NEWS & UPDATES
the Foxboro Y

All that’s happening at the Foxboro Y.

Posted on: Thursday, June 5th, 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.

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.

Posted on: Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

Free Summer Lunch Programs

Our YMCA, in collaboration with many partners and organizations, will operate summer meal programs in the communities of Bellingham, Milford and Plainville.

Since 2016, we are proud to have served over 600,000 free lunches and counting!

Free Summer Lunches for Kids Ages 18 and under

No registration or paperwork required. Each child (and accompanied adult) will receive a free lunch at any of the sites below.

At Bellingham Public Library:

  • Free lunches Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
  • 11:30am to 12:30pm
  • Bellingham Public Library: 100 Blackstone Street, Bellingham
  • The program will run Tuesday, June 24th through Thursday, August 14th.
  • Special thanks to our partners, the Town of Bellingham Public Library, the Franklin Food Pantry, Franklin Public Schools and Bellingham Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.
  • Join us for free lunch, activities and more.

At Milford’s Memorial Elementary School:

  • Free lunches Monday through Friday
  • 11:00am to 12:30pm
  • Memorial Elementary School: 12 Walnut Street in Milford, MA
  • The program will run Monday, June 23th through Friday, August 15th.
  • Special thanks to our partners including the Town of Milford.
  • Every Friday, we will have interactive activities and games for all to enjoy during the mealtime including special Friday events like block parties, reptile encounters, mad scientist experiments, princess meet & greets, beach party fun and more.

At Plainville’s Jackson Elementary School:

  • Free lunches Tuesday and Thursday
  • 12:15pm to 1:00pm
  • Jackson Elementary School: 68 Messenger Street in Plainville, MA
  • The program will run Tuesday, June 24th through Thursday, August 14th.
  • Special thanks to our partners including the Plainville Public Schools.
  • Join us for free lunch, activities and more.

Volunteer Opportunities

Join our YMCA and the communities of Bellingham, Milford, and Plainville as we provide lunches for youth and families who rely on school food through our summer lunch program. Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts, week days during the summer. All ages of volunteers welcome (under 15 years old with an adult). It’s a great way to supervise fun activities, interact with families and make a difference. Volunteer training is required.

Sign up to volunteer today! Fill out the form below to inquire.

We will host a volunteer training on Thursday, June 19th at 6:30pm in the Community Room at our Franklin Y.

I’M INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING

If you have questions, please email Alyson Delano.

USDA non-discrimination statement

Posted on: Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

Rediscover Summer

OUR OUTDOOR POOLS & SPLASH PARKS WILL OPEN THE WEEKEND OF JUNE 14* & 15**

*Our Foxboro and Franklin Outdoor Pools & Splash Parks will open on Saturday, June 14.

*Our North Attleboro Outdoor Pool will open on Sunday, June 15. (We will be hosting our organization-wide camp counselor training on Saturday, June 14 so the pool will be utilized for that training. We apologize for this change but look forward to seeing you on Sunday.)

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!

GENERAL OUTDOOR POOL OPEN SCHEDULE:

Foxboro Outdoor Pool:

  • Monday – Friday: 7am-8:30am Lap Swim
  • Monday – Friday: 3pm-7pm Family Swim & Lap Swim
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12pm -5pm Family Open Swim

Foxboro: Spier Family Splash Park Open Times:

  • Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-10:45am
  • Monday – Friday: 4pm-7pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Franklin Outdoor Pool:

  • Monday – Friday: 6:30am-8am Lap Swim
  • Monday – Friday: 3pm-7pm Family Swim & Lap Swim
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Franklin: Rockland Trust Splash Park Open Times:

  • Monday – Friday: 3pm-7pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-6pm

North Attleboro Outdoor Pool:

  • Monday – Friday: 7am-9am Lap Swim
  • Monday – Friday: 4pm-7pm Family Swim
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-5pm Family Open Swim

*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

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: 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: Friday, May 9th, 2025

Time for the Best Summer Ever

Our summer camps will start up in just a few short weeks and we’re so excited to give your child their Best Summer Ever here at our Y!

Y summer camps provide a safe place for kids to get away from technology and the stresses of the outside world, allowing them to simply just be kids. We are proud and respectful of the trust parents place in our YMCA. A safe environment for children combined with quality programming is vital in our focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

All camp counselors are trained in first aid, CPR, and child abuse prevention. All staff must sign and comply with our Y’s Code of Conduct and Abuse Prevention Policies. Our Y’s founding core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are part of everything we do. Our camps give parents peace of mind knowing that their children are participating in safe, technology-free, fun and interactive activities with their peers, face to face, and having the time of their life.

At our camps, kids have the chance to try new things, to develop confidence, and learn new skills. They’ll spend time in the beautiful outdoors while trying archery, rope climbing, planting in the garden, and so much more. They’ll play game favorites like Gaga, Capture the Flag, and Sticks & Arrows and swim daily in our pools. Our campers will receive a swim lesson in the morning, and in the afternoon, they will get to hang out in the pool. Campers in Grades 2-6 will go on local field trips and special guests will visit our younger campers to round out the summer experience. And throughout all of these activities, our campers are creating amazing friendships and memories of the #BestSummerEver.

Our camp offerings range from traditional camps to sports camps, to enrichment camps, teen travel camps and more, for ages 3 through the teen years.

To see what field trips and special guests are planned for our campers, please see below. Field trip information subject to change.

We look forward to meeting you and providing your kids with an amazing summer.

CAMP OFFERINGS

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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: Sunday, April 27th, 2025

Before & After School Care Programs

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.

Registration for the 2025/2026 school year is open!

REGISTER WITH US

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 before school program at Delaney Elementary School.
  • Wrentham: New! Roderick Elementary School. We have our after school program at Roderick Elementary School starting for the 2025/2026 school year.

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.

We provide intensive screening and training of caring, licensed staff. Our curriculum combines learning through play in an engaging, fun environment before and after school. Healthy are provided in our after school program.

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: Saturday, April 26th, 2025

Food Access – Feeding & Caring For All

Our YMCA is a local non-profit organization committed to addressing public health challenges, such as food insecurity, in our communities. The Food Access Program partners with food pantries, schools, regional public health hubs, and community organizations to increase equitable access to nutrition. This collaborative effort—largely born from the depths of the pandemic—continue to help our neighbors of all ages and demographics to ensure access.

We have distributed more than 102,000 bags of food and served over 550,000 meals to those 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 or if you are in need of support, 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.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

Food insecurity has grown in our communities and to address that, the Y is distributing food to people in need.

We are providing a grocery bag pick up at our Foxboro and Franklin locations from 12:30pm-1:30pm on Wednesdays.

We have a walk in pantry at our North Attleboro Branch in our child care parking lot that is available to anyone regardless of your town that you live in on Wednesdays 12:30pm-2:00pm, 5:30pm-6:30pm or Thursdays 7:30am-8:30am.

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

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.
  • Become a Volunteer – Join our team as a volunteer to help with food distribution, delivery or pantry operations. For more information, please email alysond@hockymca.org.
  • 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)

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


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.

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

 508.339.3066