SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YMCA IN THE UNITED STATES AND RECOGNIZING THE IMPACT OF THE RHODE ISLAND ALLIANCE OF YMCAS, the official text

S3238 2026 -- S 3238 ======== LC006286 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ S E N A T 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: Senators Vargas, Tikoian, Urso, Paolino, LaMountain, Lauria, Mack, Famiglietti, DiPalma, and Raptakis Date Introduced: April 30, 2026 Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration 1 WHEREAS, The Young Men’s Christian Association, known as the YMCA, marks its 2 175th anniversary in the United States in 2026, having been founded in Boston in 1851 with a 3 mission that has strengthened communities for generations; and 4 WHEREAS, For 175 years, the YMCA has adapted to meet the changing needs of 5 communities, bringing people together, fostering belonging, and supporting the health and well- 6 being of individuals and families across the nation; and 7 WHEREAS, The YMCA’s legacy includes advancing youth development, expanding 8 access to education and recreation, pioneering swim instruction, supporting working families 9 through child care and afterschool programs, and responding to community needs in times of 10 crisis; and 11 WHEREAS, Today, YMCAs continue to serve as trusted community institutions 12 dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for people of all ages, 13 backgrounds, and abilities; and 14 WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs brings together 5 15 associations and 12 branches in service to communities across the state; and 16 WHEREAS, In 2025, Rhode Island YMCAs served thousands of children and families 17 through childcare, afterschool, and summer camp programs, helped more than 8,400 community 18 members learn to swim, and provided more than $3 million in financial assistance and 19 scholarships to expand access to programs and services statewide; and 1 WHEREAS, YMCAs across Rhode Island continue to strengthen communities by 2 supporting youth success, improving health and well-being, and ensuring that all people have 3 access to spaces where they are welcomed, supported, and connected; now, therefore be it 4 RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby congratulates the 5 YMCA on the occasion of its 175th anniversary in the United States; and be it further 6 RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby recognizes the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs 7 and its member associations for their enduring service and meaningful impact in communities 8 throughout the State of Rhode Island; and be it further 9 RESOLVED, That this Senate expresses its appreciation to the staff, volunteers, board 10 members, and community partners whose commitment continues to advance the YMCA’s 11 mission and strengthen the lives of Rhode Islanders; and be it further 12 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 13 transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO 14 of the YMCA of the USA and the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs. ======== LC006286 ======== LC006286 - Page 2 of 2