Committed to promoting healthy living for all, the Attleboro Y offers a variety of programs for those who suffer from or are at risk for developing specific chronic diseases.
Physician Referrals
Did you know that your doctor can refer you to the Y’s Chronic Disease Programs? Bring along the Y’s Referral Form to your next appointment.
CARES Program
The Attleboro Norton YMCA is thrilled to announce the fall launch of the Y’s Community Alzheimer’s Respite Engagement and Support Program – our CARES program.
The CARES program will provide free, engaging adult care to individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, so that their caregivers are able to exercise and use our
YMCA’s facilities while knowing that their loved one is safe. The YMCA has partnered with Back to Home Healthcare Services to provide home health aides to care for the patients.
Attendees, both caregivers and patients, will participate in engaging programming to ensure better social, mental, and physical health. Caregivers will have the opportunity to exercise independently and in group settings while their loved one is engaging in a social group setting, each session.
The
CARES program has been made possible by the Attleboro Norton YMCA being awarded a 2023 AARP
Community Challenge grant.
2023-2024 Program Schedule
Downtown YMCA Branch
Beginning end of September
- Tuesdays 8:00-10:00 AM and 12:00-2:00pm
- Thursdays 8:00-10:00 AM and 12:00-2:00pm
Program will be free to Y members and is open to the community.
To Register
Please schedule an intake with Cyndee prior to participating.
Contact
For those interested in learning more, please contact Cyndee Goodinson-Lindsey at cgoodinsonlindsey@attleboroymca.org or 508-409-0767.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
The Attleboro Norton YMCA offers monthly support groups at the Sweet Community House. Support groups can help you cope with the day-to-day realities of having Parkinson’s disease or caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease. Being part of a support group is a great way to reduce stress and connect with others who can relate to your experience. This FREE group is open to anyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or a caregiver of someone with Parkinson’s Disease. 
2023 Meeting Schedule
All meetings take place at the Sweet Community House
44 Peck Street, Attleboro, MA
- WED, AUG 23, 12:00-2:00 PM
- WED, SEP 20, 12:00-2:00 PM
Each month, the topics will vary. Meetings will include open discussions and some will have guest speakers.
Questions?
Contact Nicole Szeliga at nszeliga@attleboroymca.org, or by calling (508) 409-0773.
Download Support Group Flyer
Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes Support Group
Diabetes is a 24/7 disease and that means making important management decisions anytime, anywhere. If you have been diagnosed with type II diabetes or pre-diabetes, join our support group on Tuesdays at 3:00pm at the Sweet Community House.
Working with a diabetes care and education specialist or other healthcare professional is key, but so is connecting with others who have the disease. Together, we’ll identify strategies, share ideas, support each other through setbacks, and cheer each other through personal victories.
The program is facilitated by a by a certified nutritionist who has extensive experience working with chronic disease and diabetes prevention.
For more information, contact Cyndee Goodinson-Lindsey at (508) 409-0767 or cgoodinsonlindsey@attleboroymca.org.
Now underway! Join us at any time.
TUE 3:00 PM
Sweet Community House, 44 Peck Street, Attleboro
Open and free to all members of the community.
To sign up, you may register online or call (508) 222-7422.
Delay the Disease
The Attleboro YMCA offers a life-changing fitness and mobility program expressly designed for people with Parkinson’s disease. Led by certified instructors, Delay the Disease is an evidence-based fitness program designed to empower those living with Parkinson’s by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms and helping to restore an improved quality of life. Exercise plans are adapted to all stages and levels of the disease.
The empowering results of our Delay the Disease exercise program can help participants:
- Move about with ease and confidence in a crowd
- Get out of bed or rise from a chair independently
- Improve handwriting
- Dress independently
- Diminish worry that stiffness, slow steps and other symptoms are obvious
- Regain a sense of moving with normality.
For more information, please contact Nicole Szeliga by calling (508) 222-7422, or emailing NSzeliga@attleboroymca.org.
Delay the Disease Program Schedule
Tuesdays at 11:00 am – Delay the Disease at the Downtown Branch in Tappan Gym
Wednesdays at 11:00 am – Stretch & Mobility at the Downtown Branch Tappan Gym
Thursdays at 11:00 am – Delay the Disease at the Downtown Branch in Carpenter Gym
Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Pedaling for Parkinson’s is a cycling program that aims to improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. The Attleboro Norton YMCA offers this program because regular exercise is one of the key components in treating the many symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and it has been proven that pedaling a bicycle may change the life of someone with Parkinson’s disease. Research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic showed a 35% reduction in symptoms by the simple act of pedaling a bicycle at a rapid pace, optimally 80-90 revolutions per minute.
Fast pedaling is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there is compelling evidence to show that it does make a real difference in many who try it.

MON & FRI at 11:00 am
Downtown Branch – Cycle Studio
Pedaling for Parkinson’s Mission
The mission of Pedaling for Parkinson’s is:
- To improve the quality of life of Parkinson’s disease patients and their caregivers
- To educate patients, caregivers, and the general public about the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle after a Parkinson’s diagnosis
- To support research dedicated to the prevention and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Program Requirements
- Be over age 30
- Be diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease or other neurological condition
- Complete and submit consent and medical clearance form
- Agree to periodically monitor progress
- Not have cardiac or pulmonary disease, uncontrolled mellitus, oncontrolled hypertension or stroke, dementia, other medical conditions for which exercise poses a risk.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
>> Learn More Here
Download Support Group Flyer
Questions?
For questions, or additional information, contact Nicole Szeliga at nszeliga@attleboroymca.org or (508) 222-7422.
Download Pedaling for Parkinson’s program flyer
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
LIVESTRONG Program
REBUILD AND REGAIN YOUR STRENGTH
The Y and the LIVESTRONG Foundation have joined together to create LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a research-based program that provides support and guidance to help adult cancer survivors rebuild and gain strength. This 12-week program for adult cancer survivors meets twice a week. The YMCA wellness coaches are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise, and supportive cancer care.
This program is fully funded by generous donors to our Annual Campaign and is provided at no cost for cancer survivors. Participants are also granted a 12-week YMCA membership during the program.
12 Week Program Beginning in September (actual start date TBD)
TUE & THU, 9:30-11:00 AM
DOWNTOWN BRANCH
MON & WED, 6:00-7:15 PM
DOWNTOWN BRANCH
Interested?
For more information or to register, contact Meg Benharris at mbenharris@attleboroymca.org or call (508) 409-0773.
Strong Program
This program is for our LIVESTRONG graduates who wish to maintain the group support and continue to exercise together. The group workouts are led by a trained LIVESTRONG trainer. No cost to Y Members
Program is ongoing beginning in September
FRI, 10:00-11:00 AM
DOWNTOWN BRANCH
For more information or to register, contact Meg Benharris at mbenharris@attleboroymca.org.
Healthy Nutrition Counseling
As part of our cause for healthy living, the Y offers Healthy Nutrition Program and Services to help you meet all of your wellness goals from the inside out.
Whether you want to lose weight, eat healthier to fuel your activities, or reduce your risk of chronic disease, our Nutritionist Lauren Ruoff will walk you through the basics of nutrition and help you design a plan customized specifically for you and your lifestyle.
Nutrition Consultation Packages
1 60-minute session: $50 for Y Members, $75 for Non-Members
3 60-minute sessions: $135 for Y Members, $203 for Non-Members
6 60-minute sessions: $240 for Y Members, $360 for Non-Members
To schedule an appointment, email Lauren at lruoff@attleboroymca.org. To purchase your package, sign up online or by calling the Y at (508) 222-7422.