KS SR1730

Celebrates the YMCA's 175th anniversary in 2026, recognizing its founding by Reverend Thomas Valentine Sullivan on December 29, 1851, at the Old South Church in Boston, Massachusetts

Highlights historical YMCA contributions including inventing basketball and volleyball, pioneering night school and ESL courses, establishing the Youth and Government Program in 1936, and originating Father's Day at the Spokane YMCA in 1910

Recognizes current national impact: 2,600 YMCAs serve over 10,000 communities, providing programs to 10.8 million adults and 6.4 million children annually

Notes Kansas YMCA impact in 2025: nine associations with 3,700 employees and 6,000 volunteers served over 500,000 Kansans, provided 939,000 meals and snacks, and delivered $10.5 million in financial assistance

Commends YMCA employees and volunteers and encourages continued support for efforts addressing social isolation and loneliness through community-building programs