NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

Rediscover Summer

OUR OUTDOOR POOLS & SPLASH PARKS ARE OPEN

Splash into Summer with your Hockomock Area YMCA!

You and your loved ones can enjoy the perks of a Y membership. Take advantage of indoor and outdoor pools, state of the art wellness facilities, summer camp & summer session classes, friendly and helpful staff, and much more!

View each branch’s outdoor pool & splash park* schedule:

FOXBORO

FRANKLIN

NORTH ATTLEBORO

*Splash Parks at our Foxboro and Franklin locations.

Hockomock Area YMCA active members can visit any branch facility including our indoor and outdoor pools and our splash parks in Foxboro and Franklin.

Members are welcome to bring guests with guest passes.

Please note: photo ID is required at every visit for non-members ages 18+. Day passes and reciprocal member usage permitted for use of our outdoor pool at our North Attleboro Y.

Day passes and reciprocal member usage are not permitted for use of outdoor pool and splash park at our Foxboro and Franklin Ys.

Not a Y member? You can join today and rediscover summer with us Click Here.

Posted on: Monday, May 12th, 2025

Summer Classes at Your YMCA

June 23 – August 24

Join us for Summer classes! Fun & Creative Activities for Youth Development are coming soon. Registration is open and the session will start the week of June 23rd. Don’t miss out.

Destination Summer at our YMCA! Build Confidence & Play This Summer.

REGISTER FOR CLASSES

Summer Session runs 9 weeks long. We know many families take summer vacations and may go out of town – we understand and want to provide some flexibility. That’s why our summer program rates are only for 7 weeks, instead of 9.

Summer Classes include: Swim Lessons, Gymnastics, Sports, Dance, Fitness & more!

Not a Y member? You can join today and save 50% on classes Click Here. The entire community is welcome to participate in our summer classes.

Also! For information on our day camps and to register for the Best Summer Ever, visit hockymca.org/camp

Posted on: Saturday, May 10th, 2025

Water Safety Tips

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: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near 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.

Listen to our water safety audio series:

Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4.

Tips on Water Safety in Different Bodies of Water

Water safety is important to every person. Be prepared and knowledgeable about being safe in and around water. We’re here to help.

Posted on: Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Game On For Mental Health Event

Game On For Mental Health Event

Featuring a Panel on Leadership, Athletics & Tackling the Stigma

Sponsored by our Hockomock Area YMCA, Paul & Karen Lenahan, Be Inspired Together, and Kyle Cares in celebration of Mental Health Awareness.

Thursday, June 26, 2025

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sports Illustrated Pavilion, Gillette Stadium

Foxborough, Mass

  • Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
  • Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
  • Audience Q&A at 7:45 p.m.

Parking Information: Please park in Lot 22A and look for signage for the event. To view the Gillette Stadium parking map: click here.

Join us for a powerful panel of community members who are dedicated to exploring the role of mental wellness in shaping leadership and resilience.

From the athletic fields, to working with professional athletes, to everyday life, the evening will focus on how conversations and support can tackle stigma, build resilience, and shape stronger communities. Learn how early awareness and supportive environments can foster healthy development and lasting confidence.

Perfect for athletes, parents, coaches, educators, and leaders at every level. All in the community (ages 13+) are invited to attend.

This event is free but registration is required through the YMCA.

REGISTER TODAY

About our Panelists:

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  • Rob Ninkovich
    • Rob Ninkovich is an 11 year NFL Veteran, 2 time Super Bowl Champion and Starting Linebacker and Captain of the New England Patriots. Rob and his family have made New England their home following retirement and our YMCA is grateful for Rob’s consistent presence and dedication to our organization and specifically our Integration Initiative. Rob received the 2016 Legends Award for his dedication on the field, matched by his passion for giving back to the community. Rob is dedicated to using his public platform in the community to emphasize the importance of leadership, mental health, finding balance and youth wellness through podcasts, speaking engagements and a video series.
  • Dr. Kimberly O’Brien
    • Dr. Kimberly O’Brien is the founder and director of Unlimited Resilience, LLC, a group mental health practice designed for athletes by athletes, and the co-founder and director of Better Together, an athlete peer mentoring program. She is also a research and training consultant at the Behavioral Research & Training Institute at Rutgers University. Her research is focused on the development and testing of brief interventions for suicidal adolescents and their families, with additional specializations in substance use, interventions which utilize technology, and athlete mental health and suicide prevention. Dr. O’Brien has co-authored over 75 articles and book chapters related to adolescent suicide, substance use, and mental health. Dr. O’Brien works with high school and college teams across the country on mental health, mental skills, and suicide bereavement and prevention.
  • Dr. Jonathan Jenkins
    • Dr. Jonathan Jenkins is a Clinical Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Dr. Jenkins is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in the Sports Psychology and Child/Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry Department. In his role in the Sport Psychology Department, Dr. Jenkins supports both amateur and professional athletes with improving their focus, concentration, and anxiety management during competition. Additionally, Dr. Jenkins will work with athletes and teams to manage significant crises that may arise, and he often engages in team building exercises with teams and organizations. In addition to working with athletes in this capacity, Dr. Jenkins also works with other individuals in high-performance occupations, such as artists, executives, lawyers, and others.

Questions about this event, please email our YMCA’s Social Worker Brynne Kirwan, LCSW at brynnek@hockymca.org.

Parking Information: Please park in Lot 22A and look for signage for the event. To view the Gillette Stadium parking map: click here.

Posted on: Monday, April 28th, 2025

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA event

Our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Celebration event will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 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.

TUESDAY, 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: Friday, April 25th, 2025

Annual Meeting

We held our Annual Meeting on May 14, a special evening dedicated to celebrating our incredible members, volunteers, partners and the communities we serve. here truly is Strength in Community.

Congratulations to this year’s Award Recipients!

Chair’s Award
Ed Whalen

Don Rodman Character Counts Award
Golf Fights Cancer

Tony Calcia Child Protection Award
Dot Pearl

Red Triangle Awards
Dr. Anne Bergen
Senator Paul Feeney
Town of North Attleborough

Youth of the Year Awards
Sanjh Bonu
Audrey Hickox
Emma Pruitt

Dean College/YMCA Scholarship Recipient
Johnny Kraskouskas

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

Watch Event Recap

Our Annual Meeting is a special evening dedicated to celebrating our incredible members, volunteers, partners and the communities we serve. Catch this full recap of the night.

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

Posted on: Friday, April 11th, 2025

Learn how to protect children from sexual abuse

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 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

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.

Posted on: Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Day of Giving – Support our Y and Jersey Mike’s Subs

Join us Tuesday, May 6th for a Day of Giving at Jersey Mike’s Subs at the Franklin & Plainville stores.

Get a free regular sub on May 6th when you donate a minimum of $5. Proceeds will support our YMCA’s Annual Campaign.

Pick up a coupon at any Hockomock Area YMCA Branch Member Services Desk.

Or you can download and present this DIGITAL COUPON when ordering.

Thank you for your support!

Posted on: Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

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 21 – 25, 2025:

  • 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 bathing suit and towel.

The Foxboro Y Vacation Programs:

REGISTER / BROWSE PROGRAMS @ FOXBORO

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 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 ages 5-12 in the Foxborough Public Schools. It will run Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25 at the Foxboro Y. Times will be 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm and 4:30pm. Limited spots. To enroll call 508-543-2523. Y members and non-members are welcome to participate.

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course during April Vacation Week. Join us for this three day course – happening Friday, April 25 (4:30pm-10pm) and Saturday, April 26 & Sunday, April 27 (9am-5:30pm). The course includes CPR-Pro/AED, Oxygen Admin and First Aid certifications. Online pre-course work required. Learn more and Register

The Franklin Y Vacation Programs:

REGISTER / BROWSE PROGRAMS @ FRANKLIN

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!

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course during April Vacation Week. Join us for this five day course – happening Saturday, April 19 (12pm-5pm) and Wednesday, April 23 through Friday, April 25 (12pm-6pm) and Saturday, April 26 (12pm-3pm). The course includes CPR-Pro/AED, Oxygen Admin and First Aid certifications. Learn more and Register

North Attleboro Y Vacation Programs:

REGISTER / BROWSE @ NORTH ATTLEBORO

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.

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course offered Wednesday through Saturday and a recertification course on Saturday during April Vacation Week. Learn more and Register

Our popular certified Babysitting Course (half day) will be offered Friday, April 18 at our YMCA Teen Zone in North Attleboro. Learn more and Register

Posted on: Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

Golf with Legends

Our Legends Golf Classic

Monday, July 7, 2025

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 16th 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

For sponsorship or event inquiries, please contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or patrickm@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.

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

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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

 508.408.7970