IA SR104

Honors the YMCA on its 175th anniversary, recognizing its founding in the United States on December 29, 1851, by Thomas Valentine Sullivan at the Old South Church in Boston

Acknowledges the YMCA's historical contributions including inventing basketball, pioneering the first night school and ESL classes, delivering the first group swim lessons, establishing Father's Day in 1910, and creating the Youth and Government Program in 1936

Notes that more than 2,600 YMCAs currently serve over 10,000 communities nationwide, supported by 300,000 staff members and 350,000 volunteers, reaching 17 million individuals annually

Recognizes that 47 Iowa YMCAs serve over 250,000 Iowans annually through more than 5,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers providing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs

Commends YMCA staff and volunteers for their service and encourages continued support for community-centered efforts that reduce social isolation and promote well-being