NEWS & UPDATES
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Posted on: Thursday, May 21st, 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

 🥪 Come As You Are

There’s no cost, no sign-up, and no barriers—just a simple invitation: come eat with us. Whether you stay to connect with friends or grab your lunch to go, you’re always welcome here.

 ☀️ 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: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA event

Our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Celebration event will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. 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.

WEDNESDAY, 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: Thursday, April 30th, 2026

Build Confidence & Play This Summer

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

REGISTER TODAY

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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: 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 8th, 2026

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

  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: Wednesday, April 1st, 2026

Annual Meeting

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

5:00 p.m.

Lake Pearl

299 Creek Street
Wrentham, MA
Reception with hors d’oeuvres immediately following

RSVP by May 5th to realimpact@hockymca.org or 508-643-5220.

Join us for a special evening dedicated to celebrating our incredible members, volunteers, partners and the communities we serve. We are all in, all together in strengthening community.

Congratulations to this year’s Award Recipients!

Chair’s Award
Greater Boston Food Bank

Don Rodman Character Counts Award
MetroWest Health Foundation

Red Triangle Awards
Ed Kinsley
Christina LaRose
Milford Youth Center

Youth of the Year Awards
Jerome and Juliano Abdelmalak
Cally Amara
Camden Vialpando

Dean College/YMCA Scholarship Recipient
Reina Batista

Watch our 2025 Annual Meeting Recap Video

To connect with a staff member about this event, please contact us at realimpact@hockymca.org or 508-643-5220.

Posted on: Monday, March 9th, 2026

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 20 – 24, 2026:

  • 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, Dance and Swim Camp. Click on the link above to get all the details.

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 and Swim Camp. Click on the link above to get all the details!

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 and Swim Camps. 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 three day course – happening Tuesday, April 21 through Thursday, April 23. Learn more and Register

Posted on: Sunday, February 15th, 2026

Spring Sports Leagues Registration

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 9 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 14, 2026; no meetings: April 23-26 or May 22-24), costing: $88 member / $119 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 $117 member / $152 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, and t-ball, with different options available depending on the location. Each meeting will run for 45 minutes and the cost is $80 member / $160 non-member. No uniforms are provided.

Family-type members, you receive FREE enrollment for Spring Sports Leagues (excludes League Prep programs)! Please see your 1/30/26 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!

Posted on: Wednesday, February 11th, 2026

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 upcoming LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes starting the week of March 30.

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: Friday, January 23rd, 2026

March Basketball (YBL) Extension Enrolling Now

Are you ready to take your basketball game to the next level?

March YBL Extension accepting sign-ups!

Quick note: Keep the Momentum Going! Join us for an additional 4-5 weeks of basketball excitement! Kids will further develop their skills with engaging drills and mini scrimmages. Enroll now! The YBL Extension will take place on Saturdays in Foxboro or Franklin, and Sundays in North Attleboro, starting the weekend of February 28, 2026.

The information below relates to the YBL Program currently underway:

Saturdays where basketball was born—right here at the Y!

Give your child (ages 3–Grade 4) a fun, skill-building experience:

  • Skills and Drills: Boost dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense
  • Fundamentals: Learn the core principles from experienced coaches
  • Scrimmages and Games: Apply skills in real-game play and teamwork

Youth Basketball Leagues (YBL) – Grab a Roster Spot!

  • Season Dates: December 13, 2025 – February 7, 2026
  • Ages: Starting at age 4 through Grade 4 (varies by branch)
  • See below for additional programs for age 3
  • Open to all skill levels – non-members welcome!
  • Cost: $88 for members | $119 for non-members

Member Savings Tip

Family-type members enrolling in YBL are eligible for a special promo code—check your email or ask Member Services for help! With the code, you’ll only pay for the t-shirt uniform, making it an even better value to get your child in the game.

Don’t miss this exciting chance for your child to build skills, make friends, and have fun on the court!
Register today and get ready to play!

REGISTER: YBL

Preseason clinics

Basketball Prep for Age 3 – Join the Fun!

Is your 3-year-old ready to get in the game? Our Basketball Leagues Prep class introduces young players to the basics—dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, and simple game play—in a fun, parent/child format.

Class Details:

  • Same days as YBL, kicking off first thing in the morning
  • Cost: $80 for members | $160 for non-members
  • Promo codes do not apply

REGISTER: YBL PREP (AGE 3)

Help your child build confidence and skills for future league play—register 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

 508.408.7970