THE BILL ITSELF
HR 8059
YMCA 175th Year Anniversary
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House Resolution
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A resolution recognizing the 175th anniversary of the
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Young Men's Christian Association.
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WHEREAS, for 175 years, the Young Men's Christian
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Association or the "YMCA" has been the heartbeat of community,
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dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks
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of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with
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dignity, where strangers become friends and every generation
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finds a place to belong, and
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WHEREAS, in 1851, the YMCA was founded in the United States
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by Captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan, an American seaman and
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missionary, who was inspired by the YMCA movement in England,
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with a mission to put Christian principles into practice through
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programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all,
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guided by core values of caring, honesty, respect, and
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responsibility, and
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WHEREAS, from 1851 to today, the YMCA has continually
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adapted to meet the evolving needs of American communities,
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strengthening society by nurturing the potential of every child
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and teen; improving the nation's health and well-being; bringing
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people together across differences in age, income, and
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background; fostering relationships; and creating a sense of
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belonging, and
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WHEREAS, today, the YMCA has nearly 2,600 locations
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nationwide, serving more than 10,000 communities, with more than
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350,000 volunteers, delivering various programs to over 17
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million people, including almost 11 million adults and 6.5
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million children and youth, and
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WHEREAS, in Florida, the YMCA operates through multiple
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associations serving communities across the state, where 1 out
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of every 18 Florida residents is involved in the YMCA, providing
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youth enrichment opportunities, promoting health and wellness,
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building partnerships, and encouraging volunteerism, and
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WHEREAS, the YMCA is a leader in providing childcare and
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afterschool programs; swim lessons; camping; youth sports; meal
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programs; and lifestyle health, fitness, and well-being
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programs, NOW, THEREFORE,
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Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
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Florida:
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That the Young Men's Christian Association is recognized
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for its 175 years of service to the nation and its continued
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efforts to address social isolation and loneliness by creating
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places and spaces that promote achievement, well-being, and
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connection, helping people build relationships and thrive in
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their communities.