Celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

Celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

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

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

Whereas the YMCA’s legacy includes—

(1) being proudly headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, a city that has long served as a pillar of civic leadership, innovation, and community service, and whose values are proudly reflected in the YMCA’s mission and work nationwide;

(2) providing safe housing during the Industrial Revolution;

(3) inventing basketball;

(4) launching the first night school and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes;

(5) delivering the first group swim lessons;

(6) leading humanitarian efforts during wartime, including the work of YMCA leader and President Wilson’s General Secretary for the National War Work Council, John R. Mott, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946 for his work on the Council;

(7) establishing the Youth and Government Program in 1936, one of the oldest and largest youth civics education programs in the United States;

(8) serving as the birthplace of Father’s Day, with the first celebration held at the Spokane YMCA in 1910;

(9) serving as the Nation’s leading nonprofit provider of early childcare and education, before and afterschool programs, and summer camp programs, since the 1970s; and

(10) serving as the leading provider of emergency childcare for essential personnel, nutrition assistance, and remote learning spaces during the pandemic;

Whereas, as of 2026, the YMCA has approximately 2,600 locations that serve more than 10,000 communities in every State and territory, with more than 300,000 employees and 350,00 volunteers delivering essential programs to over 17,000,000 people annually, including almost 11,000,000 adults and 6,500,000 children and youth;

Whereas the YMCA is a leader in providing swim lessons, camping, youth sports, child nutrition programs, lifestyle health, fitness, and well-being programs and is the largest provider of fitness programs for older adults;

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;

Whereas YMCAs across the United States 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; and

Whereas, in 2026, YMCAs nationwide will host special events that celebrate the moments, programs, and people who’ve shaped their story: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) congratulates and expresses appreciation to the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) for 175 years of service to the United States;

(2) recognizes the YMCA’s role in responding to community needs, connecting people, fostering support, and building relationships and a sense of belonging;

(3) commends the hundreds of thousands of staff and volunteers who create connected communities and advance the YMCA’s mission to build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for all; and

(4) encourages continued support for the efforts to address social isolation and loneliness by creating places and spaces that promote achievement, well-being, and connection and help people build relationships and thrive.