[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 71 (Tuesday, June 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE YMCA OF GREATER NEW YORK CITY, ON THE OCCASION OF 
                         ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to 
the YMCA of Greater New York City, which is celebrating 150 years of 
remarkable service to New Yorkers. Through a variety of programs and 
initiatives the YMCA has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to 
serving those in need, and to strengthening the community at large.
  Founded in 1852, the YMCA distinguished itself as an institution 
committed to aiding those emigrating to New York City. It also garnered 
a reputation as an institution firmly committed to social justice, and 
throughout its existence has advocated on behalf of a number of 
historically significant causes. During the 19th century the YMCA was 
identified as staunchly abolitionist. In addition, it formed a 
commission to minister to soldiers in the camps, hospitals and 
battlefields of the Civil War. Upon the conclusion of the Civil War, 
the YMCA initiated new programs to serve African-Americans, railroad 
workers and young urban boys.
  During the first half of the 20th century the YMCA continued to 
emerge as a pioneer on social issues. While racial integration was not 
obtained nationally until the mid 20th century, many New York City YMCA 
programs were integrated much earlier. During this time women also 
became members.
  In the latter half of the 20th century the YMCA began to focus on 
addressing the needs of the rapidly growing urban population. In 
particular, it began to initiate programs targeted at aiding 
adolescents and their families. A number of these programs addressed 
poverty, delinquency, and drug abuse, including Jobmobiles and 
Youthmobiles, which allowed YMCA programs to be mobile and travel into 
communities in need. A growing emphasis on physical fitness led to the 
introduction of sports programming including two sports invented at the 
YMCA--basketball and volleyball.
  During New York City's fiscal crisis, the YMCA worked to assist 
families affected by expanding childcare and family programs. Over the 
last decade the YMCA has continued to demonstrate a commitment to 
serving youth. Through partnerships with the United Way and the New 
York City Board of Education, the YMCA has become a presence in nearly 
200 public schools in every school district in New York City through 
the ``Virtual Y.'' The ``Virtual Y'' currently enrolls 7,500 students. 
It also operates Teen Action NYC which currently operates in five 
schools and provides life skills and career planning.
  During its existence, the YMCA has also demonstrated a commitment to 
public and private partnerships. Early YMCA supporters from the private 
sector included William E. Dodge, Jr., J.P. Morgan, and Cornelius 
Vanderbilt II. It has also received substantial support from some of 
New York City's most influential leaders, including Governor Thomas 
Dewey, Mayor John Lindsay and Mayors David Dinkins, Rudolph Giuliani 
and Michael Bloomberg.
  During 2002 the YMCA of Greater New York will serve 170,000 youth and 
200,000 adults. The YMCA of Greater New York will commemorate its 150th 
anniversary with a book entitled, ``The YMCA at 150: A History of the 
YMCA of Greater New York, 1852-2002.''
  I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting the YMCA of Greater New 
York on 150 years of outstanding service to the community.

                          ____________________