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H8496
2026 -- H 8496
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LC006288
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YMCA IN THE UNITED STATES
AND RECOGNIZING THE IMPACT OF THE RHODE ISLAND ALLIANCE OF YMCAS
Introduced By:
Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Casimiro, Chippendale,
Solomon, Alzate, Stewart, Kazarian, Read, and Kennedy
Date Introduced:
April 30, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, The Young Men’s Christian Association, known as the YMCA, marks its
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175th anniversary in the United States in 2026, having been founded in Boston in 1851 with a
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mission that has strengthened communities for generations; and
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WHEREAS, For 175 years, the YMCA has adapted to meet the changing needs of
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communities, bringing people together, fostering belonging, and supporting the health and well-
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being of individuals and families across the nation; and
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WHEREAS, The YMCA’s legacy includes advancing youth development, expanding
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access to education and recreation, pioneering swim instruction, supporting working families
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through child care and afterschool programs, and responding to community needs in times of
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crisis; and
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WHEREAS, Today, YMCAs continue to serve as trusted community institutions
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dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for people of all ages,
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backgrounds, and abilities; and
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WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs brings together 5
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associations and 12 branches in service to communities across the state; and
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WHEREAS, In 2025, Rhode Island YMCAs served thousands of children and families
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through childcare, afterschool, and summer camp programs, helped more than 8,400 community
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members learn to swim, and provided more than $3 million in financial assistance and
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scholarships to expand access to programs and services statewide; and
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WHEREAS, YMCAs across Rhode Island continue to strengthen communities by
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supporting youth success, improving health and well-being, and ensuring that all people have
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access to spaces where they are welcomed, supported, and connected; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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congratulates the YMCA on the occasion of its 175th anniversary in the United States; and be it
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further
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RESOLVED, That this House hereby recognizes the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs
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and its member associations for their enduring service and meaningful impact in communities
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throughout the State of Rhode Island; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That this House expresses its appreciation to the staff, volunteers, board
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members, and community partners whose commitment continues to advance the YMCA’s
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mission and strengthen the lives of Rhode Islanders; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO
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of the YMCA of the USA and the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs.
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LC006288
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