Senate Resolution 104 - Introduced SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 104 BY LOFGREN , SHIPLEY , REICHMAN , GUTH , BOUSSELOT , COSTELLO , EVANS , SALMON , ROWLEY , WESTRICH , SCHULTZ , ZUMBACH , DRISCOLL , SIRES , WARME , WHITVER , McCLINTOCK , and TAYLOR A Resolution recognizing and honoring the Young 1 Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) on its 175th 2 anniversary. 3 WHEREAS, the YMCA marks its 175th anniversary, 4 having been founded in the United States on December 5 29, 1851, by Thomas Valentine Sullivan at the Old South 6 Church in Boston, inspired by the YMCA movement in 7 England and dedicated to putting Christian principles 8 into practice through programs that build healthy 9 spirits, minds, and bodies for all; and 10 WHEREAS, the YMCA, as one of the nation’s leading 11 charitable nonprofits, has continually adapted to meet 12 evolving community needs, strengthening society by 13 bringing people together, fostering relationships, and 14 promoting belonging and connection; and 15 WHEREAS, the YMCA has a distinguished legacy that 16 includes providing safe housing during the industrial 17 revolution, pioneering the first night school and 18 English as a second language class, inventing the game 19 of basketball, delivering the first group swim lessons, 20 leading humanitarian efforts during wartime, including 21 the work of YMCA leader John R. Mott, recipient of the 22 1946 Nobel Peace Prize, establishing the Youth and 23 Government Program in 1936, serving as the birthplace 24 of Father’s Day in 1910, becoming the nation’s leading 25 -1- LSB 6082XS (2) 91 mb/jm 1/ 3

S.R. 104 nonprofit provider of child care and afterschool 1 programs, and providing emergency child care and food 2 resources to frontline workers and families during the 3 COVID-19 pandemic; and 4 WHEREAS, today, more than 2,600 YMCAs serve over 5 10,000 communities in every state and territory of the 6 United States, supported by more than 300,000 staff 7 members and 350,000 volunteers who deliver essential 8 programs to over 17 million individuals annually, 9 including nearly 11 million adults and 6.5 million 10 children and youth; and 11 WHEREAS, YMCAs in the state of Iowa opened in the 12 late 1850s, and today, 47 YMCAs serve over 250,000 13 Iowans annually through the collective impact of more 14 than 5,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, providing youth 15 development, healthy living, and social responsibility 16 programs across the state; and 17 WHEREAS, the YMCA is a national leader in swim 18 lessons, youth sports, camping, meal programs, 19 community wellness programs, chronic disease prevention 20 initiatives, and is the largest provider of fitness 21 programming for older adults in the United States; and 22 WHEREAS, the YMCA serves individuals of all ages, 23 backgrounds, and abilities, ensuring that all people 24 are welcome, respected, supported, and connected to 25 their community; and 26 WHEREAS, YMCAs nationwide continue to work toward 27 stronger and more connected communities by creating 28 intentional experiences that support achievement, 29 well-being, relationships, and opportunities to 30 -2- LSB 6082XS (2) 91 mb/jm 2/ 3

S.R. 104 thrive; and 1 WHEREAS, in 2026, YMCAs across the country will 2 host celebrations recognizing the people, programs, 3 and collective impact of 175 years of service to 4 communities nationwide; NOW THEREFORE, 5 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the Senate 6 congratulates and expresses appreciation to the YMCA 7 for 175 years of service to the nation; and 8 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognizes 9 the YMCA’s role in responding to community 10 needs, fostering belonging, creating connection, 11 and supporting families and individuals across 12 generations; and 13 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate commends 14 the staff members and volunteers whose leadership 15 and service continues to advance the YMCA’s mission 16 of building healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for 17 all; and 18 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate encourages 19 continued support for community-centered efforts that 20 reduce social isolation, promote well-being, and foster 21 environments where all people can build relationships 22 and thrive. 23 -3- LSB 6082XS (2) 91 mb/jm 3/ 3