HOUSE MEMORIAL 17

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Jeannette O. Wallace

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 16, 2011 AS "SUPPORT THE NEW MEXICO ALLIANCE FOR YMCAS DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, for over ten decades, a New Mexico alliance of YMCAs has strengthened the foundations of community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility; and

     WHEREAS, more than eight thousand six hundred families directly benefit from the YMCA's extensive programming for all ages and interest groups, from toddler activities to teen programs and fitness and wellness programs for senior citizens; and

     WHEREAS, more than seven thousand five hundred youths benefit each year from programs such as after-school care, basketball, volleyball, character counts, youth and government, yes corp, counselor-in-training, summer camp, teen programs and development, camp Shaver and many other programs; and

     WHEREAS, more than one thousand nine hundred individuals volunteer at YMCAs each year, making the YMCA one of the largest volunteer-led and volunteer-driven organizations in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the YMCA is governed by a local volunteer board of directors who give generously of their time, money and effort to ensure that young citizens grow into responsible members of their families and communities, develop self-confidence and self-respect as well as an awareness of the rights and worth of each individual, appreciating that physical and mental health are gifts that should be maintained through healthy living and spiritual growth; and

     WHEREAS, the programs and services of YMCAs are available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay; and

     WHEREAS, YMCAs are wholly dependent on continued community support, such as from the united way and through YMCA membership; and

     WHEREAS, through this support, YMCAs in New Mexico have seen expansion at such sites as the Espanola teen center, the Los Alamos teen center, a newly enlarged facility in Los Alamos, the renovation and expansion of two facilities in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho and new facilities in Alamogordo;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 16, 2011 be declared as "Support the New Mexico Alliance of YMCAs Day" in the house of representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that recognition be given to the important role played by YMCAs in providing community programs and support to youths, families and adults in New Mexico.

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