NEWS & UPDATES
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Posted on: Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

Free Summer Lunch Programs

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

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

Free Summer Lunches for Kids Ages 18 and under

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

At Bellingham Public Library:

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

At Milford’s Memorial Elementary School:

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

At Plainville’s Jackson Elementary School:

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

Volunteer Opportunities

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

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

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

I’M INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING

If you have questions, please email Alyson Delano.

Posted on: Monday, May 12th, 2025

Summer Classes at Your YMCA

June 23 – August 24

Join us for Summer classes! Fun & Creative Activities for Youth Development are coming soon. Member registration is open and the session will start the week of June 23rd. (Non-member registration will begin Monday, May 19.) Don’t miss out.

Destination Summer at our YMCA! Build Confidence & Play This Summer.

REGISTER FOR CLASSES

Summer Session runs 9 weeks long. We know many families take summer vacations and may go out of town – we understand and want to provide some flexibility. That’s why our summer program rates are only for 7 weeks, instead of 9.

Summer Classes include: Swim Lessons, Gymnastics, Sports, Dance, Fitness & more!

Not a Y member? You can join today and save 50% on classes Click Here. The entire community is welcome to participate in our summer classes.

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

Posted on: Friday, May 9th, 2025

North Attleboro Gymnasium Hardwood Floor Work

BASKETBALL COURT CLOSURE & FLOOR REPAIR

We are making upcoming improvements and enhancements to our gymnasium at the North Attleboro Y.

As a result, we will close the gymnasium starting Monday, May 5. The gymnasium will reopen on Monday, May 12.

Repairs include:
Screen of the hardwood floors
Tack and finish of the hardwood floors

We encourage all members to use our gymnasiums in Franklin and Foxboro (indoor track too) during this closure & repair. Visit those branch pages for real-time schedules for open basketball times including pickleball and other gym activities.

Franklin Gymnasium Schedule

Foxboro Gymnasium Schedule

Thank you for your understanding as we make these improvements and enhancements.

See you on the court soon!

Posted on: Monday, April 28th, 2025

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA event

Our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Celebration event will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Please join us to celebrate impact and raise funding for our YMCA’s cancer survivorship program.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA empowers adult cancer survivors throughout our community to improve functional capacity and to enhance their quality of life through an innovative, research-based program of fitness, strength and support, provided by trained staff.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10th EVENT DETAILS

Lake Pearl

299 Creek Street in Wrentham, MA

5:30pm Cocktail Reception

6:30pm Program

Reception with hors d’oeuvres immediately following

RSVP for this event, email realimpact@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5220.

TO MAKE A GIFT

Our YMCA is creating communities among cancer survivors by guiding participants through safe physical activity, helping build supportive relationships and stress reduction. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants and their families a supportive environment and a feeling of community with other survivors, YMCA staff and members. Additionally, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is assisting participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Posted on: Saturday, April 26th, 2025

Food Access – Feeding & Caring For All

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

We have distributed more than 102,000 bags of food and served over 550,000 meals to those in need in our communities.

We are a proud partner of the Greater Boston Food Bank, dedicated to ensuring that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. To learn more or if you are in need of support, please contact foodaccess@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5277.

IF YOU ARE FACING FOOD INSECURITY, THE Y IS HERE TO HELP

Below is information on how the YMCA acts as an extension of the food pantry. Further down the page, you will also find details on how to volunteer and what pressing items we’re in need of from anyone who can donate. Food distribution is provided to all with no financial statements required.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

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

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

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

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

FUEL FOR THE WEEKEND PROGRAM

Our North Attleboro Y offers a Fuel for the Weekend program which provides weekend food bags for students (or children ages 3-18) to help fill the gap between school lunches on Fridays and school breakfast on Mondays. For more information, please email fuelfortheweekend@hockymca.org.

DONATE TO HELP US

We welcome donations including the following: oatmeal cups/packets, macaroni & cheese boxes/cups, granola bars (nut free whole grain preferred), applesauce or mandarin orange cups (no added sugar), whole grain crackers, tuna pouches in water (low sodium), Progresso chicken soup (low sodium), rice boxes/cups, Barilla Ready Pasta and pasta boxes.

Needed baby products include: size 4, 5 and 6 diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, and toddler puffs/snacks. All items can be dropped off in bins located inside the YMCA or for large donations please contact us if arranging a pickup is preferred. Click to see our food drive flyer

DONATE NOW

Other ways to help…

  • Donate the amount needed to fill a family-sized bag of groceries. Each bag given to prevent hunger is valued at $50. Visit hockymca.org/give.
  • Become a Volunteer – Join our team as a volunteer to help with food distribution, delivery or pantry operations. For more information, please email alysond@hockymca.org.
  • Run a food drive in your neighborhood. Take on the role of a “neighborhood captain” by adopting a street or neighborhood to mobilize a food collective drive. Select a pickup time a week or so in advance and ask neighbors to leave a bag or two of nonperishable food items outside their home or drop them at your residence — which you can bring to the Y.
  • Donate by shopping online from our Amazon wish list, click here.
  • Inquire about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org.

WE OFFER FREE SUMMER LUNCHES

Along with our many partners in our local communities, we offer free meals to kids ages 18 and under during the summer months at the following locations. This program is designed to help close the hunger gap children face during the summer and also includes activities, arts and crafts and special visitors throughout the summer. There is no sign up or registration required and the program is open to children in any community.

  • MILFORD’S MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Monday through Friday from 11:00am-12:30pm. (12 Walnut Street in Milford, MA)

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


Posted on: Monday, April 14th, 2025

Swim Lessons at the Y

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: Ken Follette at kenf@hockymca.org

SWIM STARTERS BABY & TODDLER LESSONS WITH PARENT

Parent/Child
6 Months – 3 Years

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Posted on: Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

Spring Sparkle – Sold Out!

The Hockomock Area YMCA is hosting a night of bling, bubbles and Bingo!

All proceeds will benefit
our Y’s Mental Health Initiative.

Thursday, May 1, 2025
Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street Wrentham, Mass.
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Bingo will begin at 7:00 pm

TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!

Due to the overwhelming response to this event, tickets are sold out and will not be sold at the door.

Must be age 21+ for admission.

Spring Sparkle Sponsorship Opportunities:

The purchase of event sponsorships will begin on March 12

Pizza Station Sponsor: $3,000

  • Your logo or name at the pizza station
  • Social media acknowledgement
  • 10 free drink tickets
  • All benefits of the Diamond Sponsor

Breads & Spreads Sponsor: $3,000

  • Your logo or name at the breads and spreads hors d’oeuvres station
  • Social media acknowledgement
  • 10 free drink tickets
  • All benefits of the Diamond Sponsor

Dessert Sponsor: $3,000

  • Your logo or name at the warm cookies and cold milk station
  • Social media acknowledgement
  • 10 free drink tickets
  • All benefits of the Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor: $1,500

  • Express check-out
  • Tabletop signage
  • Your logo or name on the program cover
  • Reserved table with 10 tickets
  • Complimentary bingo daubers

Bingo Game Sponsor: $1,000

Limited to 8 Sponsors

  • Recognition during the game
  • Tabletop signage
  • Your logo or name on the program cover
  • 4 tickets

Ruby Sponsor: $500

  • Tabletop signage
  • Your logo or name on the program cover
  • 2 tickets

Sapphire Sponsor: $250

  • Your logo or name on the program cover

For information about sponsorships or any questions, contact Amy Doyon at amyd@hockymca.org or 508-643-5232.

We look forward to welcoming you and your friends and neighbors to this fun event!

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:

REGISTER / BROWSE PROGRAMS @ FOXBORO

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:

REGISTER / BROWSE PROGRAMS @ FRANKLIN

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:

REGISTER / BROWSE @ NORTH ATTLEBORO

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, March 25th, 2025

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Classes

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a no-cost, 12-week program designed for cancer survivors and their families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors. Participants work with staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve goals such as building muscle mass & strength, increasing flexibility & endurance, and improving confidence & self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help participants improve confidence and self-esteem.

A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with a form of cancer in their lifetime.

Check out the locations, dates, and times of our current LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes.

Bernon Family Branch, Franklin

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA
Day & Time: Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:15pm-7:45pm
Day & Time: Wednesdays and Fridays: 10:45am-12:15pm

Invensys Foxboro Branch

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA
Day & Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:30am-12:00pm
Day & Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Hurley Family Branch, North Attleboro

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA
Day & Time: Mondays & Wednesdays: 10:30am-12:00pm

Participants receive a free family membership to the Hockomock Area YMCA during the program.

Cancer survivors are encouraged to contact Jackie Robison, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Director, at 508-772-1310 or jackier@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll. For additional information, click here.

When there’s the Y, there’s a way to learn about healthier living.


Inspiring Stories from Cancer Survivors

From gaining physical strength to finding encouragement along the way, community members share their journeys at the Y.

Posted on: Monday, March 17th, 2025

Register for Spring Sports Leagues

Make plans to join Y coaches for eight weeks of our popular Spring Sports Leagues!

Leagues and Prep-for-Leagues programs will start outdoors the weekend of April 11 at all Hockomock Y branches. Member and public rates are available and most leagues come free with a Family membership. Game on!

ENROLL: SOCCER

ENROLL: T-BALL / BASEBALL

ENROLL: NFL FLAG FOOTBALL

ENROLL: LEAGUES PREP FOR OUR YOUNGEST ATHLETES

Youth Soccer Leagues will run eight weeks (April 11-June 8, 2025; no meeting May 23, 24 or 25), costing: $84 member / $113 non-member / $25 family-type member with promo code. Participants will receive their uniforms after their first practice.

Youth Baseball Leagues will run during the same eight weeks: at the same cost as above.

Flag Football Leagues will also run the same weeks, but costing $138 member / $173 non-member / $40 family-type member with promo code. Participants will receive their uniforms after their first practice.

The Sports League Prep program, designed for younger athletes and those eager to try a new sport, will span eight weeks. Participate in soccer, flag football, t-ball, and cheerleading, with different options available depending on the location. Each meeting will run for 45 minutes and the cost is $76 member / $152 non-member. No uniforms are provided.

Family-type members, you receive FREE enrollment for Spring Sports Leagues (excludes League Prep programs)! Please see your email from Hockomock Area YMCA (the address associated with your YMCA membership) or call member services for the required promo code. Be prepared at checkout to pay uniform fees, which are excluded from the promotion. Those fees are $25 (soccer and baseball) or $40 (NFL flag football).

Questions? Please email your local YMCA

ENROLL TODAY!

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

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HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

BERNON FAMILY BRANCH

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA 02038

 508.528.8708

INVENSYS FOXBORO BRANCH

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA 02035

 508.543.2523

HURLEY FAMILY BRANCH

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760

 508.695.7001

MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER

40 Balcom Street
Mansfield, MA 02048

 508.339.3066