SENATE MEMORIAL 79

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

Gerald Ortiz y Pino

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NEW MEXICO ALLIANCE OF YMCAS AND DECLARING FEBRUARY 4, 2016 "YMCA DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, for one hundred one years, the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs has strengthened the foundations of community statewide through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility programs; and

     WHEREAS, more and more New Mexicans are turning to the YMCA for education on nutrition and diabetes management and other chronic disease management programs to support them in their desires to live healthy lifestyles; and 

     WHEREAS, nearly thirty-eight thousand New Mexicans benefit directly each year from the YMCA's programming for all ages and abilities, programs that include early childhood education, job-readiness programs for teens, fitness and wellness opportunities and healthy-living programs for senior citizens; and

     WHEREAS, nearly fourteen thousand youths benefit each year from programs, such as YMCA after-school enrichment, youth-in-government, developmental sports, earth service corps, teen life-skills classes, teen centers and camp Shaver; and

     WHEREAS, almost five hundred individuals volunteer at YMCAs each year, donating thousands of hours of time and expertise so that others may develop their potential, making New Mexico's alliance of YMCAs one of the largest volunteer-led and volunteer-driven organizations in the state; and

     WHEREAS, each YMCA is governed by a local volunteer board of directors, whose members believe that every day, the YMCA is working to meet the most pressing needs in their community, from addressing health and educational disparities to providing critical services and support to underserved populations; and

     WHEREAS, each of the YMCA local volunteer board members gives generously of his or her time, money and effort in order for New Mexicans to grow as responsible members of their families and communities; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs has awarded over seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) in financial aid so that everyone, regardless of ability to pay, can participate in the YMCA's activities and programs, which are dependent upon annual campaign donations from YMCA members, community members and community partners;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs be recognized for the important role that the YMCA plays in providing community programs and support to youths, families and adults throughout New Mexico and that February 4, 2016 be declared "YMCA DAY" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs.

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