NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Free Summer Lunches Are Back—Come Join Us!

Summer is a time for sunshine, play, and making memories—and thanks to the Hockomock Area YMCA, it’s also a time to make sure every young person stays nourished, energized, and cared for.

We’re excited to once again offer FREE summer lunches for youth ages 1–18 across our community. No registration, no hassle—just a welcoming place where kids and teens can grab a healthy meal and feel part of something good.

❤ Why It Matters

When school’s out, consistent meals can be harder to access. This program helps fill the gap—offering not just lunch, but connection, care, and support for every child.

 📍 Where to Find Us

We’re serving up smiles (and lunch!) at multiple convenient locations:

 📚  Bellingham Public Library
  • Mondays & Wednesdays | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • June 29 – August 12
  • 100 Blackstone St., Bellingham, MA
  🏫  Memorial School – Milford
  • Monday through Friday | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • June 29 – August 14
  • 12 Walnut St., Milford, MA
  🍽  Jackson Elementary – Plainville
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays | 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
  • June 23 – August 13
  • 68 Messenger St., Plainville, MA

 🥪 Come As You Are

There’s no cost, no sign-up, and no barriers—just a simple invitation: come eat with us. Whether you stay to connect with friends or grab your lunch to go, you’re always welcome here.

 ☀️ Let’s Feed Our Community—Together

Programs like this are powered by a shared belief: that when we take care of our kids, we strengthen our entire community. So spread the word, invite a neighbor, and help us make this a summer full of nourishment, connection, and joy.

 🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

Want to get involved? Join the YMCA and our partners in Bellingham, Milford, and Plainville as we provide meals to local youth and families all summer long. Volunteers are needed for weekday, two-hour shifts, and all ages are welcome (ages 15 and under with an adult).

It’s a hands-on, meaningful way to connect with families, support fun activities, and make a real difference. Training is required—contact Alyson at alysond@hockymca.org to learn more.


Click here to view our USDA non-discrimination statement

Posted on: Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

Join Us for the 2026 Hockomock Area YMCA Golf Classic

A Day on the Green, A Gift to Our Community

There’s something special about a September morning on the course—the quiet anticipation at check-in, the first swings of the day, and the shared laughter that carries across the fairways. At the Hockomock Area YMCA Golf Classic, that sense of connection is matched by something even more powerful: a shared commitment to caring for our neighbors.

On Monday, September 14, 2026, we invite you to join us at the beautiful Wentworth Hills Country Club in Plainville, MA, for a day that blends camaraderie, competition, and community impact. Whether you’re a returning golfer or joining us for the first time, this is a day designed to be both memorable and meaningful.

REGISTER TO GOLF

More Than a Round of Golf

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with a continental breakfast, setting the tone for a relaxed and engaging day. Golfers will take to the course with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start, enjoying a thoughtfully curated experience that includes themed holes, complimentary food, and refreshing beverages along the way.

As the round concludes, we’ll gather together for a buffet lunch and awards celebration, sharing stories from the day and applauding the spirit of friendly competition.

Fueling More Than the Game

At the heart of the Golf Classic is a mission that extends far beyond the course. Every swing and every sponsorship supports the YMCA’s Food Access Programs, which help ensure that individuals and families across our community have reliable access to healthy, nourishing meals.

It’s a powerful reminder that when we come together—even for something as simple as a day of golf—we can help create lasting change.

Event Schedule

  • 8:00 a.m. – Check-in, registration, and breakfast
  • 9:00 a.m. – Shotgun start
  • 2:30 p.m. – Lunch and awards

Get Involved

There are many ways to be part of this special day:

  • Register to golf and enjoy a memorable experience on the course
  • Become a sponsor and align your name with meaningful community impact
  • Invite colleagues, clients, or friends to join you for a day of connection and purpose

Register to play or become a sponsor today: givebutter.com/2026golfclassic

Questions? Please contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or email patrickm@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA event

Our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Celebration event will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Please join us to celebrate impact and raise funding for our YMCA’s cancer survivorship program.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA empowers adult cancer survivors throughout our community to improve functional capacity and to enhance their quality of life through an innovative, research-based program of fitness, strength and support, provided by trained staff.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10th EVENT DETAILS

Lake Pearl

299 Creek Street in Wrentham, MA

5:30pm Cocktail Reception

6:30pm Program

Reception with hors d’oeuvres immediately following

RSVP for this event, email realimpact@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5220.

TO MAKE A GIFT

Our YMCA is creating communities among cancer survivors by guiding participants through safe physical activity, helping build supportive relationships and stress reduction. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants and their families a supportive environment and a feeling of community with other survivors, YMCA staff and members. Additionally, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is assisting participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Posted on: Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

Golf with Legends

Our Legends Golf Classic

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

We are happy to host this annual event and raise critical funds that support our YMCA’s Integration Initiative providing programs and services for children and adults with special needs and their families.

Our YMCA is partnering with TPC Boston for our 17th 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.

Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to hear from family members describing the impact you are making by partnering with the Hockomock Area YMCA and supporting our innovative Integration Initiative.

SPONSOR NOW

EVENT DETAILS

11:30am Registration & Driving Range Open
12:45pm Putting Contest & Remarks
1:00pm Shotgun Start (Lunch on the Course)
 TPC BOSTON, 400 Arnold Palmer Blvd, Norton, MA

For sponsorship or event inquiries, please contact Jim Downs at jim@hockymca.org.

AN AMAZING DAY

Here’s a look back at our 2024 Legends Golf Classic! 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.

Posted on: Thursday, April 30th, 2026

Build Confidence & Play This Summer

Summer Registration Is Open!
Classes run June 22 – August 23

REGISTER TODAY

.

At the Y, summer is more than fun—it’s a season for growth, confidence, and lifelong skills. From the pool to the gym and everywhere in between, our summer classes help kids try new things, stay active, and feel strong doing it.

Whether your child is splashing in the water for the first time or discovering a new favorite sport, we’re here to help them thrive—all summer long.

Our summer classes are designed to keep kids moving, learning, and smiling:

  • Swim Lessons & Swim Intramurals – Build confidence, strength, and essential water safety skills
  • Gymnastics – Balance, coordination, and confidence in every flip and climb
  • Sports Programs – Skill-building, teamwork, and positive competition
  • Dance & Fitness – Energy, expression, and movement that feels like fun

Programs are led by supportive YMCA staff who focus on encouragement, safety, and helping every child feel successful. Our summer session lasts 9 weeks, but we know many families travel during the summer. To keep things flexible, we charge summer program rates for just 7 weeks instead of the full 9.

National Water Safety Month | May
Phones down. Eyes up.™

Checking your phone can turn into a dangerous distraction—especially around water. We encourage families to always assign a Water Watcher: an adult whose only job is keeping eyes on children near the pool or waterfront.

Strong swimmers are safer swimmers—and learning starts here.

Make this the summer they grow.

Explore our full schedule of summer classes and find the right fit for your child. Spots fill quickly—jump in today.

Posted on: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026

Grant from Sturdy Health to launch Pathways Forward Initiative at our YMCA

We’re honored to receive a two-year grant from Sturdy Health to create a new YMCA program, the Pathways Forward initiative, strengthening access to vital resources and supporting individual and family stability in our communities.

This investment will strengthen the infrastructure and capacity of our YMCA’s Social Action Services initative, allowing us to reach more individuals and families with the support they need to move forward. Building on our traditional programs like our A Place for All financial assistance, food access, and chronic disease as well as mental health resources, we’re expanding into educational workshops and classes that will provide people with the tools they need for long-term success. Through structured programs, ongoing check-ins, and measurable progress, we’re helping build stronger, more resilient communities.

“This grant from Sturdy Health to create Pathways Forward at our YMCA is transformational,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “It allows us to build on a strong foundation and evolve our work into a more coordinated, responsive system of care, one that not only meets immediate needs, but also creates pathways that ensure individuals and families can access the resources, tools and support they need—when they need them, to move forward with confidence.”

The Pathways Forward initiative will be implemented through our YMCA’s new Social Action Services Center at our Hurley Family Branch in North Attleboro, funded by the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, currently under development and expected to open in late 2026. The Center will serve as a centralized access point where community members can receive support, be connected to resources, and navigate services more readily.

The Initiative is designed to respond to the growing and increasingly complex needs of the community. In recent years, our YMCA has seen a 120% increase in financial assistance applications and now supports more than 10,000 individuals annually through scholarship, food access programming, mental health support and case management. Many families are navigating multiple challenges at once and our YMCA recognizes the need to approach supports for the whole family and whole household to help achieve stability.

Posted on: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026

Six Essential Water Safety Tips for National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month, and as families get ready for fun in the sun, the Hockomock Area YMCA is reminding parents and caregivers that water safety should be at the top of their summer checklist.

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1–14, but it’s also preventable. As one of the nation’s largest community-based providers of swim lessons and water safety programs, the Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to helping families keep kids safe in and around the water.

Swimming and playing in the water are wonderful ways for kids to stay active and create lasting summer memories, but safety always comes first. A few simple precautions can help prevent tragedies and ensure everyone has fun safely.

Water Safety Challenge: May 11–17

During this special week, gifts of $40 or more are matched dollar for dollar—up to $10,000 through the Moore Family Matching Challenge, helping provide swim lessons and water safety outreach for families who need it most. Give a skill for life.

GIVE TODAY

Water Smart Rule #1: Ask First, Splash Later

Always ask permission before getting in the water. Whether it’s a pool, lake, or even the bathtub – make sure you don’t splash without a grown-up’s go-ahead.

Why? Because while water is fun, it’s also very powerful.

Water Smart Rule #2: Find Your Water Watcher.

Every swim session needs a designated Water Watcher.
That means: no phones, no books, no distractions – just eyes on the water. Kids? Teens? Adults? Everyone needs supervision!

Water Smart Rule #3: Buddy Up or Dry Out.

The Buddy System isn’t just for field trips; it’s for every swimming session. No one swims alone. So be sure to:

  • Pick your buddy.
  • Stick together.
  • Stay safe.

Water Smart Rule #4: Suit Up Like a Pro.

  • Sunscreen?
  • Swimsuit?
  • Coast Guard-approved life jacket?

Fashion tip: Safety never goes out of style.

Water Smart Rule # 5: Don’t Hold Your Breath (literally).

Breath-holding contests? Yeah, let’s not.

They might seem like harmless fun, but breath-holding games in the water can be seriously dangerous, even for strong swimmers.

Holding your breath too long can lead to shallow water blackout, a silent and sudden emergency that can happen without warning.

At the Y, we teach that water safety isn’t just about swimming, it’s about smart choices. So, skip the contests, and keep the fun safe for everyone.

Water Smart Rule #6: Know What to Do (Before You Need To).

Emergencies don’t wait. Learn how to recognize signs of distress, call for help, and respond calmly. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling – use a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety.

Bonus: Take a CPR or water safety class at your local Y, because heroes aren’t born, they’re trained.

🏊‍♀️

The Hockomock Area YMCA offers swim lessons and water safety programs year-round to help children and families gain the skills and confidence they need to stay safe. To learn more, contact your local YMCA’s director of aquatics (see below), or to enroll your child, click below.

ENROLL TODAY

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: Kaylea Sherman kayleas@hockymca.org

Posted on: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026

Lenore’s Pantry & Market in North Attleboro

What a meaningful day for our community!

We were honored to celebrate the ribbon cutting of North Attleborough’s new Health & Human Services Complex at 451 Elm Street on Friday, April 17—a space built to support our neighbors.

The site will also be home to Lenore’s Pantry & Market, a welcoming, community-based food pantry & market focused on improving food security and access for our community. It will be proudly operated by our YMCA in collaboration with the town and in honor of Lenore Paquin. Her legacy lives on through service rooted in dignity, hope, and compassion.

The Pantry is open for patrons beginning May 5. We look forward to welcoming you!

VISIT THE WEBPAGE

Posted on: Wednesday, April 8th, 2026

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

  1. Visit rewards.hockymca.org and click “Join Program”.
  2. 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!)
  3. Check your email for a confirmation message and click “Complete Registration”.
  4. 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

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: Tuesday, April 7th, 2026

Parkinson’s Programs at the Y

Parkinson’s Disease Programs at the Hockomock Area YMCA are evidenced informed program to help PD patients achieve an improved sense of well-being alongside others experiencing similar challenges, in an supportive atmosphere that meets the emotional, physical and socialization needs of its participants.

Our programs:

Pedaling for Parkinson’s is designed to help improve overall endurance, gait and balance. The program is held 5 times a week for 60 minutes and is taught by certified Indoor Cycle Instructors. 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.(Participants are encouraged to attend 3 times a week for maximum program benefit but not required.)

Offered the following days/times:

Mondays at 11:00am at our Foxboro Y

Tuesdays at 6:00pm at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 11:00am at our North Attleboro Y

Thursdays at 6:00pm at our North Attleboro Y

The Move Forward program 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.

Offered the following days/times:

Tuesdays at 5:30pm at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 10:30am at our North Attleboro Y

Thursdays at 10:30am at our Franklin Y

The Yoga for Parkinson’s program improves balance, reduces anxiety and depression, builds strength and stability, strengthens the mind-body relationship, loosens tight muscles, and creates fluidity of movement.

Offered the following day/time:

Mondays at 12:00pm at our Foxboro Y

Wednesdays at 10:30am at our North Attleboro Y

Fridays at 10:15am at our Franklin Y

The Aquatics for Parkinson’s Program focuses on improving balance, gait and flexibility while increasing muscular strength and endurance as well as cardio-respiratory strength and endurance.

Offered the following day/time:

Tuesdays at 11:30am at our North Attleboro Y

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

Programs supported by the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association.

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

  • 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

When there’s the Y, there’s a way to learn about healthier living.


Inspiring Stories from participants and staff

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

MEMBERSHIP
COMMUNITY
CAUSE
CAREERS

MY ACCOUNT

Privacy Policy

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

 508.408.7970