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The Care Center

Bringing the power of education, arts and culture to youth and their families in Holyoke, MA

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Athletics

The importance of moving

The experiential learning that students encounter in sports reinforces abstract classroom concepts for them. This is one reason that the nation’s top preparatory schools provide extensive athletic opportunities. Physical activity is also associated with improved attendance and academic performance. Our own experience demonstrates this positive correlation.

The Care Center’s athletic program was launched with Rowing Strong, Rowing Together.

In this challenging and inspiring program, young mothers train in team and single crew shells on the Connecticut River with experienced coaches in preparation for the annual Young Parents Regatta.

Students who participate in the rowing program have transformative experiences. Some talk about how being in the boat has taught them to be more patient with their friends and their children. Others speak about the sense of tranquility that they felt on the water, and the sustenance they received from it. Some come to better understand the need for cooperation and teamwork. Others simply express how satisfying the work of rowing was for them.

These expansive opportunities happen in our other athletic offerings as well. Depending on the year and season, our electives may include rowing, bowling, cardio hip hop, swimming, wally ball, golf, skiing, yoga, and Zumba.

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The Care Center gave me hope and a desire for change. They actually cared about me and my child. I quickly earned my GED at 16 years old.

Danielis Gonzales, Bard Microcollege Holyoke student and Care Center graduate

Recent News

Our Annual Fundraising Party was a Big Success!

Poetry Events

Meet Our Students

My Journey from Student to Staff Member

Julisa Deleon speaks about second chances, Plato, and studying while her ceiling caved in.

When Women Move Forward

See All News →

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Copyright © 2025 · THE CARE CENTER · All Rights Reserved
247 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 | Phone: (413) 532-2900 | Fax: (413) 532-1250


The Care Center is a recipient of the 2011 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award, the nation’s highest honor recognizing community-based arts and humanities youth programs in the United States, presented by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. The Care Center is also a recipient of the Mass Cultural Council’s 2019 Commonwealth Award, honoring exceptional achievement in the arts, humanities, and sciences. We are proud to receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Care Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID 04-2962882

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