Free lunch program for summertime on Tues-Weds-Thu at Bellingham Library

Franklin Food Pantry in collaboration with the Hockomock YMCA:

Get the kids out of the heat and join us at Bellingham Public Library for a free lunch!

Free lunch program for summertime 

We've partnered with @hockomockymca provide no-cost lunches to children (age 18 and under) and their caregivers on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

The program runs through August 14, 2025, and there is no paperwork or registration – just show up and enjoy a free lunch.

Additional no-cost lunch sites are at Memorial School in Milford (M, T, W, Th, and F from 11 AM to 12:30 PM), and the Jackson Elementary School in Plainville (T and Th, 12:15 to 1 PM).

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLQS6RXxr4w/

Free Summer Lunches for Youth Return to Local Communities

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to announce the return of its Free Summer Lunch Program, providing nutritious meals to youth ages 1–18 at multiple locations across the region. 

This initiative, part of the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to food access and community well-being, ensures that children and families have access to healthy meals throughout the summer months when school is not in session.

 Free Summer Lunches for Youth

Beginning the week of June 23, free lunches will be available at the following sites: 

• Memorial Elementary School – Milford

12 Walnut Street, Milford, MA

Monday through Friday | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

June 23 – August 15

• Bellingham Public Library

100 Blackstone Street, Bellingham, MA

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

June 24 – August 14

• Jackson Elementary School – Plainville

68 Messenger Street, Plainville, MA

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM

June 24 – August 14

No registration is required, and all children and teens are welcome to participate.

A free lunch will be given to each child and the adult accompanying them. Meals are served in a safe, welcoming environment, and families are encouraged to attend together.

“This program is about more than just food—it’s about community,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “We are proud to partner with local schools and libraries to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer.”

The Summer Lunch Program is part of the YMCA’s broader food access efforts, which include weekly food distribution and year-round support for families facing food insecurity. For more information, visit https://www.hockymca.org/summer-lunch-program.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement:

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. 

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW 

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

With Summer Around The Corner, Water Safety Should Be Top of Mind

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to get warmer, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. We are sharing these tips on how children can stay safe in and around water.

Tip #1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water. 

Tip #2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children swim, ensure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Tip #3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip #4: Don’t engage in breath-holding activities.

Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Tip #5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

Tip #6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

Tip # 7: Use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool covers, and alarm systems to help prevent children from accessing water unsupervised. 

Water safety isn’t just during swim time. Know the five layers of protection which include: barriers & alarms, supervision, water competency, life jackets and emergency preparation. You never know which layer will save a life.

Tip #8: Prepare for emergencies by making sure everyone in your home takes water safety, first aid and CPR Courses. 

Training in lifesaving skills such as lifeguarding and CPR presents opportunities for us all to take greater responsibility for ourselves and others. The Hockomock Area YMCA offers lifeguard and CPR training programs with full certification. We also babysitting courses and first aid training. The Hockomock Y is offering lifeguard certification courses.  Visit www.hockymca.org and select Register for Programs.   

All of the Hockomock Y’s water safety tips are located on the Y’s website: www.hockymca.org/water-safety-tips/

 

With Summer Around The Corner, Water Safety Should Be Top of Mind

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. The Y continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose from, including swim lessons for all ages, water fitness classes, competitive swimming, and family swim times. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover costs. 

The Hockomock Y is enrolling swim lessons starting May 12th for Summer! To learn more, visit: https://www.hockymca.org/summer-classes/

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation, and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit www.hockymca.org/our-cause/

Voices of Franklin: Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention

As adults, perhaps our biggest responsibility in our lifetime is to protect our children, and the uncertainty of the world today has made that more important now than ever before. 

As part of our commitment to social responsibility to the communities we serve, the Hockomock Area YMCA, along with YMCAs throughout Massachusetts and across the nation will be sponsoring Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention, a campaign committed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take an active role to protect children from sexual abuse.  Please visit one of our three branches to pledge to take action to protect kids all year long.

Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention

While child protection is our Y’s number one priority every day, this critical campaign will run April 21st through April 25th as we approach summertime, and will shine a collective spotlight on how everyone can do something to prevent child sexual abuse. 

Our Y will share information and resources each day to our members and community partners about how adults can prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse situations to keep children safe.

Statistics from Praesidium and the CDC indicate that 1 in 20 boys and 1 in 4 girls in the United States are sexually abused, typically by someone they know and trust. Child sexual abuse is happening regardless of age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic class.

But these are not just numbers. Behind every number is a child, a child who has been robbed of their innocence. A child whose life will forever have been changed by the heinous act of an adult. We owe it to our children, and we owe it to their future, to do better. 

Help us prevent child sexual abuse through Know, See, Respond.  When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations on how we can all work together to prevent it from happening. Please join our YMCA to spread important awareness and resources with your social networks and family and friends around this devastating epidemic.

Our YMCA is proud to partner and collaborate with school systems, municipalities and other human service organizations throughout our service area to help bring awareness, education and training regarding this issue. We remain committed to this collaborative cause and our effort to be part of a community-based prevention movement.  

Our YMCA was awarded Praesidium Accreditation® in 2024 by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management.  To achieve accreditation, our Hockomock Area YMCA underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas within our business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. 

 

Praesidium then verified our Y’s successful implementation of these standards. The Hockomock Y will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate our commitment to protecting those in our care from abuse.  We are proud to be one of three YMCAs in Massachusetts to reach this status and look forward to helping mentor other YMCAs in their process of becoming accredited.

As responsible adults, we need to give children a happy, healthy and safe childhood. Our world needs them, and they need us. Let’s give them the childhood they deserve.    

Jim Downs
CEO, Hockomock Area YMCA

Register NOW: SAFE / Hockomock YMCA 3rd Annual Charity Pickleball Tournament scheduled for May 17

SAFE / Hockomock YMCA 3rd Annual Charity Pickleball

Registration is open for the SAFE / Hockomock YMCA 3rd Annual Charity Pickleball Tournament! 

Sign up today -- your registration supports youth scholarships, summer camp, mental health and recovery services, and more for families across Franklin and beyond. 

Registration link ->   https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/3rd-annual-hockomock-y-safe-coalition-charity-pickleball-tournament-1

Saturday, May 17, at Franklin YMCA

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhF7EcRrvd/

Flag Football Tournament centerpice of Franklin Fest hosted by Dean Students - April 6 (audio)

FM #1415 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1415 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Quinten Jones, originally from Winchester, VA and a senior at Dean College.  We had our discussion in person in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Friday, March 21, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• The course requirements to prepare and conduct an event

• Flag football tournament chosen

• Hockomock YMCA in Franklin to benefit from proceeds

• Fun family day with food and other activities 

The recording runs about 12 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1415-franklin-fest-centers-on-flag-football-tournament-03-21-25/

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As part of our Event Management & Operations class, we are tasked with planning and executing a successful event—and we’d love for you to be a part of it! All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Franklin YMCA!

Dean's Franklin Fest scheduled for April 6

Help us make this event a success—sign up or donate using the website link or QR codes on the flyer! 

📅 April 6, 2025

⏰ 11 AM - 3 PM

📍 Longley Field, 69 Maple Street, Franklin, MA

🏈 Flag Football Tournament

🎯 Fun games like Spike Ball, Cornhole & Connect 4

🎟️ 50/50 Raffle & Giveaways

🍿 Concessions

For more information or any questions: https://franklinfest.wixsite.com/franklin-fest 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

YMCA holding auditions for performance of "Rock of Ages"

auditions for performance of "Rock of Ages"

Calling All Rock stars! Date: Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (by appointment)  

Location: Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom St, Mansfield, MA Contact Emily at emilyh@hockymca.org for more info or Sign up Now at https://qrcodes.pro/YNaDH9.

Shared from ->   https://x.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1903752385081598312

The Hockomock Area YMCA Held Its Reach Out Annual Campaign At Gillette Stadium

The Hockomock Area YMCA held its annual Campaign Breakfast, a long-standing tradition held at Gillette Stadium’s Putnam Club in Foxborough on March 14.  

The Hockomock Area YMCA is more than a place; it is a cause that is committed to strengthening communities. The Y’s annual fundraising campaign, known as Reach Out, ensures this non-profit organization continues to address emerging and critical human needs across the 15 communities they serve.

Farzin Karim

Farzin Karim, chair of the Board of Directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA provided welcoming remarks and shared her personal story of receiving a scholarship to attend the Y as a young girl. “I attended YMCA summer camp and I was in an environment where I felt safe, welcomed and where I could make friends, have fun, and just be a kid. This experience was life-changing,” said Farzin. “The Y was there in my time of need. And that is why we are all here this morning, to be there for someone else’s time of need.”

Angela Davis, member of the Board of Directors shared, “Last year, our YMCA provided $3.9 million in confidential financial assistance, providing opportunities for people in need to participate at our Hockomock Y.  Additionally, 25,000 meals and 25,000 bags of groceries were distributed in 2024.  These numbers are staggering and the need continues to grow in our communities.”

Maddie Frechette

Long time member Maddie Frechette shared her impactful YMCA story remarking, “My journey at the Y is one I hold onto tightly and has been so monumental to the trajectory of my career and my life.”  Maddie’s has been a Y member, part-time staff member and the 2020 YMCA/Dean College scholarship recipient. Frechette added, “None of this – my education, my career path or the person I have become -is possible without the Y.  The Reach Out Campaign is more than just fundraising. It’s about creating opportunities, opening doors, and giving kids the same type of support, foundation, and encouragement I was so fortunate to have.  When we support the Y, we’re helping to shape futures, build confidence and change lives. I know this personally, because it changed mine.”

Other YMCA members receiving financial assistance shared their stories of how the Y has impacted their lives. The Hockomock Y’s Board of Directors issued a $50,000 challenge to event attendees, matching all leadership gifts of $500 or more at the event.

Jim Downs, Hockomock Area YMCA CEO thanked attendees for being at the event,

believing in and supporting the Y’s mission saying, “The needs in our community continue to grow and our YMCA will always be here to meet them. As you leave today, take with you the responsibility to be a bridge for those in need. If you know of an individual or family facing hardship, please reach out to our Y. Thank you for choosing to make an impact and thank you for being here today.”  

The Hockomock Y’s goal is to raise $1.5 million for this year’s campaign. The Breakfast event raised $227,500, bringing the total raised to date to $469,000 for this year’s campaign.  To make a gift or learn how you can get involved, visit www.hockymca.org/give

The Hockomock 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 financial assistance to those facing challenges.  The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of the community it serves.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit www.hockymca.org/our-cause/

The story of Nicole and her family , an example of how the Hockomock Y helps folks in need (video)

"Watch the moving story of Nicole and her family.  

We will always be here to help individuals and families in need of an immediate safety net through our annual Reach Out Campaign.  

https://t.co/TrPl6wITph #BeCauseY #YForAll #ReachOut"

Shared from -> https://x.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1900540007242150024? 

Maddie Frechette, commencement speaker for the Dean College Class of 2024 also told her story as part of the event on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Maddie Frechette shares her story

Hockomock Area YMCA announces Franklin Running Club starts on March 5th for ages 10-12 and 13+

 Franklin Running Club starts on March 5

Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted on Fri, Feb 14, 2025:

Franklin Running Club starts on March 5th for ages 10-12 and 13+. Coached by Dean College's Larry Thode, retired Cross Country Coach!

Register at https://t.co/6LHj1OZjOy.

Shared from -> https://t.co/vUeoB9IrXo

YMCA Special Event: Supporting Children With ADHD & Executive Functioning Challenges - Jan 29

a free presentation with Dr. Phillip Allessi

"On Wednesday, January 29, we will be offering a free presentation with Dr. Phillip Allessi. It begins at 6:00 PM and will take place at An Unlikely Story in Plainville. This is a free event but advanced registration is required." 

Registration -> http://bit.ly/HAYInfoWorkshop

Shared from ->   https://x.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1878611725710155785

Bernon Family Branch YMCA in Franklin is offering free 6-month memberships for Franklin teens

free 6-month memberships for Franklin teens

Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted Mon, Jan 06, 2025:

'‼️ Exciting news! ‼️ 

The Bernon Family Branch YMCA in Franklin is offering free 6-month memberships for Franklin residents ages 13-17. 

Get Moving. Get Connected. Stay Healthy.

 https://t.co/p4tGFctL3M #YMCA #TeenMembership #FranklinMA"

Shared from -> https://t.co/1RTZUNWHuv

Get your January 2025 guide to social resources from Hockomock Area YMCA

January 2025 guide to social resources

Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted Sat, Jan 04, 2025:

 

"Our Y is committed to connecting people to available local resources and social support services as part of our Social Action Services initiative.

You can also download our resource guide here: https://t.co/moKRBSXIUp"

 

Shared from -> https://t.co/JmlXIKBMMj

Hockomock Area YMCA Announces free teen memberships for Franklin Residents

The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin has received a grant from the Town of Franklin to provide a free 6-month membership to Franklin residents ages 13-17. These memberships will be available beginning in January 2025.    

Teens who fit this criteria are encouraged to visit the Y’s website at hockymca.org/teens-join-now for all the details. You may also visit the YMCA located at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin or call 508-528-8708 to learn more. 

“We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Town of Franklin and this incredible grant focused on the teen population,” says Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  “Together, with a shared purpose of enriching the quality of life in our communities, this grant will provide all Franklin teens access to our YMCA with a wide range of opportunities including physical fitness, social connections, service learning, leadership and so much more.” 

(L-R) Amy Frigulietti, Scott Martin and Jamie Hellen

This free 6-month membership will allow Franklin teen residents the opportunity to use the Bernon Family Branch to its fullest with access to the full-service facility including the health & wellness center for cardio and strength training, the gymnasium, the indoor pool & aquatics center, the indoor track and access to all group exercise classes. Teens are encouraged to get connected and join the YMCA community today.

“We are proud to partner with the YMCA as a local leader focused on youth development,” says Jamie Hellen, CEO/Town Administrator of the Town of Franklin. “We are so grateful that the town of Franklin can partner with the Y to provide this grant funding so that more young people can become YMCA members and be part of a nurturing and safe community focused on active, healthy and connected lifestyles and habits.”

In addition to these facility features and member benefits, the Y offers many ways for teens to explore unique talents and interests and foster connections with friends through lifelong learning programs. “We have something for everyone at the Y. Teens are encouraged take an active role in strengthening community through joining our Teen Leaders Club. This is a free member benefit program focused on community service and youth empowerment.  We also offer Lift Club, a dynamic co-ed program that introduces teens to weight training and fitness. We will also be creating social opportunities at our YMCA including Saturday night events exclusively for teens,” adds Scott Martin, Senior Executive Director of the Y’s Bernon Family Branch. 

Teens enjoy the wellness center of the YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin

Please contact Kristin Torraco, Membership Director by phone at 508-528-8708 or email: kristint@hockymca.org. 

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Hockomock Area YMCA schedules "Fun With Santa Event" Friday, Dec 13

Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted  Fri, Dec 06, 2024:

"Fun With Santa Event! 🎅 Festivities include a meet & greet with Santa and photo opportunity, Holiday games & crafts (representing a variety of holidays), and a take home goodie bag.

Visit  https://bit.ly/HAYSantaFun to register."

Hockomock Area YMCA schedules "Fun With Santa Event" Friday, Dec 13

Shared from -> https://t.co/GmwK3pbNMP