the Foxboro Y

Posted on: Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Summer Classes at Your YMCA

June 17 – August 18

Join us for Summer classes! Fun & Creative Activities for Youth Development are coming soon. Member registration begins May 13 and the session will start the week of June 17th. Don’t miss out.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 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: Cooking, Dance, Gymnastics, Sports, Swim, STEM, Wellness & 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.

Registration will open soon

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

Posted on: Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

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: Ensure children always ask permission before entering or nearing 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.

REGISTER FOR SWIM LESSONS / ENROLLMENT OPENS MAY 17

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: Sheila Riley sheilar@hockymca.org

Posted on: Wednesday, April 24th, 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: 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, and the MetroWest Health Foundation.

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

Swim Lessons Enrolling Now

Have Fun, Be Confident, Stay Safe

Each year, the Y teaches more than a million children how to swim. Y Swim Lessons are available year round and provide resources for all kids. Sign up for swim lessons today! We foster a sense of achievement as swimmers progress between levels in our pools. Through this approach, advanced swimmers flow more easily to higher levels while swimmers who need more instruction can learn at their own pace. This results in more confident swimmers who stick with lessons and develop a love for swimming that can last a lifetime.

There are three categories of Y Swim Lessons:

1) SWIM STARTERS (PARENT OR GUARDIAN WITH CHILD)

Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills. Parents are coached to guide their child toward greater water independence while learning about the importance of supervision. Swim Starters classes are suggested for ages 6 months through 4 years as follows:

Can the student respond to verbal cues and jump on land? Not yet: enroll in Stage A
Is the student comfortable with their nose and mouth submerged assisted? Not yet: enroll in Stage B
Is the student over age 2, past Stage B, but not yet ready to be independent and apart from parent/guardian in the pool? Enroll in Stage C
Click here to see the days and times for the current session of Swim Starters.

2) SWIM BASICS

Students develop basic swimming competency and learn personal water safety. They begin by developing comfort in the water, then work on proper body position and control. While developing fundamental techniques, swimmers increase stamina for longer distance swimming. Students or their parents can sign up for a time slot in which a number of different stages are taught and instructors will look for your child to comfortably and consistently perform each skill in order to progress to the next stage.

Swim Basics classes are available for (ages 3-5), (ages 5-12) and (ages 12+)
Click here to see the days and times for the current session of Swim Basics.

3) SWIM STROKES

Having mastered the fundamentals, swimmers build on stroke technique, including all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues, and swimmers learn about competitive swimming and how to incorporate exercise swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

Swim Strokes classes are available for (ages 5-12) and instructors will look for your child to comfortably and consistently perform each skill in order to progress to the next stage.
Click here to see the days and times for the current session of Swim Strokes.

Each Swim Lessons category has three stages or levels that are designed for swimmers’ age and ability. If you have any question about Swim Lessons, or want some help placing your child in the right class, please reach out to our Aquatics Directors or simply call the front desk. Bernon Y Aquatics (Franklin): Krystina Edens at krystinae@hockymca.org -OR- Foxboro Y Aquatics: Chris Tower at christophert@hockymca.org -OR- North Attleboro Y Aquatics: Sheila Riley at sheilar@hockymca.org

SWIM STARTERS BABY & TODDLER LESSONS WITH PARENT

Parent/Child
6 Months – 3 Years

A / WATER DISCOVERY

Parents accompany children in stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water.

B / WATER EXPLORATION

In stage B, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills.

C / WATER INDEPENDENCE

Parents work with their children to develop comfort in underwater exploration by learning self rescue techniques. This class is geared for children not ready to be independent from parents.

SWIM BASICS FUNDAMENTALS OF SWIMMING

Everyone
Ages 3 and up

1 / WATER ACCLIMATION

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage lays the foundation for a student’s future progress in swimming.

2 / WATER MOVEMENT

In stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

3 / WATER STAMINA

In stage 3, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.

SWIM STROKES REFINING STROKE TECHNIQUE

Everyone
Ages 5 and up

4 / STROKE INTRODUCTION

Students in stage 4 develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.

5 / STROKE DEVELOPMENT

Students in stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.

6 / STROKE MECHANICS

In stage 6, students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

REGISTER FOR SWIM LESSONS NOW

Posted on: Friday, April 12th, 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: 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: Wednesday, March 27th, 2024

Swim for Scholarships

Participate with us in our 100 Mile Swim For Scholarships!

Swim 100 miles between now and August 31, 2024.

HOW IT WORKS:

Pick one of the first two options below:

Make a donation of $100 to participate.
Commit to fundraise and ask your friends, neighbors and family to support your swim! (No cost to you) Let us know you want to fundraise and you’ll receive an email from our Fund Development Team with further instructions and a link to share with friends and family about your swim and why you are supporting the Y.
Track your miles for your swim and update the swim tracking poster on your branch’s pool deck by coloring in your swim! 72 Lengths (36 laps) is a mile! You can also track your swims at locations outside of the Y and update the chart when you come into the Y next.

There will be prizes and awards for swimmers who complete their swim as well as reach their minimum fundraising goal of $100.

If you have any questions, please email: Nicole at nicoleb@hockymca.org.

Thank you for Swimming for Scholarships!

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.

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