction. Unique lessons are brought to life in fun and imaginative ways.

Teachers guide students in learning new motor and academic skills through activities in reading, science and math, using a STEM curriculum and our iPad technology program. We emphasize listening and verbal skills that prepare children for school.

Our curriculum also includes physical activities such as gymnastics, swim and sports to keep kids active. We introduce our preschoolers to a range of learning opportunities in a structured environment, providing a well-rounded school readiness program.

The part day preschool takes place at the Franklin and North Attleboro YMCA branches, as well as the Mansfield Arts & Education Center, and is available in five, three, and two day sessions.

To talk to our Preschool Director and schedule a tour, please contact:

  • Bernon Family YMCA Childcare: 774-235-2745
  • North Attleboro YMCA Childcare: 508-643-5238
  • Mansfield Arts & Education Center Preschool: 508-339-3066

Posted on: Friday, January 31st, 2020

Hockomock Happenings

It’s a busy time at our Y! Check out the many fun activities we have coming up over the next several months!


✔ NINJA TURTLE PIZZA PARTY – This Event has been Canceled

North Attleboro Y: FRIDAY, MARCH 20

Franklin Y: FRIDAY, MARCH 27
5:30-6:30pm at Franklin & North Attleboro branches and 6:30-7:30 pm at Foxboro Branch.

EVENT DETAILS: Join us as the Ninja Turtles come to life. We’ll make a cool craft, enjoy pizza and an adventure with Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo and Michelangelo. Lunch includes, pizza, fruit, and milk.

Sign Up Today!


✔ CAMP BLAST FAMILY NIGHT – This Event has been Canceled

FRIDAY, MARCH 13
6:30-8:00pm at all three of our branches

EVENT DETAILS: Families are invited to enjoy a ‘summer-like’ evening filled with fun for the whole family! Experience why kids have the ‘Best Summer Ever’ when they attend our summer camps.

  • Opening & Closing Ceremonies
  • Face Painting
  • Camp Songs
  • STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math)
  • Crafts, Games, Raffles, & Prizes
  • Bouncy House and Gaga Pit
  • Open Swim at 8:00PM
  • & Much More

Children will get to participate in and experience Y Camp hands-on. Parents and prospective campers will have the chance to tour our camp facilities, meet camp directors and counselors, ask questions, and try out the many activities our summer camps offer.


✔ BABYSITTING CERTIFICATION COURSE – This Event has been Canceled

SATURDAY, MARCH 21
10:00am-1:00pm at our North Attleboro Teen Center located at 585 East Washington Street.

EVENT DETAILS: Kids ages 11 to 16 are invited to become a certified babysitter! Participants will earn a certification by the American Safety & Health Institute. Certificates will be mailed home upon successful completion of the course.

  • Learn how to become a reliable, valued employee
  • Gain tips to manage your start as a babysitter
  • Learn to stay composed and respond during unexpected emergencies
  • Learn basic first aid skills
  • Gain valuable experience including changing diapers, feeding children, and more

Private group training available for parties of 6 or more. Questions? Please contact Dawn DaCosta at dawnd@hockymca.org

Sign Up Today!

✔ LETS DANCE – This event has been canceled. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21
6:30-9:00pm at the Foxboro YMCA

EVENT DETAILS: Dance to the Beatles Cover Band, the Mercy Beats!

Individuals ages 14 and over are invited to join us for a night of food, dancing, raffles, and amazing, live music.

Cost is $15 per person, $20 per family, pay at the door. All proceeds will be donated to the YMCA’s Reach Out For Youth Scholarship Fund. Dance brought to you be the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Department.

If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Manuelpillai at barbaram@hockymca.org.

To Learn more about the Mercy Beats, follow them on Facebook at @TheMercyBeats,NatickMA.



✔ BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY – This Event has been Canceled

SATURDAY, APRIL 4
8:30am or 10:00am Breakfast Seatings at Foxboro Branch
9:00am or 10:00am Breakfast Seatings at North Attleboro and Franklin Branches

EVENT DETAILS: Families are invited to a delicious breakfast with the Bunny. Breakfast will include Pancakes, Fruit, Muffins, Coffee, and Juice. Kids will have a great time making a spring time craft and going on an egg hunt. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Sign Up Today!


✔ AMERICAN RED CROSS WILDERNESS & REMOTE FIRST AID

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 2 & 3, 2020
at our Hockomock Area YMCA North Attleboro Branch outdoor campus.

EVENT DETAILS: This program is open to participants 18 years or older. CPR Certification is required prior to the course unless taken as a part of this course package.

  • This 16-hour course will teach individuals how to respond in an emergency during a delayed-help environment and use first aid skills.
  • The American Red Cross is identified as a preferred provider by the Boy Scouts of America, and this program is based on their Wilderness First Aid Curriculum & Doctrine Guidelines and has been updated to reflect the latest emergency cardio-vascular care science.
  • The program is appropriate for individuals who participate in outdoor recreational activities or who work in the wilderness or remote settings where emergency medical services (EMS) response is more than 1 hour away.
  • Program emphasizes experiential learning with major portions of the course taught in the outdoor setting.
  • Proceeds support YMCA teen programs.

SCHEDULE:

  • SATURDAY, MAY 2nd
    8:00am-4:30pm: Wilderness First Aid (Day 1)
    5:00-6:30pm: Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED (Optional Add-On)
  • SUNDAY, MAY 3rd
    8:00am-4:30pm: Wilderness First Aid (Day 2)

FEE:

  • Wilderness First Aid (only) – $160 (lunches included)
  • Add-On Option: Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED – $30
  • Registration Deadline: Friday, April 17, 2020

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Brian Jenney has been an instructor for the American Red Cross since 1992 teaching CPR, First Aid & Lifeguarding. In addition to his work with the ARC, he is also a certified instructor through the American Safety & Health Institute and YMCA of the USA. Brian was a Master Counselor/Teacher with the Eckerd Wilderness Educational System and led extended backcountry backpack and canoe expeditions in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina & New York.

For additional questions, please contact Dawn DaCosta at dawnd@hockymca.org

Sign Up Today!

Posted on: Tuesday, January 21st, 2020

Healthy Weight & Your Child – Enrolling in North Attleboro & Bellingham

Empowering kids to reach a healthy weight and enjoy a healthier lifestyle—with the support of their families

Our upcoming session of Healthy Weight & Your Child (for ages 7-13) begins at the end of February—offered at either the North Attleboro Y or at Stall Brook Elementary School, Bellingham. Participants and their parent or guardian will meet twice weekly for the first 15 weeks and then once weekly for the final five weeks. This impactful program offers education and physical activity and is available at no cost to the first 10 families who enroll at the Bellingham site, thanks to the generous support of Stop and Shop’s Our Family Foundation. The charge in North Attleboro is $100 (member) or $150 (non-member), with financial assistance available to those who qualify.

Healthy Weight & Your Child (HWYC) emphasizes three elements: healthy eating, regular physical activity and behavior change. We will engage the whole family so that together you can learn about factors that influence choices, with the goal of achieving a healthier weight.

Made up of groups of eight to 15 children and their parents/caregivers, the program creates a safe, fun, and active environment for children and their families to explore and adopt proven methods to living a healthier lifestyle. The program is an evidence-based model, developed by leading child health and weight management specialists using the best available research, as well as clinical and government guidelines. The sessions are facilitated by trained content and activity leaders who are committed to engaging the whole family.

Interested families should contact Marykate Bergen at phl@hockymca.org or call 508-339-4053 to register to attend the sessions.

Information Sessions Will be Held as Follows:

  • February 10, 2020 at the North Attleboro Y (300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro) at 5:30 p.m. (learn more about the Monday, Thursday 5:30 pm sessions that will run Feb. 24-June 11)
  • February 11, 2020 at the Stall Brook School (342 Hartford Ave, Bellingham) at 6:00 p.m. (learn more about the Tuesday, Thursday 6pm sessions that will run Feb. 25-June 11)
  • no meetings during the week of April 19

The Hockomock Area YMCA has been involved with youth obesity prevention since 2007, which marked the start of the Healthy Futures Initiative designed to create healthier communities. Healthy Weight and Your Child is a 25-session program, which includes 20 sessions delivered two times per week, followed by five weekly sessions. Sessions are two hours in length with the first hour delivered in a classroom setting and the second hour focusing on physical activity. A family Y membership is provided for the duration of the program.

To be eligible for the program, each child must be between the ages of 7 and 13, have a body mass index greater than or equal to the 95th percentile, be cleared for physical activity by a health care provider or school nurse, and be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at every session.

Posted on: Monday, January 13th, 2020

February Vacation Programs Enrolling

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In.

WHEN: FEB. 17 – 21, 2020

Kids and young adults (ages 3+) are invited to join us during February school break for fun, social, and educational activities.


Our experienced staff in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro will ensure your child’s safety and happiness during an action-packed week!

Here’s what’s happening at The Foxboro Y:

  • WAPAWCA DAYS for ages 3-11 (choose JR WAPAWCA “JWAP” for your 3-5 year old and includes both half and full day options). Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm) includes field trips for ages 6+; details below*
  • WAPAWCA EXTENDED DAY PRE/POST CAMP CARE (option for working families) Runs 7am-9am / 4pm-6pm
  • VOYAGER TRIPS for ages 11-14. Runs Tuesday-Friday (9am-4pm) trips are listed below*
  • STAY ALL DAY for ages 5-10. Runs Tuesday-Friday (9am-4pm) including cooking, baking, swimming and STEAM activities.
  • THEATRE WORKSHOPS for ages 5-11, 7-16 and 10-16. Runs 9am-4pm. (Days vary; meets at Mansfield Arts Ctr)

* FIELD TRIPS Explore unique destinations with friends! We will group WAPAWCAs & Voyagers by age; both will visit: Monday, 2/17-Legoland; Tuesday, 2/18-BattlegroundZ; Wednesday 2/19-Snowtubing; Thursday 2/20- Children’s Museum; Friday 2/21- Xtreme Craze Inflatable Air Park.

Here’s what’s happening at The Franklin Y:

  • FEBRUARY WIGGI DAYS for ages 5-12. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm)includes field trips, listed below**
  • WIGGI EXTENDED DAY PRE/POST CAMP CARE (option for working families) Runs 7am-9am / 4pm-6pm
  • SWIM VACATION for ages 5-13. Runs Monday & Friday (9am-4pm)
  • GYMNASTICS for ages 3-5 and 6-14. Runs Tuesday-Thursday (9am-12pm–ages 3-5; 9am-4pm–ages 6-14)
  • OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRIPS for ages 10-15. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm from North Attleboro)

** FIELD TRIPS Explore unique destinations with friends! WIGGIs will have a great time visiting: Monday, 2/17 -Legoland Tuesday 2/18 – Rollerskating at Forrest’s Family Fun Center; Wednesday 2/19 – Museum of Science; Thursday 2/20 – Bowling/Entertainment Center; Friday 2/21 – Altitude Trampoline Park and Swimming at the Y

Here’s what’s happening at The North Attleboro Y:

  • ELMWOOD DAYS for ages 6-12. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm) includes field trips, listed below***
  • ELMWOOD EXTENDED DAY PRE/POST CAMP CARE (option for working families) Runs 7am-9am / 4pm-6pm
  • GYMNASTICS for ages 3-14. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm)
  • OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRIPS for ages 10-15. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm). Trips will include Monday 2/17-Snowshoe/Hike Mt. Wachusett; Tuesday 2/18-Rock Spot Climbing Gym; Wednesday 2/19-Hike the Blue Hills & Campfire Cooking; Thursday, 2/20-BattlegroundZ; Friday 2/21-Lazer Gate.
  • SPORTS for ages 6-12. Runs Tuesday-Thursday (9am-4pm)
  • SWIM VACATION for ages 5-13. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm)
  • COOKING & BAKING for ages 5-12. Runs Monday & Tuesday(9am-4pm)

*** FIELD TRIPS Explore unique destinations with friends! ELMWOODs will have a great time visiting: Monday 2/17-Lazergate; Tuesday 2/18-Snowtubing at Ski Ward Ski Area; Wednesday 2/19-Rollerskating at Forrest’s Family Fun Center; Thursday 2/20-Xtreme Craze Inflatable Air Park; Friday 2/21-Altitude Trampoline Park and Swimming

Here’s what’s happening at The Mansfield Arts & Education Ctr:

  • THEATRE WORKSHOPS for ages 5-11, 7-15 and 10-15. Runs 9am-4pm (Days for age groups vary)

REGISTER TODAY!

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

MEMBERSHIP
COMMUNITY
CAUSE
CAREERS

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HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

BERNON FAMILY BRANCH

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA 02038

 508.528.8708

INVENSYS FOXBORO BRANCH

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA 02035

 508.543.2523

HURLEY FAMILY BRANCH

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760

 508.695.7001

MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER

40 Balcom Street
Mansfield, MA 02048

 508.339.3066