HOUSE MEMORIAL 29

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Stephanie Garcia Richard

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NEW MEXICO ALLIANCE OF YMCAS AND DECLARING FEBRUARY 20, 2013 "SUPPORT THE NEW MEXICO ALLIANCE OF YMCAS DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, for over one hundred years, the 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, as a result of the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs' excellence in providing programs and opportunities to support a healthy lifestyle, more New Mexicans are turning to their YMCAs to become healthier and to support them in their desire to live healthier lifestyles; and

     WHEREAS, more than twenty-eight thousand individuals benefit directly each year from the YMCA's extensive programming for all ages and interest groups, from toddler activities and teen programs to fitness and wellness opportunities for New Mexico's senior citizens; and

     WHEREAS, more than fourteen thousand five hundred youths benefit each year from programs such as YMCA after-school care, basketball, volleyball, character counts, youth-in-government, yes corps, counselor-in-training, Y camps, teen programs and teen centers, camp Shaver and many other character-building and youth-development programs; and

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

     WHEREAS, the YMCAs are governed by local volunteer boards of directors who give generously of their time, money and effort in order for New Mexicans to grow as responsible members of their families and communities; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexicans who participate in YMCA programs and use YMCA facilities develop self-confidence and self-respect, as well as an awareness of the rights and worth of every individual; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexicans who participate in YMCA programs and use YMCA facilities appreciate that physical and mental health are divine gifts that should be maintained through healthy living and spiritual growth; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexicans who participate in YMCA programs and use YMCA facilities develop and use their capacities for leadership; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs has awarded nearly two hundred forty thousand dollars ($240,000) in financial aid so that everyone, regardless of ability to pay, could participate in the YMCA's activities and programs; and

     WHEREAS, the financial aid that the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs offers depends wholly on continued community support from entities such as the united way, through YMCA memberships and program supports and annual campaigns; and

     WHEREAS, recent improvements to YMCA facilities in New Mexico include the new Los Alamos teen center; a newly enlarged facility in Los Alamos; the renovation and expansion of two branches in Albuquerque; new branches in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho; and a new YMCA facility in Clovis;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs be recognized for its contributions in providing community programs and support to youths, families and adults throughout New Mexico and that February 20, 2013 be declared "Support the New Mexico Alliance of YMCAs Day" in the house of representatives; and

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