| R 280 |
| 2026 -- S 3238 Enacted 04/30/2026 |
| 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 |
| WHEREAS, The Young Men’s Christian Association, known as the YMCA, marks its |
| 175th anniversary in the United States in 2026, having been founded in Boston in 1851 with a |
| mission that has strengthened communities for generations; and |
| WHEREAS, For 175 years, the YMCA has adapted to meet the changing needs of |
| communities, bringing people together, fostering belonging, and supporting the health and well- |
| being of individuals and families across the nation; and |
| WHEREAS, The YMCA’s legacy includes advancing youth development, expanding |
| access to education and recreation, pioneering swim instruction, supporting working families |
| through child care and afterschool programs, and responding to community needs in times of |
| crisis; and |
| WHEREAS, Today, YMCAs continue to serve as trusted community institutions |
| dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for people of all ages, |
| backgrounds, and abilities; and |
| WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs brings together 5 |
| associations and 12 branches in service to communities across the state; and |
| WHEREAS, In 2025, Rhode Island YMCAs served thousands of children and families |
| through childcare, afterschool, and summer camp programs, helped more than 8,400 community |
| members learn to swim, and provided more than $3 million in financial assistance and |
| scholarships to expand access to programs and services statewide; and |
| WHEREAS, YMCAs across Rhode Island continue to strengthen communities by |
| supporting youth success, improving health and well-being, and ensuring that all people have |
| access to spaces where they are welcomed, supported, and connected; now, therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby congratulates the |
| YMCA on the occasion of its 175th anniversary in the United States; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby recognizes the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs |
| and its member associations for their enduring service and meaningful impact in communities |
| throughout the State of Rhode Island; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate expresses its appreciation to the staff, volunteers, board |
| members, and community partners whose commitment continues to advance the YMCA’s |
| mission and strengthen the lives of Rhode Islanders; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
| transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO |
| of the YMCA of the USA and the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs. |
| ======== |
| LC006286 |
| ======== |