VT HCR197

Vermont General Assembly congratulates the YMCA on its 175th anniversary, recognizing the first U.S. YMCA was established December 29, 1851, in Boston, and Vermont's first Y opened in Burlington in 1866.

Nationally, 2,600 YMCAs operate in every state and territory with 300,000+ staff and 350,000 volunteers, serving 6.5 million children and 11 million adults annually.

In Vermont, the YMCA of Greater Burlington and Meeting Waters YMCA (established 1895) serve 15,000 Vermonters through 600 staff and 80 volunteers.

Resolution highlights YMCA achievements including inventing basketball, offering first group swimming lessons, pioneering night school and ESL classes, and receiving the 1946 Nobel Peace Prize.

Secretary of State directed to send copies of the resolution to the YMCA of Greater Burlington and the Meeting Waters YMCA.