[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 77 (Thursday, May 9, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING NEW ROCHELLE YMCA 120TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2019

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize 
an institution that has helped children and families in my district for 
an astonishing 120 years, the New Rochelle YMCA.
  On January 15, 1899 a group of New Rochelleans gathered at 56 
Woodland Ave. in New Rochelle to discuss the possibility of creating a 
YMCA. On February 3, 1899 the New Rochelle YMCA received its article of 
incorporation.
  The original home of the Y was located at 480-482 Main Street where a 
building committee was established to create a permanent home. Twenty-
six years later the YMCA purchased the Hendricks property at the comer 
of Division St. and Burling Lane (now Memorial Highway) and began 
raising money to build a new site. Fallowing the economic uncertainty 
of the stock market crash, the new building was completed in 1931.
  A true charitable organization, the Y was involved with the soldiers 
at Fort Slocum during both world wars, providing them with room and 
board while on leave from their base, as well as providing room for the 
American Red Cross. Several local community organizations used the Y 
facility as meeting halls for their respective groups. Over the years 
the Y provided many programs for the New Rochelle community, with the 
pool being the most popular feature and by 1939 had a membership of 
over 2,200 people. Over the years, the Y developed a rich history in 
diversity.
  In the 1980's they moved into its current home on 50 Weyman Avenue, a 
space it shared with the Boys and Girls Club.
  The YMCA's presence in the community has continued to increase over 
the last ten years, as the focus of the Y shifted from a ``swim and gym 
club'' to a community based charitable organization, which offers 
affordable programs, in addition to providing financial aid for 
children and families in need. Currently the YMCA serves close to 5,000 
members, with a great majority of seniors and children. The YMCA has 
developed a Universal Pre-K program in partnership with the New 
Rochelle school district.
  The New Rochelle YMCA has served the community for 120 years. On the 
occasion of their anniversary, I'd like to congratulate and thank their 
entire team for all they have done.

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