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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to 
3congratulate the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) on 
4the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the 
5first chapter of the YMCA that was based in the United States; 
6and
 
7    WHEREAS, The first chapter of the YMCA based in the U. S. 
8was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1851, but the movement 
9soon spread to Illinois, starting in Chicago, Aurora, 
10Springfield, Decatur, Evanston, and beyond; and
 
11    WHEREAS, The YMCA of the USA is headquartered in Chicago, 
12and the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs now represents more 
13than 800 YMCA program locations, impacting more than 150 
14communities and engaging nearly one million Illinoisans in 
15strengthening the foundations of community through youth 
16development, healthy living, and social responsibility; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Illinois YMCAs support youth and families through 
18safe and enriching out-of-school programs and are a strategic 
19leading nonprofit provider of early childcare and 
20partnerships, adaptive programs, education, before and after 
21school programs, and summer camp programs; and
 
 
 
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1    WHEREAS, Illinois YMCAs prioritize healthy behaviors by 
2welcoming the community into wellness centers, promoting 
3drowning prevention, and supporting those battling chronic 
4diseases by offering evidence-based programming; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Illinois YMCAs strive to meet the unique needs of 
6their communities through a variety of programs, such as 
7vaccination education and clinics, blood drives, mental health 
8services, food distribution, tax preparation, clothing drives, 
9emergency immigrant housing and services, support of adults 
10with developmental disabilities, and more; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Thousands of staff and volunteers create 
12connected communities and advance the YMCA's mission to build 
13healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for all; therefore, be it
 
14    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL 
15ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the 
16Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) on the occasion of 
17the 175th anniversary of the founding of the first chapter of 
18the YMCA that was based in the United States and commend the 
19YMCA's role in responding to community needs, connecting 
20people, fostering support, and building relationships and a 
21sense of belonging; and be it further
 
22    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
 
 
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1presented to the YMCA as a symbol of our respect and esteem.