the Mansfield Y

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.

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

Posted on: Saturday, April 20th, 2024

Y Rewards

We are excited to reward you for your membership with our Y Rewards program.

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We measure our success by how well we empower you to live healthier in spirit, mind and body. Now we’re making it even easier to work toward your goals with Hockomock Area YMCA Rewards.

Earn points for things like checking into the Y, doing surveys and workout challenges, and more. Then, you’ll get to redeem your points for savings on things like hotels and entertainment, your Y membership, and YMCA gear.

It’s FREE to sign up and the rewards program is our way of saying thank you. See all the latest perks here. Start earning points and join Y Rewards today!

EARN | REDEEM | REWARD

Join today and start earning points.

CREATE ACCOUNT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to Join

Visit rewards.hockymca.org and click “Join Program”.
Enter your email address and click “Sign Up”. (You must use the same email address that’s tied to your YMCA membership in order to earn points!)
Check your email for a confirmation message and click “Complete Registration”.
Once you’re redirected to the rewards site, enter your first and last name, create your password, and click “Sign Up”.

How to Earn Points

We are so glad that you are a Y member, and we want to reward you for using your membership and being a part of our cause. You can earn reward points on almost everything you do at the Y, and it’s so easy to do!

Earning Activity	Points
Join or upgrade to YMCA Family Membership	+250
Refer a Friend who joins the Hockomock Y	+500
Each Friend That You Refer	+10
Join Rewards Program	+50
Member Anniversary	+50
YMCA Check-in	+3
YMCA Check-in BONUS: 8x/month	+50
Birthday	+50
Follow us on Twitter (Connect to Twitter)	+25
Tweet	+5

WHAT ARE THE REWARDS EXACTLY?

There are scores of savings and free products you can easily earn! We offer “in-club rewards” – for things like a free YMCA workout for a friend, membership upgrades, free youth classes, personal training and more! Check it out to see additional vacations, shopping discounts, coupons, and Y Swag available to you when you join Y Rewards.

View Rewards

How to Redeem Points

Ready to redeem your points? Reward points can be redeemed for awesome Y apparel, local store rewards, and more.

After you have set up an account at the above link, using the same email address that’s tied to your YMCA membership, you can shop so many great items! Visit and be sure to bookmark: myrewardstore.com/hockymca.

For questions about setting up your account, please contact us at your local Y: foxboro@hockymca.org, franklin@hockymca.org, northattleboro@hockymca.org.

Please contact our vendor for any questions related to the online shopping experience including order fulfillment and shipping. All questions related to myrewardsstore.com/hockymca can be handled if you call 877-210-3221 or email customersupport@myrewardsstore.com.

Visit hockymca.perkville.com/details/ for the fine print.

Posted on: Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Calling Camp Counselors

We’re Recruiting!

Spring is here, and that means Summer Camp is up next. We’re now in the process of hiring amazing Summer staff.

If you know a responsible teen or young adult who would enjoy providing leadership and a little structure for younger kids (out in the sunshine), please give a shout. A camp counselor job can be an enriching and rewarding experience (and it pays!).

Our YMCA has so much going on this summer, and we need you!

Our Jobs Portal

Posted on: Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Learn how to protect children from sexual abuse

Join us for “Five Days of Action” – April 15-19, 2024, a national YMCA campaign designed to raise awareness, inspire and educate adults on how to take action and protect children from sexual abuse.

This week and throughout the year, we encourage all individuals and organizations to play an active role in making 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.

Statistics from Praesidium and the CDC indicate that 1 in 20 boys and 1 in 4 girls in the United States are sexually abused, typically by someone they know and trust. Child sexual abuse is happening regardless of age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic class.

But these are not just numbers. Behind every number is a child, a child who has been robbed of their innocence. A child whose life will forever have been changed by the heinous act of an adult. We owe it to our children, and we owe it to their future, to do better.

While child protection is our Y’s number one priority every day, we will shine a collective spotlight during 5 Days of Action on how everyone can do something to prevent child sexual abuse.

We will feature messaging and resources on Know. See. Respond., an initiative asking all adults to Know more, See better and Respond appropriately to protect kids from sexual abuse.

When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations on how we can all work together to prevent it from happening. Please join our YMCA to spread important awareness and resources with your social networks and family and friends around this devastating epidemic.

We are proud to offer our resources free of charge to any community partners or organizations that would like to take advantage of them. That can be in the form of trainings for staff and individuals, facility audits, and/or policy review. For more information on our comprehensive trainings, please email Patrick Murphy at patrickm@hockymca.org. Thank you for your help in keeping children safe in our community.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?:

Pledge to protect children every day. Come to our Y and pledge to take action to protect kids during 5 Days of Action.

Know the facts. See the warning signs. Respond quickly to prevent child sexual abuse.

FOCUS: Make a commitment this week to follow along with our 5 Days of Action Campaign on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

We will be offering tips, tools, activities, and resources that are relevant to the current environment throughout the next five days and beyond.

Letter from Jim Downs, CEO

Learn the Facts

The MBF 5 Safety Rules

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: What Parents Need to Know.

FOCUS: Keeping Kids Safe Online

We know Cellphones, laptops and other devices have changed the way we communicate. Most kids spend a lot of time online or in front of a screen. Here are some helpful resources to keep all kids safe:

Keeping Your Kids Safe on the Internet Worksheet
English version
Spanish version
Arabic version
Portuguese version
Vietnamese version

Social Media Safety for Teens

Gaming Safely

Sextortion: What Parents Should Know (English)

Sextortion: What Parents Should Know (Spanish)

Think Before You Send

FOCUS: What is your family code of conduct? How do I recognize safe adults?

What do you see that looks different in your organization or community when it comes to protecting kids? It’s important to have open communication about the different stressors, especially with kids. Having honest, on-going conversations is a great protection from child sexual abuse. Check in daily with your kids to see how they are feeling and pay attention to what they say. But remember, silence is okay too. Allow them to have the space they need to open up. Here are some helpful resources:

Who is a Trusted Adult Worksheet

Being a Trusted Adult Worksheet

Here is a fun video for young children to teach them about boundaries for their bodies. The video is called Talk PANTS with Pantosaurus and his PANTS song

Creating a Family Code of Conduct Worksheet
English version

Spanish version

Checklist for Safer Sleepovers

Tips for Hiring Caregivers

Checklist for Safer Camp Experiences

Checklist for Safer Camp Experiences (Spanish)

FOCUS: Organizational Resources

It’s important to know how to respond if someone needs help or support. Please remember you’re not alone. Below are a list of resources to help answer your questions.

What can you do as an individual or as an organization to help protect children from sexual abuse?

Hockomock Area YMCA Child Protection Trifold

Darkness to Light Organization

Step-Up & Speak Out: A Parent’s Guide to Selecting Youth Serving Organizations

How to Respond to a Survivor

Local Resources
English version
Spanish version
Arabic version
Portuguese version
Vietnamese version

FOCUS: Child Protection Trainings

Have your place of business implement child protection trainings and policies.

5% of a community trained in Child Protection to be aware and responsive is the tipping point to make a positive change*. (Statistic from Darkness to Light)

If you are a member of an organization or community group that would like to learn more about our comprehensive trainings on Child Abuse Prevention, please email Patrick Murphy at patrickm@hockymca.org.

Thank you for participating in Five Days of Action to help give children the childhood they deserve.

#BeCauseY

Posted on: Monday, April 1st, 2024

Annual Meeting

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

5:00 p.m.

Lake Pearl

299 Creek Street
Wrentham, MA
Reception with hor d’oeuvres immediately following

RSVP by May 8th to realimpact@hockymca.org or 508-643-5220.

Congratulations to this year’s Award Recipients!

Chair’s Award
The Late Joe Halus

Don Rodman Character Counts Award
Special Olympics Massachusetts

Red Triangle Awards
F. Jay Barrows
Meg Lush Camire
Denis Fraine

Youth of the Year Awards
Molly Kruse
Camilla Royal
Marissa Sabella
Nathan Urman

Dean College/YMCA Scholarship Recipient
Molly Devine

Our Annual Report gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of inspirational organizations, individuals, families and young people for impacting lives and strengthening communities. This work – focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility – is the heart of our mission and vision, moving our communities forward. Read the annual report, click here

To connect with a staff member about this event, please contact us at realimpact@hockymca.org or 508-643-5220.

Posted on: Friday, February 2nd, 2024

Great Options for Your April Vacation

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In!

When school is not in session due to the April break, your kids are invited to join us at the Y for fun and social happenings.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve! That’s why, at the Y we offer flexible schedules and promote the opportunity for kids to gain values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement.

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your camper’s safety and happiness during an action-packed day!

School Break: April 15 – 26, 2024:

Pre Care is available from 7:00-9:00am if needed for a nominal cost.
Break Program (typical) 9:00 am—4:00pm
Post Care is available if needed as well from 4:00—6:00pm for a nominal cost.
Note: Please bring a lunch, snack and water. Some programs will include swimming so please bring bathingsuit and towel.

The Foxboro Y Vacation Programs:

We are offering a variety of vacation programs for youth ages 3-12 including April Camp Wapawca with field trips; Preschool and Youth Gymnastics, Cooking, Dance and Swim Camp.Click on the link above to get all the details.

We are also offering SPLASH during April Vacation Week – an initiative that strives to improve water safety skills and gives more kids the opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of recreational swimming. This is a free program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 in the Foxborough Public Schools. It will run Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 at the Foxboro Y. Times will be 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm and 5:00pm. Limited spots. To enroll call 508-543-2523. Y members and non-members are welcome to participate.

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course during April Vacation Week. Join us for this three day course – happening Friday, April 19 (5pm-9pm) and Saturday, April 20 & Sunday, April 21 (9am-5pm). The course includes CPR-Pro/AED, Oxygen Admin and First Aid certifications. A swim test will be conducted on day 1 of the course. Learn more and Register

The Franklin Y Vacation Programs:

At our Franklin Branch we are offering a variety of vacation programs for youth ages 3-14 including April Camp Wiggi with field trips; Preschool and Youth Gymnastics, and Swim Camp. Click on the link above to get all the details!

North Attleboro Y Vacation Programs:

At the North Attleboro Branch we are offering a variety of vacation programs for youth ages 3-14 including April Camp Elmwood with field trips; Preschool and Youth Gymnastics, Sports and Cooking Camp. Click on the link above to get all the details.

Mansfield Arts & Theatre Vacation Programs:

At our Mansfield Arts & Education Center, we will offer musical theatre dance as as Tap (basic and intermediate) programs.

Association-wide Pre-Teen/Teen Vacation Trips:

We are offering some cool trips for Pre-Teens & Teens, ages 11-14. All trips will leave from our North Attleboro Branch. Field trips include Hiking at Mt. Watatic, Fishing & Canoeing, Whiterwater Rafting, Go Karting and a Red Sox game. Click on the link above to get all the details.

Posted on: Thursday, January 11th, 2024

Join our Leaders Club today (Grades 6-12)!

All are Welcome!

Join us as we kick off the spring session! Free for Hockomock Area YMCA members and only $5 for the entire session for anyone in the community who wants to get involved. Please register so we know to expect you!

LAUNCH INTO LEADERSHIP

Leaders Club is a year-long leadership development program for middle and high school teens. This program provides teens extensive leadership training and volunteer opportunities supporting YMCA programs and community services. In addition to teaching teens leadership through service, Leaders Clubs advisors introduce teens to all the work the Y does to strengthen the community, and inspire and prepare teens to become future Y leaders. Our goal is to challenge teens to serve the community, and to help them grow in who they are and lead those around them.

Leaders are known for making ordinary days extraordinarily fun. We enjoy field trips, parties, visiting neighbor Ys, guest speakers, and lots more.

Session dues: $0 for Hockomock Area YMCA members / $5 non-members; our two sessions run: September through December and January through the start of June

CLICK TO RSVP AND JOIN US

@ YMCA Zone Teen Center in downtown North Attleboro (585 East Washington St.). Meetings are held weekly through June 3.

@ THE FOXBORO Y Meet us in the Marilyn Rodman Teen Center on the first floor. Meetings are held every other week through June 5.

Please sign up at this link or contact us today!

CONTACTS: Ashley Dumas (Franklin) ashleyd@hockymca.org | Dawn Dacosta (North Attleboro) dawnd@hockymca.org phone: 508-643-5270 | Ross Gemba (Foxboro) rossg@hockymca.org

Posted on: Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Pedaling for Parkinson’s Program

Research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic has demonstrated that riding an indoor, stationary bicycle at a rapid pace can reduce Parkinson’s Disease (PD) motor symptoms by as much as 35%. Fast pedaling is not a cure for Parkinson’s, but it can change the life of someone living with the condition. Our YMCA is excited to be a provider of Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) Program and support those living with PD in our communities and beyond.

The goal of Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) is to reduce PD symptoms and improve quality of life in those diagnosed by following a cycling protocol.

The PFP Program:

Participants ride a stationary/indoor cycle bike for 1 hour each class. This includes a 10 minute warm up at 60 RPM, followed by 40 minutes at 80 to 90 RPM, and a 10 minute cool down, with resistance. Class session will also include tracking heart rate, exercise frequency and cadence/intensity. The program is held 5 times a week for 60 minutes and is taught by certified Indoor Cycle Instructors. (We encourage participants to attend 3 times a week for maximum program benefit but not required.) Instructors have also completed the Pedaling for Parkinson’s training and Parkinson’s Disease Training for Fitness Professionals through the American Parkinson Disease Association.

New Program! Move Forward is a 30-minute class for individuals with Parkinson’s combining strength training, balance and stretching for. Each weekly class will include various exercises to help improve balance, mobility, strength, endurance, cognition, and flexibility.

All exercises are modified to accommodate all needs and abilities. This program is an add-on to our already successful “Pedaling for Parkinson’s” (PFP) program. PFP is an evidenced informed program to help PD patients achieve an improved sense of well-being and is offered at all Hockomock Area YMCA branches.

Our next session begins soon- Enrolling now

Move Forward* offerings denoted.

Here are our offering days, times and locations to fit your schedule:

Mondays at 10:30am* at our Foxboro Y

Mondays at 11:00am at our Foxboro Y

Tuesdays at 5:30pm* at our North Attleboro Y

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00pm at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 10:30am* at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 11:00am at our North Attleboro Y

Thursdays at 11:00am at our Franklin Y

Thursdays at 6:00pm* at our North Attleboro Y

Through support of the Parkinson’s Foundation and the APDA MA Chapter, enrollment is at no cost to participants. We encourage you to try all 3 class times to meet and learn from our entire team of instructors.

Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program:

30-75 years old
Have a clinical diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease
Complete and submit a signed consent
Obtain clearance from a medical provider
Be willing to take part in monitoring and data collection
Wear wrist heart rate monitor (Provided by YMCA) to every class

Other recommendations:

While not required, padded cycle shorts and comfortable shirts are recommended
Please bring a water bottle
Clip in shoes are not required but may be helpful

To enroll or for more information, please contact Donna Higgins at donnah@hockymca.org or 508-643-5271.

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