By Geena Monahan-For the North Star Reporter
There was a sense of excitement in the air at the Hockomock YMCA branch on Oct. 27, as community leaders, donors and families celebrated the start of a major renovation project aimed at expanding its early education and child care center.
The project promises to increase capacity for local families and create a new home for the YMCA’s Social Action Services Resource Center. Social Action Services offers a range of community services, including food assistance, financial education, mental health referrals and scholarship opportunities.
“There’s nothing more important than investing in the future of this region — and the YMCA is doing that once again, guided by its values and mission to help people.”
-STate Sen. Paul Feeney
Construction is set to begin soon and take about a year to complete. No existing structures will be torn down, and childcare services will continue throughout the process.
Regis Schratz, chair of the Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors, opened the ceremony by describing it as an exciting new chapter for the Y in terms of service, impact and community.
“We’re here, not just to break ground on bricks and mortar, but to build on a vision,” said Schratz. “A vision that every child deserves a safe, nurturing place to learn and grow. And a vision that families should have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
Once renovations are complete, the center will be able to accept infants and serve more children through pre-kindergarten in its early education program. Currently, children have to be at least 15 months old to attend. Capacity will increase from 70 children to 106.
State Sen. Paul Feeney attended the ceremony, praising the YMCA’s efforts to address local challenges by providing high-quality, affordable childcare and education resources.
“There’s nothing more important than investing in the future of this region — and the YMCA is doing that once again, guided by its values and mission to help people,” said Feeney. “Through its Social Action Services, the Y is meeting families where they are, addressing food access, financial literacy and providing transformational services that create a foundation for lifelong success.”
Lead project donors – the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation and Dave and Anne Doran – also took part in the ceremony, along with Hockomock YMCA CEO Jim Downs and other local officials and community members.
Michele Roberts, chair of the Bristol County Savings Foundation, spoke of the foundation’s long-standing relationship with the Y, and how its $250,000 donation for the new childcare center will benefit the community as a whole.
“The bank and our foundation have a deep and enduring relationship with the Hockomock Area YMCA, building the partnership with shared values and common purpose of strengthening families, supporting children and building healthier, more connected communities,” said Roberts. “This project perfectly reflects our focus on education and critical community needs, and we can’t wait to see it come to life.”
Dave Doran, a lifelong YMCA member, shared how his family’s connection to the North Attleborough branch spanned generations – from his children to his grandchildren. For him, supporting the expansion as a lead donor feels like a full-circle moment and continuation of that legacy.
Downs, who was recently promoted to CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA in 2022 after more than three decades as chief operating officer, closed with remarks on how this event showcased the Y’s continued passion and purpose in strengthening surrounding communities.
“When we invest in children and families, we’re not just building facilities, we’re building a stronger, brighter future for everyone,” said Downs. “From our childcare renovation to our creation of our new resource center, it’s that belief in action.”