Concurrent resolution; congratulating the YMCA on 175 years of service.

Resolution
ENROLLED SENATE
CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION NO. 20 By: Pugh of the Senate

and

Kerbs of the House

A Concurrent Resolution congratulating the YMCA on
175 years of service; recognizing its role in
strengthening communities; commending its staff and
volunteers; and encouraging continued efforts to
promote well-being and connection.

WHEREAS, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) marks its
175th anniversary, having been founded in the United States by
Thomas Valentine Sullivan in Boston on December 29, 1851, with a
mission to put Christian principles into practice by building a
healthy spirit, mind, and body for all; and

WHEREAS, the YMCA has continually adapted to meet the evolving
needs of American communities, strengthening society by bringing
people together, fostering relationships, and creating a sense of
belonging; and

WHEREAS, the YMCA’s legacy includes providing safe housing
during the Industrial Revolution, pioneering the first night school
and English as a Second Language classes, inventing basketball, and
delivering the first group swim lessons; and

WHEREAS, the YMCA’s legacy also includes establishing the Youth
and Government program, serving as the birthplace of Father’s Day,
and becoming the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of child care
and after-school programs to support working families; and

WHEREAS, today nearly 2,600 YMCAs serve more than 10,000
communities, with more than 300,000 staff and 350,000 volunteers

ENR. S. C. R. NO. 20 Page 2
delivering essential programs to over 17 million people annually;
and

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Alliance of YMCAs amplifies the work of
nine independent YMCAs through a shared commitment to strengthening
communities by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and
each other; and

WHEREAS, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, founded in 1889 and
one of the earliest civic organizations formed after the Land Run,
was the first YMCA in Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma YMCAs have more than 3,600 staff and nearly
7,000 volunteers providing essential programs and services to 37
communities; and

WHEREAS, the YMCA is a leader in aquatics (water safety and swim
lessons), child care, youth sports, meal programs, and health and
wellness initiatives, and is the largest provider of fitness
programs for older adults; and

WHEREAS, the YMCA creates welcoming spaces for people of all
ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION
OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CONCURRING THEREIN:

THAT the Oklahoma Legislature congratulates and expresses
appreciation to the YMCA for 175 years of service to the nation.

THAT the Oklahoma Legislature recognizes the YMCA’s role in
responding to community needs, fostering relationships, and building
a sense of belonging.

THAT the Oklahoma Legislature commends the staff and volunteers
who create connected communities and advance the YMCA’s mission.

THAT the Oklahoma Legislature encourages continued support for
the efforts to address social isolation and loneliness by creating
places that promote well-being and help people build relationships
and thrive.

ENR. S. C. R. NO. 20 Page 3

Adopted by the Senate the 16th day of April, 2026.

Presiding Officer of the Senate

Adopted by the House of Representatives the 16th day of April,
2026.

Presiding Officer of the House
of Representatives

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________
day of __________________, 20 _______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________