Hello Project ABC Families,
October brings fall leaves, pumpkins, and more playgroups! We are so excited to be introducing a jam-packed playgroup schedule for the month of October! This will include a new outdoor education and literacy based playgroup "Little Explorers". We will be offering three sessions each in Natick and Hopkinton. The group is geared for children 3-5, if you have a younger child you think might want to tag along or be interested in participating email us so that we can make accommodations.
This month we will also have two events. We will host our StoryWalk Grand opening in Hopkinton at the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center behind the admin building. We will also be having a costume party at Busy Bees on October 30th.
As a reminder, caregiver café sessions will be hosted before or after select play, learn and grow groups. This is a chance for caregivers to get valuable insights into their child's development through resource referrals and the opportunity to take the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The ASQ can be accessible to families through our CFCE at any time online or in person.
See you at playgroup!
Ashleigh O'Halloran
Project ABC Director
CFCE Coordinator
MetroWest YMCA
508-665-1266
Recycled Materials
We're collection recycled materials! Check out this list of materials that we can repurpose for playgroup activities and more:
- Paper towel rolls
- Toilet paper rolls
- Clean yogurt containers
- Bubble Wrap
- Egg cartons
- Clean pasta sauce jars
Our friends at Natick Service Council also collect in-kind donations of things like nonperishable food and clothes. Can't make it to there drop off? Bring donations to our playgroups and we will transport it to NSC! Learn more at https://natickservicecouncil.org/in-kind-donations/
Free Yard Signs!
Ask us about our yard signs! If you love our programs, help us connect more families to resources, education, and playgroups by putting up a Project ABC yard sign! You can ask for signs at playgroup or email aohalloran@metrowestymca.org.
Want to learn more about how you can support Project ABC? Visit Projectabc.org
What's happening at the YMCA?
ASQ/Developmental Screening
Are you curious about your child's development? Are you worried your child may be behind in certain areas due to COVID-19, like speech, physical ability, social skills, and/or problem-solving skills?
The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is designed to help families gain a snapshot of their child's development and address any potential areas of growth. Click the icon to learn more!
Holliston Youth and Family Services
Holliston Youth and Family Services is dedicated to providing inclusive behavioral health support and resources that nurture the unique needs of children and families in Holliston.
Overview of HYFS
At Holliston Youth and Family Services, we are proud to provide a comprehensive range of counseling services.
These services include:
- Short-term counseling services to better understand presenting issues and receive recommendations
- Consultation & Support for schools, and community agencies
- iDecide (Drug Education Curriculum: Intervention, Diversion, and Empowerment)
- SPACE program: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions
- Court Diversion
- Therapeutic groups
- Service Navigation and Coordination of Care
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
The Department of Early Education and Care's mission is to support the healthy growth and development of all children by providing high quality programs and resources for families and communities.
Project ABC is an EEC grant funded program serving families in Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, and Natick
Learn More about the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant
