HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

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, and the SAFE Coalition 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.

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.

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: Thursday, April 18th, 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: 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: Friday, April 5th, 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 of 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

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

Posted on: Friday, March 22nd, 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: Friday, March 1st, 2024

Before & After School Care Programs Registration

LEARN AND THRIVE WITH US IN OUR BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS

Our YMCA partners with local school districts to provide affordable before and after school programs for families in our communities.

Our Y provides quality before & after school programs through our School’s Out Program for children starting in kindergarten. We are an EEC licensed program. We offer 2, 3, 4 & 5 day options. Our before school program begins at 7:00am and our after school program ends at 6:00pm each week day.

Our On-Site School Programs include:

Bellingham: Bellingham Middle School; Stall Brook and DiPietro Elementary Schools
Foxborough: Foxborough Regional Charter School– after school care only
North Attleborough: Amvet, Falls, Martin, Community and Roosevelt Elementary Schools
Wrentham: Delaney Elementary School. Children at Roderick Elementary School can attend our program at Delaney Elementary School.

Our On-Site Hockomock Area Branch Programs include:

Franklin Y: for Franklin Public Schools
Foxboro Y: for Foxborough Public Schools
Mansfield Y: for Jordan/Jackson and Robinson Elementary Schools

If you are enrolled in our School’s Out program, we offer care on school vacation days, professional development days, half days and snow days. We close for major holidays including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Columbus Day. We provide full day programming with fun field trips and activities.

TO REGISTER WITH US: CLICK HERE.

Registration for the 2024/2025 school year begins March 1, 2024. (Current program families begin registration on February 15, 2024.)

To learn more about the program or if you have questions, please contact: Erin Brennock at erinb@hockymca.org.

For questions regarding registration or billing, please contact: Monica Schmidt at monicas@hockymca.org or 508-643-5255.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of our members and our community, offering programs and services to all regardless of ability to pay. A financial assistance program is available for those that qualify. Please visit our website for more information. State vouchers are accepted.

Posted on: Tuesday, February 27th, 2024

Food Access – Feeding & Caring For All

Our Hockomock Area YMCA and our partners have served more than 420,000 grab and go meals to children and adults and 58,000 bags of groceries to people in need in our communities.

We are a proud partner of the Greater Boston Food Bank, dedicated to ensuring that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. To learn more, please contact foodaccess@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5277.

IF YOU ARE FACING FOOD INSECURITY, THE Y IS HERE TO HELP

Below is information on how the YMCA acts as an extension of the food pantry. Further down the page, you will also find details on how to volunteer and what pressing items we’re in need of from anyone who can donate. Food distribution is provided to all with no financial statements required.

** COMPLETE THIS INTAKE FORM FOR GROCERY BAGS **

FOOD DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

Food insecurity has grown in our communities and to address that, the Y is distributing food to people in need. All that is required is the completion of this intake form.

DRIVE UP GROCERIES ARE PROVIDED EVERY WEDNESDAY AT THESE BRANCHES FROM 12:30pm – 2:00pm:

at the Foxboro Y (67 Mechanic Street)
at the Franklin Y (45 Forge Hill Road)
at the North Attleboro Y (300 Elmwood Street)

Pop your trunk and we will place food in your car at the above times.

FUEL FOR THE WEEKEND PROGRAM

Our North Attleboro Y offers a Fuel for the Weekend program which provides weekend food bags for students (or children ages 3-18) to help fill the gap between school lunches on Fridays and school breakfast on Mondays. For more information, please email fuelfortheweekend@hockymca.org.

DONATE TO HELP US

We welcome donations including the following: 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.

Needed baby products include: size 4, 5 and 6 diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, and toddler puffs/snacks. All items can be dropped off in bins located inside the YMCA or for large donations please contact us if arranging a pickup is preferred. Click to see our food drive flyer

DONATE NOW

Other ways to help…

Donate the amount needed to fill a family-sized bag of groceries. Each bag given to prevent hunger is valued at $50. Visit hockymca.org/give or text HOCKYMCA to 56651.
Become a Volunteer – click to enroll.
Run a food drive in your neighborhood. Take on the role of a “neighborhood captain” by adopting a street or neighborhood to mobilize a food collective drive. Select a pickup time a week or so in advance and ask neighbors to leave a bag or two of nonperishable food items outside their home or drop them at your residence — which you can bring to the Y.
Donate by shopping online from our Amazon wish list, click here.
Inquire about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org.

WE OFFER FREE SUMMER LUNCHES

Along with our many partners in our local communities, we offer free meals to kids ages 18 and under during the summer months at the following locations. This program is designed to help close the hunger gap children face during the summer and also includes activities, arts and crafts and special visitors throughout the summer. There is no sign up or registration required and the program is open to children in any community.

MILFORD’S MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Monday through Friday from 11:00am-12:30pm. (12 Walnut Street in Milford, MA)
THE FOXBORO Y: Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am-12:30pm. (67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro, MA)
NORTH ATTLEBORO’S TOWN POOL: Wednesday from 5:00pm-6:00pm. (43 S. Washington Street in North Attleboro, MA)

Includes an adult meal per family to enjoy while children enjoy their meals, too.

Posted on: Tuesday, February 13th, 2024

Spring Sparkle

The Hockomock Area YMCA is hosting a night of bling, bubbles and Bingo!

All proceeds will benefit
our Y’s Mental Health Initiative.

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street Wrentham, Mass.
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Bingo will begin at 7:00 pm

TICKETS WILL BE SOLD STARTING MARCH 1 and include 4 Bingo sheets/game, a complimentary glass of champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
Additional Bingo cards & Raffles will be sold.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Must be age 21+ for admission.

For information about sponsorships or any questions, contact Amy Doyon at amyd@hockymca.org or 508-643-5232.

Spring Sparkle Sponsorship Opportunities:

Diamond Sponsor: $1,500

Tabletop signage
Your logo or name on the program cover
Reserved table with 10 tickets

Bingo Game Sponsor: $1,000

Recognition during the game
Tabletop signage
Your logo or name on the program cover
4 tickets

Ruby Sponsor: $500

Tabletop signage
Your logo or name on the program cover
2 tickets

We look forward to welcoming you and your friends and neighbors to this fun event!

Posted on: Monday, February 12th, 2024

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Classes

Our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes will begin soon.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a no-cost, 12-week program designed for cancer survivors and their families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors. Participants work with staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve goals such as building muscle mass & strength, increasing flexibility & endurance, and improving confidence & self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help participants improve confidence and self-esteem.

A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with a form of cancer in their lifetime.

Check out the locations, dates, and times of the upcoming LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes beginning the week of April 1st.

Bernon Family Branch, Franklin

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA
Day & Time: Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Day & Time: Wednesdays and Fridays: 10:30am-12:00pm

Invensys Foxboro Branch

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA
Day & Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:30am-12:00pm
Day & Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Hurley Family Branch, North Attleboro

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA
Day & Time: Mondays & Wednesdays: 10:30am-12:00pm

Participants receive a free family membership to the Hockomock Area YMCA during the program.

Cancer survivors are encouraged to contact Jackie Robison, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Director, at 508-772-1310 or jackier@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll. For additional information, click here.

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