A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE AND EXPRESS APPRECIATION TO THE YMCA FOR 175 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE NATION, TO COMMEND THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS, AND TO ENCOURAGE CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO ADDRESS SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS BY CREATING PLACES AND SPACES THAT PROMOTE ACHIEVEMENT, WELL-BEING, AND CONNECTION.

 

Whereas, inspired by the movement in England to put Christian principles into practice by building healthy spirt, mind, and body for all, the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in the United States by Thomas Valentine Sullivan at the Old South Church in Boston on December 29, 1851, and marks its 175th anniversary this year; and

 

Whereas, the YMCA has continually adapted to meet evolving needs of American communities, strengthening society by bringing people together, fostering relationships and support, and creating a sense of belonging; and

 

Whereas, the YMCA has a long and impressive legacy. They provided safe housing during the Industrial Revolution, pioneered the first night school and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, invented basketball, and delivered the first group swimming lessons. They led humanitarian efforts during wartime, including the work of John R. Mott, the YMCA leader who received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1946 for promoting peace across national boundaries, and the YMCA established the Youth and Government program in 1936, a premier civic engagement initiative that continues today. The YMCA is the birthplace of Father's Day, with the first celebration held at the Spokane YMCA in 1910 and supports working families as the nation's leading nonprofit provider of childcare and afterschool programs since the 1970s. The YMCA also served as the leading provider of emergency childcare for front line workers and a significant provider of food during the pandemic; and

 

Whereas, today 2,600 YMCAs serve more than 10,000 communities in every state and territory, with more than 300,000 staff and 350,000 volunteers delivering essential programs that create connected communities to over 17 million people annually, including almost 11 million adults and 6.5 million children and youth; and

 

Whereas, the first YMCA in South Carolina opened in Charleston in 1866, and today 20 YMCAs serve communities across South Carolina, engaging one out of every 18 South Carolinians through the collective impact of more than 7,700 staff and 6,700 volunteers who provide services such as swimming lessons, camping, youth sports, meal programs, and lifestyle, health, fitness, and well-being programs; and

 

Whereas, the YMCA serves people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, creating spaces where all people feel welcome, are treated with respect, and find opportunities to connect with their neighbors. YMCAs across the nation are working to build stronger, more connected communities through intentional experiences that help people achieve their goals, foster connection, and promote well-being in order to build relationships and thrive. In 2026, YMCAs nationwide will host special events that celebrate the moments, programs, and people who have shaped their story. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate and express appreciation to the YMCA for 175 years of service to the nation, commend the hundreds of thousands of staff and volunteers, and encourage continued support for their efforts to address social isolation and loneliness by creating places and spaces that promote achievement, well-being, and connection.

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