SCR 56

2026 Regular Session  ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 56
BY SENATOR FOIL
  A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To commend and congratulate the 175th anniversary of the Young Men's Christian
       Association, recognize its role in strengthening communities, and encourage
       continued efforts to promote well-being and community connection.
       WHEREAS, the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) marks its 175th
anniversary of establishment in the United States, by Thomas Valentine Sullivan, in Boston
Massachusetts on December 29, 1851, with a mission to put Christian principles into
practice by building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all; and
       WHEREAS, the YMCA has continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of
American communities, strengthening society by bringing people together, fostering
relationships, and creating a sense of belonging; and
       WHEREAS, the YMCA's legacy includes providing safe housing during the
Industrial Revolution, pioneering the first night school, and English as a Second Language
classes, inventing basketball, and delivering the first group swim lessons; and
       WHEREAS, the YMCA's legacy also includes establishing the Youth and
Government program, serving as the birthplace of Father's Day, and becoming the nation's
leading nonprofit provider of child care and after-school programs to support working
families; and
       WHEREAS, today nearly 2,600 YMCAs serve more than 10,000 communities, with
more than 300,000 staff and 350,000 volunteers, delivering essential programs to over 17
million people annually; and
       WHEREAS, the YMCAs of Louisiana foster a commitment to strengthening
communities by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and each other; and
       WHEREAS, the YMCA of the Capital Area, founded in 1917 in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, has served as a cornerstone of the community for more than a century, advancing
youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility; and
  Page 1 of 2
SCR NO. 56  ENROLLED
       WHEREAS, the YMCA of the Capital Area engages dedicated staff and volunteers
across seven branches, delivering essential programs and services that strengthen
individuals, families, and communities throughout the Capital Area; and
       WHEREAS, the YMCA is a leader in aquatics activities such as water safety and
swim lessons, as well as child care, youth sports, meal programs, and health and wellness
initiatives, and is the largest provider of fitness programs for older adults; and
       WHEREAS, the YMCA creates welcoming spaces for people of all ages,
backgrounds, and abilities.
       THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend and congratulate the YMCA for 175 years of service to the nation and recognizes
the YMCA's role in responding to community needs, fostering relationships, and building
a sense of belonging.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana commends the staff
and volunteers who create connected communities and advance the YMCA's mission and
encourages continued support of their efforts to address awareness of health, wellness,
nutrition and social interaction by creating places that promote well-being and help people
build relationships and thrive.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of the Capital Area, Sean Elliott.
  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
  SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  Page 2 of 2