the Franklin Y – Page 4 – Hockomock Area YMCA

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:

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:

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:

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: Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Pickleball Tournament at the Franklin Y

Join us for the 3rd annual Charity Pickleball Tournament – proudly sponsored by the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA.

This local community fundraiser is an opportunity for friends and neighbors to come together to play pickleball, have fun, and raise funds to enhance the lives of those in the Franklin community.

We’ll have Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Events

Competitive and Social Divisions

Saturday, May 17, 2025
8:00am – 5:00pm

Bernon Family Branch: 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA

Advanced registration required

REGISTER TODAY!

The Day’s Pickleball Line-up:

Double Events: Competitive & Social Divisions:

8:00am-11:00am: Women’s Division
11:00am-2:00pm: Mixed Divisions
2:00pm-5:00pmMen’s Division

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Pastore at meaganp@hockymca.org.

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.

Posted on: Friday, January 24th, 2025

February Is Heart Health Month

February is American Heart Health Month. It’s a great time to understand your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease and make some important life changes for a long healthy life.

This month and all year round, we encourage our members and the community to learn more about 2 of our Y’s Healthy Heart Programs.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSMP)
Heart Strong: Post Cardiac Rehab Program

We also invite folks to stop by 1 of our branch locations this month to attend a free blood pressure screening and to learn about blood pressure management and strategies.

Free Blood Pressure Readings & Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Program Information

AT OUR NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

Monday, Feb 10: 9:30am-10:00am

AT OUR FOXBORO Y:

Thursday, Feb. 13: 11:00am-12:00pm

AT OUR FRANKLIN Y:

Monday, Feb. 17: 11:30am-12:00pm

BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM (BPSMP)

Learn more about the risk for heart disease by getting a blood pressure reading. Ask a medical provider if you are at risk and take action to reduce your risk. Long-term adherence to lifestyle modifications and medication treatment can be challenging, many studies have focused on the potential of self-monitoring as a tool for blood pressure management. In an effort to address these issues, the Y designed an evidence-based, self-monitoring program aimed to help participants better manage their blood pressure. This program emphasizes that self-monitoring and tracking of individuals’ blood pressure can play a significant role in reducing one’s blood pressure and improving their quality of life.

Our YMCA is a provider of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program which supports individuals with hypertension to lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support. The YMCA of the USA developed this program to help individuals better manage hypertension and improve their overall health. Less than half of all Americans living with hypertension have it under control. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in some people with hypertension. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Enrollments are currently being accepted from February through May of 2025 for our Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program. People who enroll during February through May will receive:

The program valued at $150 for only $50
A blood pressure cuff/monitor (valued at $40)
Heart healthy recipes and education

How the program works:
Participants will work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors over an 8-week session to:

Self-measure their blood pressure
Attend 2 personalized consultations
Attend nutrition education seminars
Record blood pressure readings using a self selected tool

Program Goals:

Reduction in blood pressure
Improved blood pressure management
Increased awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure
Enhanced knowledge to develop healthier eating habits

To learn more about our program or to register, click here. You may also call us at 508-643-5271 or email donnah@hockymca.org to ask questions and schedule a consultation.

HEART STRONG: POST CARDIAC REHAB PROGRAM

Heart Strong, our Post Cardiac Rehab Program, is a 12-week program designed to support individuals who have participated in a medically supervised cardiac rehabilitation program and want to continue to maintain optimal heart and vascular health through exercise.

This program helps individuals continue with their prescribed exercises with the care and support of YMCA trainers and instructors.

What are the benefits?

Exercise with confidence
Small group setting
Social support
Fully supervised

What is included?

Small group support
Experienced trainers and instructors
Weekly 1-hour sessions for 12 weeks
Free YMCA membership for enrolled participants and full use of all Hockomock Area YMCA branches for the program’s duration.

Cost: $100 for YMCA Members / $150 for Non-members

Enrolling now for upcoming classes!

AT OUR FRANKLIN Y:

Mondays: 11:30am-12:30pm

AT OUR FOXBORO Y:

Thursdays: 11:00am-12:00pm

AT OUR NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

Wednesdays: 9:30am-10:30am

For more information and to register, email donnah@hockymca.org Donna Higgins, Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator, or call 508-643-5271.

Posted on: Sunday, January 19th, 2025

Robbins Family Kids Gym Renovation

Our Robbins Family Kids Gym at our Franklin Y opened to our members on Sunday, January 19th.

This new indoor play space is designed to spark creativity & confidence, encourage social interactions, and promote active learning and play. It will further expand the opportunity for our youngest members (children 6 and under) to learn, grow and explore at our Y.

The Robbins Family Kids Gym is open for member use 7 days a week.

New Features:

Custom-made play structure – in the shape of an oversized ship – featuring a slide with two rope tunnels and two wobbly bridges
Infant soft play area featuring a ball pit and row boat
A beautiful new lighthouse mural
Wall mounted motor skill play areas

We look forward to seeing you there soon!

Posted on: Thursday, December 12th, 2024

New Equipment at the Franklin Branch

We’re excited to announce a huge re-investment in our cardio and strength training equipment! Our first equipment delivery is being made at our Franklin Y and arrived November 27th!

We look forward to seeing you enjoy our new equipment soon!

New Equipment at our Franklin Y:

New treadmills including performance plus treadmills and new ellipticals
2 Step Mills
1 Recumbent Bike
A Multi-functional piece for total body workouts

Posted on: Saturday, November 30th, 2024

Inclement Weather Policy

The safety of our members and staff is a priority for our YMCA. During extreme weather conditions we employ an inclement weather policy, using our website home page and branch home pages to alert members of any facility closings or delays and class cancellations.

FACILITY CLOSINGS AND DELAYED OPENINGS

The Hockomock Area YMCA will monitor the weather during the winter months and will be mindful of the safety of our members and staff when deciding to continue a consistent class schedule or to modify the schedule based on the weather conditions.

For all group exercise classes, youth programming and adult programming, the Hockomock Area YMCA will make a decision two hours prior to the start of class and will notify all participants via our website and our social media pages.

In the case that the YMCA must close, this communication will be done through our website, member email blast, social media pages and on our phone messages.

CHILD CARE CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS

It is our intention to operate Child Care and our school-age School’s Out program during regularly scheduled hours. Please be sure to provide your contact information and cell phone number to the facilitator of your child’s program who will alert you in case of any delay or cancellation.

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

NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y