S 3238

2026 -- S 3238
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LC006286
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  STATE  OF        RHODE  ISLAND
  IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
  ____________
  SENATE RESOLUTION
 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
1WHEREAS, 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
4WHEREAS, 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
7WHEREAS, 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
11WHEREAS, 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
14WHEREAS, 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
16WHEREAS, 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
1WHEREAS, 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
4RESOLVED, 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
6RESOLVED, 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
9RESOLVED, 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
12RESOLVED, 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.
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