NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y


All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Friday, January 20th, 2023

Shoot for Scholarships Fundraiser

Kids Helping Kids

Sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities are learning the value of social responsibility through our Shoot for Scholarships Fundraiser in our Sports department!

At the Y, we believe in the potential of all kids. And that all kids should have the opportunity to grow and learn at the Y, regardless of ability to pay. Not enrolled today in a sports class or league? That’s not a problem, as everyone is eligible to participate.

Children in our sports classes and leagues will have the opportunity to shoot free throws to raise money for our Y’s annual Reach Out Campaign.

In 2022, the Reach Out Campaign provided over $2.7 million in scholarships and program subsidies so that individuals and families can experience the YMCA regardless of financial ability.

“The Hockomock YMCA has been a blessing to us. If it were not for all the donations we would not be able to send our children to the Y. Even a small amount can make a difference. You can help children and families like us.” – scholarship recipient

HOW TO JOIN:

Pick up a pledge sheet and log from your sports coach at the Y.
Ask family and friends if they will make a donation to sponsor you. Share that the YMCA is a charity and we do not turn people away due to lack of funds.
100% of dollars raised will go to our Reach Out Annual Campaign.
This is a great fundraiser, allowing kids to solicit donations based on the number of free throws they make within two minutes (in classes March 25th through 31st) or you may ask for a flat donation of any dollar amount.
On the day of your class or league, bring in any pledges or gifts you have received.

Any questions, please email: rossg@hockymca.org (Foxboro), mikem@hockymca.org (Franklin), or kristenmcmillen@hockymca.org (North Attleboro).

Posted on: Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

Y Rewards

We are excited to reward you for your membership with our Y Rewards program.

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We measure our success by how well we empower you to live healthier in spirit, mind and body. Now we’re making it even easier to work toward your goals with Hockomock Area YMCA Rewards.

Earn points for things like checking into the Y, doing surveys and workout challenges, and more. Then, you’ll get to redeem your points for savings on things like hotels and entertainment, your Y membership, and YMCA gear.

It’s FREE to sign up and the rewards program is our way of saying thank you. See all the latest perks here. Start earning points and join Y Rewards today!

EARN | REDEEM | REWARD

Join today and start earning points.

CREATE ACCOUNT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to Join

    F
  1. Visit rewards.hockymca.org and click “Join Program”.
  2. Enter your email address and click “Sign Up”. (You must use the same email address that’s tied to your YMCA membership in order to earn points!)
  3. Check your email for a confirmation message and click “Complete Registration”.
  4. Once you’re redirected to the rewards site, enter your first and last name, create your password, and click “Sign Up”.

How to Earn Points

We are so glad that you are a Y member, and we want to reward you for using your membership and being a part of our cause. You can earn reward points on almost everything you do at the Y, and it’s so easy to do!

Earning Activity Points
Join or upgrade to YMCA Family Membership +250
Refer a Friend who joins the Hockomock Y +500
Each Friend That You Refer +10
Join Rewards Program +50
Member Anniversary +50
YMCA Check-in +3
YMCA Check-in BONUS: 8x/month +50
Birthday +50

WHAT ARE THE REWARDS EXACTLY?

There are scores of savings and free products you can easily earn! We offer “in-club rewards” – for things like a free YMCA workout for a friend, membership upgrades, free youth classes, personal training and more! Check it out to see additional vacations, shopping discounts, coupons, and Y Swag available to you when you join Y Rewards.

View Rewards


How to Redeem Points

Ready to redeem your points? Reward points can be redeemed for awesome Y apparel, local store rewards, and more.

After you have set up an account at the above link, using the same email address that’s tied to your YMCA membership, you can shop so many great items! Visit and be sure to bookmark: myrewardstore.com/hockymca.


For questions about setting up your account, please contact us at your local Y: foxboro@hockymca.org, franklin@hockymca.org, northattleboro@hockymca.org.

Please contact our vendor for any questions related to the online shopping experience including order fulfillment and shipping. All questions related to myrewardsstore.com/hockymca can be handled if you call 877-210-3221 or email customersupport@myrewardsstore.com.

Visit hockymca.perkville.com/details/ for the fine print.

Posted on: Friday, December 30th, 2022

Come take a class at our Fitness Open House

Join us on Saturday, January 7th and Sunday, January 8th, 7:00am-11:00am, for an Open House to experience our Group Exercise and Personal Training programs at the Y! This is a 2-day health & wellness celebration at our Y for members and non-members to try something new and challenging. Bring your friends (for free) to the Open House, too! No registration required. We will have healthy snacks and raffles.

We will have personal trainers, wellness floor staff, and our nutritionist (North Attleboro location) available to welcome you and answer your wellness questions. See you at the Y!

FOXBORO Y OPEN HOUSE OFFERINGS

Saturday, January 7th:
• 7:15am Cycle
• 8:30am High Fitness
• 8:30am Cycle
• 9:15am Power Yoga
• 9:30am Boot Camp
• 10:00am Kickboxing
• 10:15am Barre

Sunday, January 8th:
• 7:15am Cycle
• 8:30am Barbell Strength
• 9:15am Cycle
• 9:30am Zumba
• 9:35am Stretch/Core
• 10:30am Yoga
• 10:45am Total Body Conditioning

FRANKLIN Y OPEN HOUSE OFFERINGS

Saturday, January 7th:
• 7:00am Y Cycle
• 8:00am Vinyasa Flow
• 8:00am Strength Training
• 8:30am Total Body Conditioning
• 9:30am Dance Party Sampler with High Fitness/Zumba/Dance Fusion
• 10:45am Pilates Fusion

We will also offer free classes of our Stronger Together program.

This is being offered at no-cost during the Open House for members and non-members to try our Stronger Together – our premier team & personal training program:

Saturday, January 7th:
• 8:00-8:45am Foundations
• 9:00-9:45am Industrial Strength
Learn More about our Stronger Together programming.

NORTH ATTLEBORO Y OPEN HOUSE OFFERINGS

Saturday, January 7th:
• 7:00am Les Mills Sprint (cycle class)
• 7:45am Les Mills GRIT
• 8:30am Les Mills Body Pump
• 9:00-10:00am Meet our Nutritionist Jocelyn in the lobby
• 9:45am Les Mills Core

Sunday, January 8th:
• 7:00am Les Mills Sprint (cycle class)
• 7:45am Les Mills GRIT
• 8:30am Les Mills Body Pump
• 9:00am Yoga
• 9:45pm Les Mills Core

We can’t wait to see you at the Y!

Posted on: Saturday, December 3rd, 2022

Franklin YMCA Gymnasium Renovation

OUR RENOVATED FRANKLIN Y GYMNASIUM IS NOW OPEN

This renovation is the first in a series of renovation projects in our branches to enhance the members experience, as part of our 50th Anniversary.

Renovations includes:
New hardwood floor installation
New safety padding
New court lines for basketball & pickleball play
Fresh coat of paint including the 2nd floor track area
Four New Backboards
Enhanced storage

Franklin Gymnasium Schedule

You can expect a fresh, modern, welcoming space for our members who play basketball, for our gymnasts, and for family members to enjoy activities during open gymnasium times. Similar to a project completed at the North Attleboro Y in 2019, our gymnasium will have a new maple hardwood floor, new safety padding, enhanced storage, new court lines for basketball and pickleball play, and a fresh coat of paint including the entire second floor track area.

See you on the court!

Posted on: Tuesday, November 8th, 2022

Fun with Santa Event

Let’s Get Festive!

Fun with Santa

Friday, December 16
Santa will be visiting the YMCA to share an annual Hockomock Area YMCA tradition -don’t miss it!

EVENT DETAILS:

6:30pm – 8:00pm

6:00pm begins our soft event opening where we welcome those who need a sensory-friendly environment.

at our branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro

Festivities will include a meet & greet with Santa; games & crafts representing a variety of holidays
Cost: Complimentary for family-type members*; $6 for adult/youth members; $12 for non-members

*Family-type members register in-person or over the phone to redeem complimentary registration. Online registration not available to redeem the complimentary registration.


Register Today

Posted on: Monday, October 3rd, 2022

Mental Health at our Y

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING NETWORK

The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Network provides a safe space for parents and/or caregiver discussion around youth mental well-being strategies.

What is the SEL Network?
Monthly, open dialogue sessions with topics including emotional intelligence, resiliency, compromise, expressing emotions and social emotional behaviors, talking about mental health, and emotional management for caregivers and children. Sessions are designed to discuss topics and challenges in general terms, including skills and techniques to apply in the home and providing resources for caregivers. The network will not provide assessment, diagnosis, direct support, or speak about individual children. Our YMCA’s Social Worker, Brynne Kirwan, LCSW, and Sarah Henesey, Senior Director of Inclusion, will facilitate the sessions.

Who can join the SEL Network?
Any parent/caregiver looking to gain strategies around overall youth mental well-being and discuss with other caregivers.

Can I bring my child?
YES! We will have a structured, supervised activity and a light dinner for children and caregivers.

When is it held?
Once a month per location, Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm
Bellingham Middle School, 130 Blackstone St. (1st Wed/each mo.) – Nov 2, Dec 7, Jan 4, Feb 1, Mar 1, Apr 5, May 3
Martin School, 37 Landry Ave., North Attleboro (2nd Wed/each mo.) – Nov 9, Dec 14, Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 12, May 10
Foxboro Regional Charter School, 131 Central St. (3rd Wed/each mo.) – Nov 16, Dec 21, Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 15, Apr 26*, May 17. (*April is 4th Wed due to school vacation)

What is the cost?
This program is offered at no cost to families, thanks to the philanthropic support of CHNA6/Greater Milford and the Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation.

How do I register for the SEL Network?
When registering, please choose 1 location to attend monthly.
To register or for more information, please contact BrynneK@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5225.

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MINDING YOUR MINDS PARTNERSHIP SERIES

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to partner with Minding Your Mind to provide education through community workshops that focus on mental well-being, resiliency, and supportive strategies.

Workshops are free and open to all! No YMCA membership required.
Thank you to CHNA6 (Greater Milford Area) for their philanthropic support.

Upcoming Workshops
MINDFUL CAREGIVING OF K-5 YOUTH, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25TH, 5:30-7:30PM

Linda will provide practical strategies for managing family life, including mindful parenting/caregiver techniques, identifying & reducing your child’s stress & anxiety, and creating balance for your entire family or those in your care. Geared towards parents, caregivers, and community members. Includes time for questions.

Linda will be joined by Youth Speaker, Elizabeth. She believes her purpose is to share her experience with others to help then recognize that they are not alone, that hope and healing are worth more than perfection, and that they, too, have an important purpose in this world.

To register or for more information, please contact BrynneK@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5225.


CREATING A CALM HOLIDAY SEASON, MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH, 5:30-7:30PM

Join Linda to learn to understand the emotions around the holiday season and prepare for the New Year. Discussion will include common mental health challenges during this time and resources to cultivate inner calm and supportive connections with others. Geared toward parents, caregivers, and community members. Youth ages 14+ are welcome.

Linda will be joined by Youth Speaker, Mallory. She uses her own personal experiences and storty to reach back and help others so they know their voice is powerful, they are allowed to be human, and healing does indeed exist.

To register or for more information, please contact BrynneK@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5225.

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Bio: Linda Price Linda Price, M.Ed., CAGS, LEP, E-RYT, YACEP Program Facilitator, Minding Your Mind

As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, Linda provides individual and group counseling, social emotional learning groups, and parent consultation and workshops through her private practice, Wellness Empowerment in Scituate, MA. She specializes in working with youth coping with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, anxiety, social and executive function struggles, and learning differences. Linda earned her Master’s of Education Degree in School Adjustment Counseling and her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in School Psychology in 1993 at Northeastern University. In building her expertise, Linda became certified in Children’s Yoga, Yoga Nidra meditation, is an Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher and Continuing Education Provider, received intensive training in Mindfulness, and Train the Trainer in Calm Classroom, Resilient Schools from the Benson-Henry Institute through Massachusetts General Hospital, and Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying through the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center.

In combining her vast experience in counseling and mindfulness and provides workshops and presentations with helpful, hands-on strategies for Minding Your Mind for parents and caregivers, school personnel, corporations, and the community at large. Linda is a warm, approachable, and compassionate presenter who is very relatable and engaging. With thirty years of experience in working with schools, Linda understands the stress level and demands placed on students, parents, and school personnel first hand. Her presentations address topics in mindfulness, trauma-informed social emotional learning, mental health, and anxiety with titles including “Trauma-Informed SEL”, “SEL and Mindfulness for a more compassionate school climate”, “Surviving to Thriving”, “Coping Skills for Current Times: Supporting the Mental Health of K-6 Youth”, and “Mindful Parenting”. No matter the audience or topic, Linda ensures that participants leave with resources and skills they can implement immediately.

Posted on: Sunday, September 18th, 2022

Back to Class Bingo Challenge this Month

On Saturday, September 24th we held our Association-wide Fitness Open House! This fitness celebration was designed for our members to try a variety of group exercise classes, meet our instructors, provide a challenge and have lots of fun!

Our “Back to school, Get Back to Class” Bingo Challenge is now on and running from September 24-October 23, 2022! Learn more about your branch’s Bingo challenge by clicking your branch below. Print out your bingo card or get at any of our branches.

Foxboro Bingo Challenge

Franklin Bingo Challenge

North Attleboro Bingo Challenge


Posted on: Thursday, September 1st, 2022

Celebrate National Family Week with Us: October 21-30

There’s a Y in every family. And we want to celebrate our Y family with you during National Family Week!

Our Y is proud to help area families connect to the opportunities, networks, support, and services that enable them to succeed. We encourage you to join our celebration of all families during National Family Week. Our activities will kick off on Friday, October 21st with Spooky Games, and continue through Sunday, October 30th.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

  • 11:00am-1:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 11:30-12:30pm – Lunch with Cookie Monster – Sign-up with fee here – Foxboro Branch
  • 12:00-2:30pm – Family Open Gymnastics – Gymnastics Center – North Attleboro Branch
  • 5:30-8:30pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 6:30-8:00pm – Spooky Games – (6pm soft opening for our inclusion friends) – All are invited to our free Halloween event! Wear your Halloweeen costume! There will be indoor and outdoor activities. Games for all ages! Theme for the night is Encanto-Enchanted YMCA – No registration required. – Happening at all 3 of our branches
  • 7:00-8:20pm – Family Swim – North Attleboro Branch

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

  • All Day – Lobby Raffle – All Branches
  • All Day – Candy Corn Counting Contest – All Branches
  • 8:30am-12:00pm – Child Watch Halloween Dress-Up & Craft – North Attleboro Branch
  • 9:30am – Family Boot Camp – Gym – Foxboro Branch
  • 12:00-4:00pm – Family Swim – North Attleboro & Franklin Branches
  • 1:00-4:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 5:00-8:00pm – Parent’s Night Out – Sign-up with fee here – Foxboro Branch
  • 6:00-8:00pm – Integration Halloween Dance – Sign-up with fee here – Foxboro Branch

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

  • All Day – Lobby Raffle – All Branches
  • All Day – Candy Corn Counting Contest – All Branches
  • 9:30am – Family Zumba – Studio A – Foxboro Branch
  • 10:00am-12:00pm – Take Home Craft – North Attleboro Branch
  • 12:00-4:00pm – Family Swim – Franklin Branches
  • 12:00-4:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 2:15-3:45pm – Family Open Gymnastics – Gymnastics Center – North Attleboro Branch
  • 5:00-5:30pm – Family Storytime with Katie – Kids Gym – North Attleboro Branch

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24

  • 8:30-11:30am – Foil Painted Tree Art – Child Watch – Franklin Branch
  • 9:15-10:30am – Family Swim – Franklin Branch
  • 9:00-11:00am – Make-your-own Trail Mix – Lobby – Foxboro and North Attleboro Branches
  • 9:00-11:00am – Parent/Child Craft – Community Room – Foxboro Branch
  • 11:00am-1:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 11:00am-3:00pm – Family Open Gymnastics – Gymnastics Center – North Attleboro Branch
  • 12:00-12:45pm – Family Music & Movement with Bridget – Studio 2 – North Attleboro Branch
  • 12:00-1:00pm – Open Gymnastics – Gym – Foxboro Branch
  • 12:00-3:00pm – Child Watch Drop and Shop – Grab a pass at Member Services – Foxboro Branch
  • 4:00-6:00pm – Make-your-own Trail Mix – Lobby – Foxboro and North Attleboro Branches
  • 5:30-8:30pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25

  • All Day – Recipe Give-Away – Foxboro Branch
  • 9:15-10:30am – Family Swim – Franklin Branch
  • 10:00am – Lobby Craft with Kristen – North Attleboro Branch
  • 10:00-11:30am – Halloween Craft in Lobby – Franklin Branch
  • 11:00am-1:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 12:00-1:00pm – Open Gymnastics – Gym – Foxboro Branch
  • 4:00-6:00pm – Take-away Craft – Lobby – Foxboro Branch
  • 4:30-5:30pm – Family Dodgeball with Kaylea – Gym – North Attleboro Branch
  • 4:30-6:00pm – Tree Climb & Campfire with Ken – North Attleboro Branch
  • 5:15-7:00pm – Spooky Dinner with Jocelyn – Sign-up with fee here – Multipurpose Room – North Attleboro Branch
  • 5:30-8:30pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 7:00pm – Pajama Storytime – Kids Gym – Foxboro Branch

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26

  • All Day – Lobby Raffle – Foxboro Branch
  • 8:30-11:30am – Wear your Halloween Costume to Child Watch – Franklin Branch
  • 9:15-10:15am – Family Swim – Franklin Branch
  • 11:00-11:30am – Family storytime with Denise – Kids Gym – North Attleboro Branch
  • 11:00am-12:00pm – Jumparoo – Sign-up with fee here – Foxboro Branch
  • 11:00am-1:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 12:00-1:00pm – Open Gymnastics – Gym – Foxboro Branch
  • 12:00-3:00pm – Child Watch Drop and Shop – Grab a pass at Member Services – Foxboro Branch
  • 1:00-3:00pm – Family Swim – North Attleboro Branch
  • 4:30pm – Staff “Dip-Off” Contest – Lobby – North Attleboro Branch
  • 5:30-8:30pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27

  • All Day – Lobby Raffle – North Attleboro Branch
  • All Day – Staff Halloween Costume Contest – Cast your vote in the Lobby – Foxboro Branch
  • All Day – Fitness Halloween Costume Fun – Members are invited to wear a costume to any fitness class! – Franklin and Foxboro Branches
  • 9:00-11:00am – Take Home Craft – North Attleboro Branch
  • 10:00-10:30am – Storytime with Denise – Kids Gym – North Attleboro Branch
  • 10:00-11:30am – Halloween Craft in Lobby – Franklin Branch
  • 11:00am-1:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 1:00-3:00pm – Family Swim – North Attleboro Branch
  • 4:00-6:00pm – Take Home Craft – North Attleboro Branch
  • 4:00-6:00pm – Staff Dip-Off Contest – Lobby – Foxboro Branch
  • 4:30-6:00pm – Tree Climb and Campfire with Ken – Ropes Camping Area – North Attleboro Branch
  • 5:00-5:30pm – Family Storytime with Katie – Kids Gym – North Attleboro Branch
  • 5:15-6:15pm – Spooky Dinner with Jocelyn – Sign-up with fee here – Foxboro Branch
  • 5:30-8:30pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

  • 8:30am-12:00pm – Halloween Dance Party – Child Watch – Franklin Branch
  • 11:00am-1:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 12:00-3:00pm – Child Watch Drop and Shop – Grab a pass at Member Services – Foxboro Branch
  • 1:00-2:00pm – Bounce House & Tattoos – Gym – North Attleboro Branch
  • 3:00-5:30pm – Teen Pizza Party & Pickleball – Foxboro Branch
  • 3:00-7:00pm – Teen Leaders Book Sale – Lobby – North Attleboro Branch
  • 5:00-8:00pm – Parent’s Night Out – Sign-up with fee here – Studio 1 – North Attleboro Branch
  • 5:30-8:30pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 6:00-8:00pm – Kid’s Night Out – Sign-up with fee here – Franklin Branch
  • 6:00-8:30pm – Oliver Jr. Movie Night – Sign-up with fee here – happening at the Mansfield Arts & Education Center
  • 7:00-8:20pm – Family Swim – North Attleboro Branch

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

  • 8:30am-12:00pm – Child Watch Halloween Dress-Up & Craft – North Attleboro Branch
  • 9:00am-12:00pm – Teen Leaders Book Sale – Lobby – North Attleboro Branch
  • 12:00-4:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Franklin Branch
  • 1:00-2:30pm – Jumparoo and Tattoos – Foxboro Branch
  • 1:00-4:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 2:00-3:00pm – Pumpkin Splash – Sign-up with fee here – Foxboro Branch
  • 3:00-4:00pm – Pumpkin Splash – Sign-up with fee here – Foxboro Branch

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

  • 12:00-4:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Franklin Branch
  • 1:00-2:00pm – Family Swim – Family Pool – Foxboro Branch
  • 2:00-3:00pm – Pumpkin Splash – Sign-up with fee here – North Attleboro Branch
  • 3:00-4:00pm – Pumpkin Splash – Sign-up with fee here – North Attleboro Branch


We hope you have a great time celebrating National Family Week! Thank you for having fun and being part of our Y family.

Posted on: Tuesday, August 16th, 2022

Annual Campaign Event held September 15

We held our annual Campaign Breakfast on September 15th at the Gillette Stadium Putnam Club in Foxborough.

Eric Kevorkian, chair of our Board of Directors provided welcoming remarks and noted, “This annual gathering of caring, compassionate members of our community never fails to inspire me, and never fails to remind me of why I’m involved and why what the Y does is so important.”

Our YMCA is more than a place; it is a cause that is committed to strengthening communities. This annual fundraising campaign, known as Reach Out, ensures we continue to address diverse, emerging, and critical human needs across the 15 communities we serve.

Special guest speakers included YMCA friend Norm Bossio and YMCA member Nadine Bullock. Norm shared, “For over 50 years, the Hockomock Area YMCA has had a vision. You’re here today to help with that vision.” During his remarks, Bossio credits his YMCA experiences in his youth for making a difference in his life and making it his mission to continue to help and inspire others.

Board of Director Mary Clermont, our Y’s immediate past chair, commented, “The Hockomock Y is our home and it’s our community. Charity starts here today. People need help and together, we can impact the lives of so many in our community.”

Y member Nadine Bullock addressed the crowd and sharing her own family’s personal YMCA story saying, “The YMCA does a lot of good for a lot of people. I am one of those people as well.” The Bullock family received a scholarship for their children to attend summer camp sharing, “My children needed to have fun in a place with understanding, helpful people. They needed to be doing fun things for the sake of childhood itself and to experience joy and laughter. Thank you to all the people who have made camp possible for our family and to each of you for considering a scholarship donation.”

Our Board of Directors issued a $50,000 challenge to event attendees, matching all leadership gifts of $500 or more. Vice Chair of the Y’s Board of Directors Farzin Karim shared her own personal story, “I benefited because someone just like one of you in this room, made a donation to the Y and allowed me to experience camp for a couple of weeks at a local YMCA. And in that experience at the Y, it changed my life. You have an opportunity to change someone’s life this morning and make a difference.”

Our goal is to raise $1.4 million for this year’s campaign. The Breakfast event raised $203,000, bringing the total raised to-date to $1.2 million for this year’s campaign. To make a gift or learn how you can volunteer, visit www.hockymca.org/give

Jim Downs, our CEO thanked attendees for being at this event, believing in and supporting the Y’s mission saying, “Thank you for your trust in our Hockomock Area YMCA. For the last 5 decades, you’ve trusted us to be here when kids and families needed us most and be that critical community safety net. Our Hockomock Area YMCA is something you can always count on.”

The Y provides a safety net for thousands of individuals and families facing challenges. The Y encourages members, volunteers, neighbors and friends in the community to join them in making a gift and raising funds to provide confidential scholarship assistance and program subsidies for those facing challenges. The essence of Reach Out and a cornerstone of the Y’s mission is that nobody is turned away because of inability to pay.

Posted on: Friday, July 1st, 2022

Preventing Diabetes is Possible. We Can Help

Diabetes is a serious condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Currently, diabetes affects more than 29 million people.

Prediabetes may be reversible; diabetes has no cure.

The Hockomock Area YMCA runs a Diabetes Prevention Program designed to support adults that are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce their risk for developing the disease. Classes currently enrolling for the Fall. Virtual & in-person options are available.

This 1-year program, consisting of 25 sessions, provides a welcoming environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity. The classroom-based program is facilitated by a Y-USA trained facilitator at the Hockomock Area YMCA which has facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro and Franklin.

To learn more about the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and other Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle Programs, please contact donnah@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5271.

Individuals are encouraged to assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes.

Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is helping to improve health through their Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyles program which includes the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program. These supportive, small group physical activity programs are making a positive difference in the lives of individuals diagnosed with or at risk of a chronic disease.

Making lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:

Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
Choose fish, lean meats and poultry without skin.
Aim for whole grains with every meal.
Be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week.
Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.
Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.