SR 104 (LSB 6082XS (2) 91)

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 Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) on its 175th anniversary.

   WHEREAS, the YMCA marks its 175th anniversary, having been founded in the United States on December 29, 1851, by Thomas Valentine Sullivan at the Old South Church in Boston, inspired by the YMCA movement in England and dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for all; and
   WHEREAS, the YMCA, as one of the nation’s leading charitable nonprofits, has continually adapted to meet evolving community needs, strengthening society by bringing people together, fostering relationships, and promoting belonging and connection; and
   WHEREAS, the YMCA has a distinguished legacy that includes providing safe housing during the industrial revolution, pioneering the first night school and English as a second language class, inventing the game of basketball, delivering the first group swim lessons, leading humanitarian efforts during wartime, including the work of YMCA leader John R. Mott, recipient of the 1946 Nobel Peace Prize, establishing the Youth and Government Program in 1936, serving as the birthplace of Father’s Day in 1910, becoming the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of child care and afterschool programs, and providing emergency child care and food resources to frontline workers and families during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
   WHEREAS, today, more than 2,600 YMCAs serve over 10,000 communities in every state and territory of the United States, supported by more than 300,000 staff members and 350,000 volunteers who deliver essential programs to over 17 million individuals annually, including nearly 11 million adults and 6.5 million children and youth; and
   WHEREAS, YMCAs in the state of Iowa opened in the late 1850s, and today, 47 YMCAs serve over 250,000 Iowans annually through the collective impact of more than 5,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, providing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs across the state; and
   WHEREAS, the YMCA is a national leader in swim lessons, youth sports, camping, meal programs, community wellness programs, chronic disease prevention initiatives, and is the largest provider of fitness programming for older adults in the United States; and
   WHEREAS, the YMCA serves individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, ensuring that all people are welcome, respected, supported, and connected to their community; and
   WHEREAS, YMCAs nationwide continue to work toward stronger and more connected communities by creating intentional experiences that support achievement, well-being, relationships, and opportunities to thrive; and
   WHEREAS, in 2026, YMCAs across the country will host celebrations recognizing the people, programs, and collective impact of 175 years of service to communities nationwide; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the Senate congratulates and expresses appreciation to the YMCA for 175 years of service to the nation; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognizes the YMCA’s role in responding to community needs, fostering belonging, creating connection, and supporting families and individuals across generations; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate commends the staff members and volunteers whose leadership and service continues to advance the YMCA’s mission of building healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for all; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate encourages continued support for community-centered efforts that reduce social isolation, promote well-being, and foster environments where all people can build relationships and thrive.