INTEGRATION INITIATIVE
Community Initiatives reflect our commitment to social responsibility. They represent sustained effort by our Y to raise funds and awareness to deal with important community concerns.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
IMPACT:
ABOUT OUR INTEGRATION INITIATIVE
Our Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative provides unique, innovative and impactful opportunities for children, teens and young adults with special needs and their families. Through this unique and comprehensive program, we encourage an environment of mutual respect for children with and without disabilities.
SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM
Our Integration Initiative is made possible by community support, especially donations to the Reach Out Campaign – the primary vehicle in subsidizing the cost of YMCA programming for families who need us most.
A BIT MORE DETAIL ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Integration Initiative was created to meet an emerging need in the communities we serve, recognizing the importance of supporting children with special needs and their families, nurturing a community of inclusion at our YMCA and the community at large. Since 2004, more than 1,600 children and families have participated in our Initiative.The following programs are our latest Initiative examples of providing environments for social growth, relationship building and the comfort in knowing the Y is here for families.
Unified Sports Teams
Unified Sports teams through Special Olympics continue to grow in popularity, and our YMCA proudly continues to field teams annually in flag football, basketball, and soccer. Our program has evolved to include cheerleading, bocce, and cornhole. Over the years, our teams have garnered many gold and silver medals, bringing pride and joy to the athletes, their families, and our YMCA.
The VIP Club
(Volunteering Through Inclusive Partnerships)
The VIP Club provides opportunities for young adults with and without disabilities to participate in social and volunteer opportunities, as well as healthy living activities. As a result, these young women and men volunteer at numerous Hockomock Area YMCA events such as our 5K road race and Food Access events and more, proudly representing our Integration Initiative year round.
Summer Camps
We offer a variety of summer camp options to promote successful inclusion and participation by individuals with diverse abilities, including our inclusive day camp, Teen Village for13-17 year olds, Camp RISE, and Camp Calcia for 18-50 year olds. These programs deliver an integrated camp experience, providing a supported environment for campers with developmental and behavioral needs.
HAY Harmony
HAY (Hockomock Area YMCA) Harmony is a monthly gathering of youth with and without disabilities. In partnership with the HAY Lightning competitive swim team, this group participates in games and social time, as well as activities in the pool, enjoying great social interaction in a fun and stimulating environment.
Integrated Golf Team
The HAY Integrated Golf Team provides opportunities for individuals with special needs from age13 through adulthood to learn and enjoy the game of golf, a lifetime activity. Through our Y’s partnership with The Links at Mass Golf in Norton, our golfers receive professional instruction on the basic skills of golf, learn the essentials of golf etiquette, and are able to test their developing skills on the course.
