Hockomock Area Y Receives Grant to Expand Successful Change

The Hockomock Area YMCA received a $20,000 grant from YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) to continue its efforts to help make the healthy choice, the easy choice for residents of the 15 local communities they serve.  

The Hockomock Area YMCA has participated in Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC) – part of the YMCA’s Healthier Communities Initiative – since 2007. The Y’s Healthy Futures Initiatives focus on making policy and environmental changes that support healthy lifestyles and are built on the concept that local communities can work together to give all community members healthy choices.  This grant, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was awarded to a total of 23 YMCA communities throughout the country, including the Hockomock Area YMCA, to expand their current work to advance high-impact policies.

“The Y is dedicated to strengthening community,” said Y President, Ed Hurley.  “Advancing our PHC work will help our families, friends and neighbors live their lives to the fullest potential. We are honored to be part of the growing movement of communities who are leading healthy change through policy strategies.”

The Hockomock Area YMCA applied for this grant and was selected after a competitive review process. The Y has engaged in Healthier Communities Initiatives by helping families put nutritious food on the table by bringing farmers markets with fresh fruits and vegetables to neighborhoods; making streets safe for pedestrians and cyclists through “complete streets” plans; giving parents peace of mind when they let their kids walk to school by creating safer routes; and keeping a generation of kids healthier by working with schools and to increase physical education and physical activity during the school day. These examples are just the beginning and this grant will help the Hockomock Area YMCA expand the wide scope of its impact on today’s youth.