South Shore YMCA

The South Shore YMCA is a charitable nonprofit offering fitness, child care, recreation and youth programs across several South Shore communities. Its mission focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, summed up in the line “The Better You Belongs Here.” Members get exercise classes, weekly activities free with membership, swim lessons now delivered with the American Red Cross, and access to an outdoor pool with seasonal passes.

Branches include the Hale Family YMCA in Quincy, renamed after a philanthropist made $5 million in donations, and the Emilson YMCA in Hanover. The Y also runs a Natural Science Center in Norwell, home to the annual Corn Festival, and a gymnastics center that hosts high school meets. Community work includes food pantry support, meal deliveries to seniors, free child care for some Quincy College students and Staystrong Month, which supports families facing cancer.

What to Know

• The Corn Festival has reached its 45th edition.
• The Quincy branch is planning a major expansion.
• Seasonal events include a Boo Bash in Hanover and a Hale-O-Ween event in Quincy.
• The Y holds an annual Frozen 5K named for George “Trigger” Burke.