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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1949
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A RESOLUTION honoring the YMCA on the organization's 175th anniversary in 1
the United States. 2
WHEREAS, the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) marks its 175th 3
anniversary in the United States in 2026, having been founded this country by Thomas 4
Valentine Sullivan at the Old South Church in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 29, 5
1851; and 6
WHEREAS, inspired by the YMCA movement in England, the organization has 7
carried on the mission to put Christian principles into practice by building healthy spirit, 8
mind, and body for all; and 9
WHEREAS, the YMCA has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of 10
American communities, strengthening society by bringing people toge ther, fostering 11
relationships, and creating a sense of belonging; and 12
WHEREAS, the YMCA's legacy includes providing safe housing during the 13
industrial revolution, pioneering the first night school and English as a second language 14
classes, inventing basketball, and providing the first group swim lessons; and 15
WHEREAS, the YMCA served as the birthplace of Father's Day, with the first 16
celebration held at the YMCA in Spokane, Washington, in 1910; established the Youth 17
and Government Program in 1936, a premier ci vic engagement initiative that continues 18
today; and led humanitarian efforts during wartime, including the work of John R. Mott, 19
YMCA leader and President Woodrow Wilson's general secretary for the National War 20
Work Council, who received the Nobel Peace Pr ize in 1946 for undertaking such efforts; 21
and 22
WHEREAS, the YMCA has become the nation's leading nonprofit provider of child 23
care and afterschool programs since the 1970s and 1980s to support working families, has 24
served as the leading provider of emergency child care for frontline workers, and was a 25
significant provider of food during the coronavirus pandemic; and 26
WHEREAS, today, nearly 2,600 YMCAs serve more than 10,000 communities 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1949
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across every state and territory, with more than 300,000 staff and 350,000 volunteers 1
delivering essential programs to over 17 million people annually, including almost 11 2
million adults, and 6.5 million children and youth; and 3
WHEREAS, 17 YMCAs, 3000 staff members, and hundreds of volunteers in 4
Kentucky provide critical services including childcare, afterschool enrichment, summer 5
camps, teen leadership programs, swim safety lessons, senior wellness programs, and 6
access to nutritious meals to more than 150,000 individuals annually; and 7
WHEREAS, the YMCA is a leader in providing swim lessons, camping programs, 8
youth sports, meal programs, lifestyle health, and fitness and well -being programs, and is 9
the largest provider of fitness programs for older adults; and 10
WHEREAS, the YMCA serves people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, 11
creating spaces where all people feel welcome, are treated with respect, and find 12
opportunities to connect with their neighbors; and 13
WHEREAS, YMCAs acro ss the nation are working to build stronger, more 14
connected communities through intentional experiences that help people achieve their 15
goals, foster connection, and promote well -being in order to build relationships and 16
thrive; 17
NOW, THEREFORE, 18
Be it resolv ed by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 19
Kentucky: 20
Section 1. The members of the Senate hereby honor and express appreciation to 21
the YMCA for 175 years of service to the nation, and recognize the YMCA’s role in 22
responding to community needs, fostering belonging, creating connection, and supporting 23
families and individuals across generations. 24
Section 2. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 25
Resolution to Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe. 26