Showing posts with label ymca. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ymca. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Friday, October 18, 2024

Hockomock Area YMCA schedules Spooky Games - Oct 18


Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted:

 

"Join us tomorrow night for our annual Spooky Games event at our Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro branches, from 6:30-8 PM! 
It will be a spooktacular night! "
https://t.co/XSjFjoavFe


Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Spooky Games "The Monster Mash" scheduled for Oct 18 at the YMCA

Spooky Games "Monster Mash" scheduled for Oct 18 at the YMCA
Spooky Games "The Monster Mash" 

 

"Spooky Games - Open to the Community, Costumes are welcomed and encouraged! Oct 18th, 6:30-8pm. 
The theme for the night is “Monster Mash!” No registration required."



Monday, September 16, 2024

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are issuing a $25,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Food Access program, a part of the Y’s annual Reach Out Campaign. The Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation will match every donation made September 14 - 21 up to $25,000. 

The Hockomock Y’s Reach Out program provides confidential YMCA scholarships and program subsidies to people in need to experience the YMCA. These offerings include child care, camp, the food access program, and programs like swim, sports and gymnastics as well as adult chronic disease programs.

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough
Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough

As a non-profit organization, the Hockomock Area YMCA exists to help people be healthier, more confident and connected to each other and their communities. The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of its communities as individuals and families face financial struggles. In 2023, $3.3 million was invested by the Hockomock Area YMCA to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive by providing scholarships to people in need in the Y’s 15 town service area to experience YMCA programs and services regardless of ability to pay.

“We are grateful to be part of communities full of caring people committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  “I am so proud of the work our Y continues to do in partnership with others to raise critical funding for our annual Reach Out Campaign.  Funds raised allow our Y to be here when people need us most.  We are only able to do this through the philanthropic support of a caring community.”

“Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate, steadfast supporters of our YMCA and their generous challenge will help ensure that we continue to be here for our neighbors,” added Downs.   

The Spier family’s impact in our local communities runs deep.  Their legacy at the Hockomock YMCA includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers as well as the new splash park at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with Greg and Kathy’s parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier. 

Greg Spier shares, “One of my mentors is the late Don Rodman.  Don taught me the importance of being philanthropic. He always said how important it was to be philanthropic in the areas where we work and the areas where we live. What better place to be philanthropic in the area than at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The Y benefits thousands of children and families and we’re so proud to be a part of it.”  

“The Y is a fellowship that brings people together and provides joy to so many people,” says Kathy Spier.  “As our father Alex always said, we want to leave the world a better place and that’s what we are going to do.  Please make a gift to the Hockomock Y between September 14 and 21 and we will proudly match it as part of this giving challenge.” 

“Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for making a gift and for your generous support,” says Greg Spier.

Every gift matters. To learn more about this challenge and ways to make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/spier-challenge

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

About 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.

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Hockomock Area YMCA shared their set of resources for September 2024

resources for September 2024
resources for September 2024
Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted:
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

or directly -> https://hockymca.org/shared/docs/SAS-Community-Resources.pdf 

#MentalHealthMatters

Shared from -> https://t.co/gJMQUk3v3s



Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Hockomock Area YMCA schedules Financial Wellness Series for families of individuals with special needs

Financial Wellness Series for families of individuals with special needs
Financial Wellness Series 
Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted  Mon, Sep 09, 2024:

 

Join us for our upcoming Financial Wellness Series workshops for families of individuals with special needs!

REGISTER NOW - BIT.LY/3yQGoJa


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



Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Registration is open for our Spier Family 5K & Family Day; Y also looking volunteers to help with 5K event

(1) Registration is open for our Spier Family 5K & Family Day! Saturday, Sept. 14 at our Invensys Foxboro Branch 5K at 8am, Kids Fun Run at 9am, Family Day runs 8am-11am Register at: hockymca.org/5k-family-day

Registration is open for our Spier Family 5K & Family Day
Registration is open for our Spier Family 5K & Family Day


(2) We need your help! Reach out today to volunteer for our Spier Family 5K and Fun Day!  https://hockymca.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog/86


Y also looking volunteers to help with 5K event
Y also looking volunteers to help with 5K event

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Join Us: LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Benefit



Sunday, August 18, 2024

Hockomock Area YMCA Theatre presents "𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐃"

"Join us for 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐃 presented by our very own Hockomock Area YMCA Theatre program! 
"𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐃"
 "𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐃"

Join us on Saturday August 24th at 7 PM 
or Sunday August 25th at 1 PM.' 

Shared from -> https://x.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1824597118486495630

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Comedy fundraiser for the Hockomock YMCA - Sep 7 at Plainridge Park Casino

"Looking for a night out full of laughs? 
Join us for a night of non-stop hilarity at our comedy event, benefitting our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program  
Don't miss out on this unforgettable night! "
Tickets: https://ow.ly/jpu450SU9Nz
Comedy fundraiser for the Hockomock YMCA - Sep 7 at Plainridge Park Casino
Comedy fundraiser for the Hockomock YMCA - Sep 7 at Plainridge Park Casino


Monday, August 12, 2024

Hockomock Area YMCA Announces healthy living programs starting in September

Since 2010, The Hockomock Area YMCA has been facilitating the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program and they are pleased to announce new classes starting this September.   
Hockomock Area YMCA
Hockomock Area YMCA

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a no-cost, 12-week evidence-based physical activity and well-being program, designed for cancer survivors and their families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors. The goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. Certified YMCA fitness instructors give personal individualized instruction and are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise, nutrition, and supportive cancer care.  

The Hockomock Y’s Fall LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes will begin the week of September 9th:   
Bernon Family Branch 
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 
300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 
Day & Time: Mondays & Wednesdays: 10:30am-12:00pm

A survivor is defined from the point of cancer diagnosis through the balance of his/her life.  Are you a cancer survivor or know someone who is and could benefit from this no-cost program?  

Cancer survivors are encouraged to visit www.hockymca.org/new-livestrong-classes or contact Jackie Robison, Program Coordinator at 508-772-1310 or JackieR@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll.

Part of the Hockomock Y’s commitment to strengthening community through healthy living, the program offers adults affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. The Hockomock Area YMCA is enrolling now for upcoming LIVESTRONG at the YMCA sessions at their branches in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro.  Participants receive a free family membership to the Hockomock Area YMCA during the program.

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.

Monday, July 15, 2024

YMCA schedules Pickleball tournament fund raiser for Sunday, August 18

Via the YMCA:
Pickleball tournament fund raiser
Pickleball tournament fund raiser
Did someone say PICKLEBALL?! 
Come join us for a fun day of Pickleball benefitting our Reach Out Campaign!




Event located at the Hurley Family Branch in North Attleboro


Wednesday, July 10, 2024

The Hockomock Area YMCA Invites Businesses and Individuals to Pitch in and Support the Y’s 9th Annual Community Backpack Drive

Operation Backpack is now underway at the Hockomock Area YMCA and seeks the support of local businesses and individuals. Committed to building healthy, confident, connected, and secure children, the YMCA has a goal of providing fully stocked backpacks to the community before the fall school year begins. 
 
Operation Backpack
Operation Backpack

“Bringing together donors and volunteers to support area families in need reflects our Y’s commitment to serve and strengthen our communities,” says Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Having access to backpacks and supplies is integral to a student’s success. As many families in our area face financial difficulties, we want to make sure that all kids have the supplies they need to start the upcoming school year off right. Your support with this Backpack Drive will help children and neighbors in need in our 15 town service area.”  
 
New supplies and backpacks are requested now through August 9th. The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by YMCA staff, program participants, partners, and neighbors to provide kids with the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared. 

Donation bins are located at all Hockomock Area YMCA facilities: Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough; Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin; Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom Street, Mansfield; and Hurley Family Branch, 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro.  
 
Y’s 9th Annual Community Backpack Drive
Y’s 9th Annual Community Backpack Drive

Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or via email at patrickm@hockymca.org. Sponsorship levels range from $500, which will provide 20 backpacks to students in need, to Presenting Sponsor at $10,000, which is a giving level ensuring that 500 children will receive needed supplies. Be sure to inquire about all sponsorship levels by contacting the Y today. 

In addition to monetary donations, the Y is requesting the following supplies: backpacks for all ages including elementary, middle school, and high school, pencil boxes for all ages, binders, notebooks and folders. Complete details and how to help are available at hockymca.org/backpack-drive.  
 
About Hockomock Area YMCA: 
Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening the 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.  
 
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 hockymca.org.  

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Friday, June 7, 2024

Fire Explorer program to be established here in Franklin, get info at the Fire Station during Strawberry Stroll today

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire@FranklinMAfire) posted on Thu, Jun 06, 2024:
The Franklin Fire Department has teamed up with @HockomockYMCA and @MayflowerBSA to establish a Fire Explorer program in Franklin.  This program is for ages 14 -21.  
There will be an informational booth at the downtown Fire Station (40 West Central St.) tomorrow from 4pm-8pm.

Shared from -> https://t.co/4hEJrSEFro

Fire Explorer program to be established here in Franklin, get info at the Fire Station during Strawberry Stroll today
Fire Explorer program to be established here in Franklin, get info at the Fire Station during Strawberry Stroll today

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

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.

Hockomock Y
Hockomock Y

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 in June at their branches in Foxboro and Franklin. Visit www.hockymca.org and select Register for Programs.   

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

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 13th 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/

Monday, May 20, 2024

Healthy KP, Hockomock YMCA and SAFE Coalition to Host "Be Here Tomorrow" Speaker Event at Gillette Stadium on May 29

Superintendent Rich Drolet and Healthy KP Coalition Coordinator Oomiya Kawas are pleased to share that speaker Kevin Hines will be telling his story of hope, healing and resiliency at Gillette Stadium on May 29.

In 2000, Hines attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge at age 19. He survived the fall and ever since he has dedicated his life to advocating for those with mental pain and talking about the importance of mental health.

Kevin Hines will be speaking at the "Be Here Tomorrow" event at Cross Insurance Pavilion at Gillette Stadium on May 29. (Photo courtesy Kevin Hines)
Kevin Hines will be speaking at the "Be Here Tomorrow" event at Cross Insurance Pavilion at Gillette Stadium on May 29. (Photo courtesy Kevin Hines)

The event, entitled "Be Here Tomorrow" is being hosted by community partners Healthy KP, Hockomock Area YMCA and the SAFE Coalition and will be held at the Cross Insurance Pavilion at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough from 6:30-8:30 PM on Wednesday, May 29.

Registration for this free event is required and is open to community members over the age of 10. To sign up click here click here. Doors will open at 6 PM.

Media members are welcome to attend but must register with the event link. Photography is permitted, but videography is not. 

This event is being offered at no cost to the community due to the support and commitment to mental well-being provided by the host organizations.

"It is a priority of ours to advocate for the well-being of our students, which includes providing them with opportunities to learn how to utilize mental health resources," Superintendent Drolet said. "I'm hopeful that Kevin's story will encourage our school community to continue promoting stewardship of their own mental health."

The Healthy KP Coalition is a group of community volunteers dedicated to reducing substance use. Healthy KP’s mission is to empower the communities of Wrentham, Plainville and Norfolk to live a healthy, substance abuse-free life through youth leadership, education, policy, support and training. Healthy KP’s vision is a thriving community free of substance abuse. 

“Education, resources, and support around the importance of mental wellness and mental health is paramount to the reduction of substance abuse and the success of our community members. We want to empower our communities to live long, healthy lives where they are thriving, whatever that means to them," Healthy KP Coalition Coordinator Kawas said. "Kevin's story is deeply moving and powerful, and our community will become closer by witnessing his story together. His resilience reminds us of the importance of caring for our mental wellbeing, and believing that we can be here tomorrow.”


Saturday, April 13, 2024

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.

While child protection is our Y’s number one priority every day, this critical campaign will run April 15th through April 19th as we approach summertime, and will shine a collective spotlight on how everyone can do something to prevent child sexual abuse. 

Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention
5 Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention
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 February 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 part of the 24 YMCAs across the nation 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