ASHLAND, MA – Feb. 13, 2026 – The MetroWest YMCA joined the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs as the organization representing 27 YMCA Associations across the Commonwealth hosted its 2026 State Advocacy Day on Thursday, February 12, in the Great Hall at the Massachusetts State House.
This year’s theme, 175 Years of Serving the Commonwealth, honored the YMCA’s longstanding commitment to strengthening communities and highlighted more than $40 million reinvested annually into Massachusetts through grants, scholarships, financial assistance, and community services.
As a new legislative and budget session begins, YMCA leaders, youth representatives, legislators, and community partners gathered to underscore the importance of advocacy and collaboration in meeting local needs across the state.
The Alliance honored Ashland native, Senate President Karen Spilka, with the Legislative Champion Award, recognizing her leadership and advocacy for the YMCA. Sen. Spilka expressed gratitude for the Y’s partnership, specifically acknowledging the MetroWest YMCA as where her children went to summer camp and sharing her excitement for the forthcoming regional Team Hoyt Community YMCA coming to Ashland.
“On behalf of the MetroWest YMCA, I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs Legislative Champion Award than State Senate President Karen Spilka,” said Rick MacPherson, President and CEO of the Metrowest YMCA. “Her consistent leadership on issues impacting children, families, and working parents reflects the very heart of our mission of creating connected communities. From expanding access to early education to strengthening community health and workforce development, Sen. Spilka understands how vital the Y is to the fabric of our region. Our team deeply appreciates her partnership and her steadfast support of the YMCA in MetroWest and across the Commonwealth.”
“Over the last 175 years, the Y hasn’t just responded to history—we’ve helped shape it,” said Kate-Marie Roycroft, CEO of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, in emphasizing the Y’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. “We’re here because the moment we are in right now demands partnership, investment, and leadership. The YMCA is ready—ready to continue serving families, strengthening communities, and advancing equity across Massachusetts. We look forward to working with you, the legislature, and administration, to ensure that the next 175 years are just as impactful as the last.”
With 175 years of service, the Massachusetts YMCAs continue to advance their mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility—ensuring that individuals and families across the Commonwealth have access to the programs, services, and support they need to thrive. Founded in 1960, the MetroWest YMCA provides inclusive programming that strengthens the body, mind, and spirit of more than 25,000 community members annually at every stage of life at its Framingham branch, 122-acre Outdoor Center in Hopkinton, and soon at the Team Hoyt Community YMCA in Ashland.
About the MetroWest YMCA
The MetroWest YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit dedicated to creating healthier, connected communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The MetroWest YMCA provides inclusive programming that strengthens the body, mind, and spirit of more than 25,000 community members annually at every stage of life—including early learning and childcare, before- and after-school programs, summer camps, fitness and wellness classes, aquatics, sports, enrichment activities, and health intervention programs. Eliminating financial barriers to engagement, the MetroWest YMCA (EIN 04-2281530) ensures everyone in the community has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Visit metrowestymca.org for more information.
MetroWest Medical Center 
Framingham Repair Cafe