By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Region – Entering its fifth year, the Together We Can Family Network (TWCFN) continues to invite families with children up to age 8 to free playgroups and other activities at its Marlborough facility. Now, TWCFN is in the process of adding weekly playgroups for families with children up to age 6 in each of the nine communities it serves: Berlin, Boylston, Hudson, Leicester, Marlborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, and Westborough.
TWCFN currently has offsite playgroups at the Berlin Public Library, the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson in Hudson, and the Shrewsbury Public Library. Director Cindi Arroyo said that she's actively seeking host venues in the other communities.
“Most of our programming was done in Marlborough,” she noted. “This year, the Department of Early Education and Care, from whom I get the grant money, wanted me to have programs in every single one of my towns. They wanted me or a representative to build an ongoing relationship within each of the towns. I was able to provide this service in Shrewsbury because I got a facilitator who lives there.”
Facilitating the new Shrewsbury playgroup is Kim Barrett, who was already active at the Marlborough facility.
“It's much more convenient to come to a place right in your own town rather than drive out of town,” she said. “It makes life a lot easier, especially if your children have siblings in school. Also, this gives moms a chance to meet other people who are going through the same things they'se going through. It's almost like a support group for the moms.”
The Shrewsbury playgroup features a different weekly theme with children's literature, songs, crafts, interactive games, and snacks.
Jen Abbondanzio facilitates the Hudson playgroup, which Arroyo describes as “a foundational sports program.”
Each playgroup session runs six to eight weeks. The maximum number of participants depends on the venue.
Required registration will be accepted in February for the next sessions of playgroups in each of TWCFN's nine communities to begin in March. For registration information, contact Arroyo at 774-463-0214 or [email protected]. For more information about TWCFN, visit twcfn.org.
TWCFN is administered by the Boroughs Family Branch YMCA in Westborough.
