NEWS & UPDATES
the North Attleboro Y

All that’s happening at the North Attleboro Y.

Posted on: Sunday, June 21st, 2026

Operation Backpack

Our YMCA Backpack Drive provides school supplies and backpacks for children across the Hockomock area, helping them start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Each backpack is filled with more than just supplies—it represents encouragement, opportunity, and hope for a successful year ahead. The children in our community need our support now more than ever.

Having access to proper supplies is an integral part of a student’s success. Together we work to make sure that kids have the tools they need to start the upcoming school year off right. If you are in a position to help, we will be so grateful. Please donate to our 11th annual Hockomock Area YMCA Backpack Drive.

New supplies and backpacks are requested now through August 14th.

Supplies that are needed include:

  • backpacks for Pre-K, elementary, middle school and high school age students
  • lunch boxes for all age students
  • pencil cases for all age students
  • binders
  • notebooks
  • folders
  • pencil cases

WAYS TO HELP:

Sponsor our Backpack Drive

Our goal is to provide 3,000 fully stocked backpacks to students residing in each of the 15 towns served by the Hockomock Y. Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to email backpacks@hockymca.org or click the link below.

SPONSOR THE DRIVE

Order items from our Amazon wish list

Your items will be sent directly to our YMCA.

AMAZON WISH LIST

Donation bin locations

Items not shipped to us directly from the above Amazon link may be dropped off at collection sites at our Hockomock Area YMCA lobbies during normal business hours. We also encourage donations at Lenore’s Pantry & Market (451 Elm St. North Attleboro) during normal business hours. If donating at our Mansfield Arts & Education Center, please do so when dropping off or picking up your camper.

Host a Neighborhood Drive

If you have a high traffic business location and would like to host a bin or are willing to collect supplies from your neighborhood, please contact backpacks@hockymca.org.

Make an online donation

A donation of $50 will cover the cost of one fully stocked backpack. Please visit our donation page to complete a secure monetary donation of any size. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Volunteer to Assemble Backpacks

We are eagerly recruiting volunteers to help sort and stuff backpacks. Click on the link below to reserve your volunteer spot! Many hands make light work and we are grateful for your interest in helping. Adults are welcome to bring their supervised children. Students, you may also plan to bring community service forms for signing.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by the YMCA staff, program participants, partners and neighbors to provide kids the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared. Thank you in advance for your participation!

Posted on: Monday, June 15th, 2026

Rediscover Summer

OUR OUTDOOR POOLS & SPLASH PARKS WILL OPEN SAT. JUNE 20

Splash into Summer with your Hockomock Area YMCA!

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

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

FOXBORO

FRANKLIN

NORTH ATTLEBORO

*Splash Parks at our Foxboro and Franklin locations.

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

Members are welcome to bring guests with guest passes.

Please note: photo ID is required at every visit for non-members ages 18+.

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

Posted on: Friday, June 5th, 2026

Help Us Make A Splash

A PLACE TO PLAY. A PLACE TO BELONG.

A new Splash Park is coming to our Hurley Family Branch in North Attleboro, and we need your help to make it a reality.

Make your gift today and help create a place where children can play, families can connect, and memories can be made for generations to come. Our Member Campaign goal is $75,000, and every contribution brings us one step closer to making this vision a reality.

GIVE TODAY

Every gift makes a splash! We can’t do it without your help.

Soon, the sound of laughter and splashing water will fill the air as families gather in a welcoming environment where everyone belongs. Located adjacent to our Outdoor Aquatics Center, the Splash Park will feature accessible water play elements designed for children of all abilities. This vibrant community space will create opportunities for fun, connection, and active play for kids and families to make lasting memories together.

Thank you in advance for your generosity. Together we can bring this Splash Park to life for our members and our community.

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Fisher at katie@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Monday, June 1st, 2026

Build Confidence & Play This Summer

Summer Registration Is Open!
Classes run June 22 – August 23

REGISTER TODAY

.

At the Y, summer is more than fun—it’s a season for growth, confidence, and lifelong skills. From the pool to the gym and everywhere in between, our summer classes help kids try new things, stay active, and feel strong doing it.

Whether your child is splashing in the water for the first time or discovering a new favorite sport, we’re here to help them thrive—all summer long.

Our summer classes are designed to keep kids moving, learning, and smiling:

  • Swim Lessons & Swim Intramurals – Build confidence, strength, and essential water safety skills
  • Gymnastics – Balance, coordination, and confidence in every flip and climb
  • Sports Programs – Skill-building, teamwork, and positive competition
  • Dance & Fitness – Energy, expression, and movement that feels like fun

Programs are led by supportive YMCA staff who focus on encouragement, safety, and helping every child feel successful. Our summer session lasts 9 weeks, but we know many families travel during the summer. To keep things flexible, we charge summer program rates for just 7 weeks instead of the full 9.

National Water Safety Month | May
Phones down. Eyes up.™

Checking your phone can turn into a dangerous distraction—especially around water. We encourage families to always assign a Water Watcher: an adult whose only job is keeping eyes on children near the pool or waterfront.

Strong swimmers are safer swimmers—and learning starts here.

Make this the summer they grow.

Explore our full schedule of summer classes and find the right fit for your child. Spots fill quickly—jump in today.

Posted on: Monday, May 25th, 2026

Join Us for the 2026 Hockomock Area YMCA Golf Classic

A Day on the Green, A Gift to Our Community

There’s something special about a September morning on the course—the quiet anticipation at check-in, the first swings of the day, and the shared laughter that carries across the fairways. At the Hockomock Area YMCA Golf Classic, that sense of connection is matched by something even more powerful: a shared commitment to caring for our neighbors.

On Monday, September 14, 2026, we invite you to join us at the beautiful Wentworth Hills Country Club in Plainville, MA, for a day that blends camaraderie, competition, and community impact. Whether you’re a returning golfer or joining us for the first time, this is a day designed to be both memorable and meaningful.

REGISTER TO GOLF

More Than a Round of Golf

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with a continental breakfast, setting the tone for a relaxed and engaging day. Golfers will take to the course with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start, enjoying a thoughtfully curated experience that includes themed holes, complimentary food, and refreshing beverages along the way.

As the round concludes, we’ll gather together for a buffet lunch and awards celebration, sharing stories from the day and applauding the spirit of friendly competition.

Fueling More Than the Game

At the heart of the Golf Classic is a mission that extends far beyond the course. Every swing and every sponsorship supports the YMCA’s Food Access Programs, which help ensure that individuals and families across our community have reliable access to healthy, nourishing meals.

It’s a powerful reminder that when we come together—even for something as simple as a day of golf—we can help create lasting change.

Event Schedule

  • 8:00 a.m. – Check-in, registration, and breakfast
  • 9:00 a.m. – Shotgun start
  • 2:30 p.m. – Lunch and awards

Get Involved

There are many ways to be part of this special day:

  • Register to golf and enjoy a memorable experience on the course
  • Become a sponsor and align your name with meaningful community impact
  • Invite colleagues, clients, or friends to join you for a day of connection and purpose

Register to play or become a sponsor today: givebutter.com/2026golfclassic

Questions? Please contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or email patrickm@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Free Summer Lunches Are Back—Come Join Us!

Summer is a time for sunshine, play, and making memories—and thanks to the Hockomock Area YMCA, it’s also a time to make sure every young person stays nourished, energized, and cared for.

We’re excited to once again offer FREE summer lunches for youth ages 1–18 across our community. No registration, no hassle—just a welcoming place where kids and teens can grab a healthy meal and feel part of something good.

❤ Why It Matters

When school’s out, consistent meals can be harder to access. This program helps fill the gap—offering not just lunch, but connection, care, and support for every child.

 📍 Where to Find Us

We’re serving up smiles (and lunch!) at multiple convenient locations:

 📚  Bellingham Public Library
  • Mondays & Wednesdays | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • June 29 – August 12
  • 100 Blackstone St., Bellingham, MA
  🏫  Memorial School – Milford
  • Monday through Friday | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • June 29 – August 14
  • 12 Walnut St., Milford, MA
  🍽  Jackson Elementary – Plainville
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays | 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
  • June 23 – August 13
  • 68 Messenger St., Plainville, MA

 ☀️ Let’s Feed Our Community—Together

Programs like this are powered by a shared belief: that when we take care of our kids, we strengthen our entire community. So spread the word, invite a neighbor, and help us make this a summer full of nourishment, connection, and joy.

 🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

Want to get involved? Join the YMCA and our partners in Bellingham, Milford, and Plainville as we provide meals to local youth and families all summer long. Volunteers are needed for weekday, two-hour shifts, and all ages are welcome (ages 15 and under with an adult).

It’s a hands-on, meaningful way to connect with families, support fun activities, and make a real difference. Training is required—contact Alyson at alysond@hockymca.org to learn more.


Click here to view our USDA non-discrimination statement

Posted on: Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

Golf with Legends

Our Legends Golf Classic

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

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 17th 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

EVENT DETAILS

11:30am Registration & Driving Range Open
12:45pm Putting Contest & Remarks
1:00pm Shotgun Start (Lunch on the Course)
 TPC BOSTON, 400 Arnold Palmer Blvd, Norton, MA

For sponsorship or event inquiries, please contact Jim Downs at jim@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: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026

Grant from Sturdy Health to launch Pathways Forward Initiative at our YMCA

We’re honored to receive a two-year grant from Sturdy Health to create a new YMCA program, the Pathways Forward initiative, strengthening access to vital resources and supporting individual and family stability in our communities.

This investment will strengthen the infrastructure and capacity of our YMCA’s Social Action Services initative, allowing us to reach more individuals and families with the support they need to move forward. Building on our traditional programs like our A Place for All financial assistance, food access, and chronic disease as well as mental health resources, we’re expanding into educational workshops and classes that will provide people with the tools they need for long-term success. Through structured programs, ongoing check-ins, and measurable progress, we’re helping build stronger, more resilient communities.

“This grant from Sturdy Health to create Pathways Forward at our YMCA is transformational,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “It allows us to build on a strong foundation and evolve our work into a more coordinated, responsive system of care, one that not only meets immediate needs, but also creates pathways that ensure individuals and families can access the resources, tools and support they need—when they need them, to move forward with confidence.”

The Pathways Forward initiative will be implemented through our YMCA’s new Social Action Services Center at our Hurley Family Branch in North Attleboro, funded by the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, currently under development and expected to open in late 2026. The Center will serve as a centralized access point where community members can receive support, be connected to resources, and navigate services more readily.

The Initiative is designed to respond to the growing and increasingly complex needs of the community. In recent years, our YMCA has seen a 120% increase in financial assistance applications and now supports more than 10,000 individuals annually through scholarship, food access programming, mental health support and case management. Many families are navigating multiple challenges at once and our YMCA recognizes the need to approach supports for the whole family and whole household to help achieve stability.

Posted on: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026

Six Essential Water Safety Tips for National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month, and as families get ready for fun in the sun, the Hockomock Area YMCA is reminding parents and caregivers that water safety should be at the top of their summer checklist.

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1–14, but it’s also preventable. As one of the nation’s largest community-based providers of swim lessons and water safety programs, the Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to helping families keep kids safe in and around the water.

Swimming and playing in the water are wonderful ways for kids to stay active and create lasting summer memories, but safety always comes first. A few simple precautions can help prevent tragedies and ensure everyone has fun safely.

Water Safety Challenge: May 11–17

During this special week, gifts of $40 or more are matched dollar for dollar—up to $10,000 through the Moore Family Matching Challenge, helping provide swim lessons and water safety outreach for families who need it most. Give a skill for life.

GIVE TODAY

Water Smart Rule #1: Ask First, Splash Later

Always ask permission before getting in the water. Whether it’s a pool, lake, or even the bathtub – make sure you don’t splash without a grown-up’s go-ahead.

Why? Because while water is fun, it’s also very powerful.

Water Smart Rule #2: Find Your Water Watcher.

Every swim session needs a designated Water Watcher.
That means: no phones, no books, no distractions – just eyes on the water. Kids? Teens? Adults? Everyone needs supervision!

Water Smart Rule #3: Buddy Up or Dry Out.

The Buddy System isn’t just for field trips; it’s for every swimming session. No one swims alone. So be sure to:

  • Pick your buddy.
  • Stick together.
  • Stay safe.

Water Smart Rule #4: Suit Up Like a Pro.

  • Sunscreen?
  • Swimsuit?
  • Coast Guard-approved life jacket?

Fashion tip: Safety never goes out of style.

Water Smart Rule # 5: Don’t Hold Your Breath (literally).

Breath-holding contests? Yeah, let’s not.

They might seem like harmless fun, but breath-holding games in the water can be seriously dangerous, even for strong swimmers.

Holding your breath too long can lead to shallow water blackout, a silent and sudden emergency that can happen without warning.

At the Y, we teach that water safety isn’t just about swimming, it’s about smart choices. So, skip the contests, and keep the fun safe for everyone.

Water Smart Rule #6: Know What to Do (Before You Need To).

Emergencies don’t wait. Learn how to recognize signs of distress, call for help, and respond calmly. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling – use a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety.

Bonus: Take a CPR or water safety class at your local Y, because heroes aren’t born, they’re trained.

🏊‍♀️

The Hockomock Area YMCA offers swim lessons and water safety programs year-round to help children and families gain the skills and confidence they need to stay safe. To learn more, contact your local YMCA’s director of aquatics (see below), or to enroll your child, click below.

ENROLL TODAY

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: Kaylea Sherman kayleas@hockymca.org

Posted on: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026

Lenore’s Pantry & Market in North Attleboro

What a meaningful day for our community!

We were honored to celebrate the ribbon cutting of North Attleborough’s new Health & Human Services Complex at 451 Elm Street on Friday, April 17—a space built to support our neighbors.

The site will also be home to Lenore’s Pantry & Market, a welcoming, community-based food pantry & market focused on improving food security and access for our community. It will be proudly operated by our YMCA in collaboration with the town and in honor of Lenore Paquin. Her legacy lives on through service rooted in dignity, hope, and compassion.

The Pantry is open for patrons beginning May 5. We look forward to welcoming you!

VISIT THE WEBPAGE

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

MEMBERSHIP
COMMUNITY
CAUSE
CAREERS

MY ACCOUNT

Privacy Policy

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

BERNON FAMILY BRANCH

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA 02038

 508.528.8708

INVENSYS FOXBORO BRANCH

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA 02035

 508.543.2523

HURLEY FAMILY BRANCH

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760

 508.695.7001

MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER

40 Balcom Street
Mansfield, MA 02048

 508.408.7970