HOUSE MEMORIAL 18

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Stephanie Garcia Richard

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NEW MEXICO ALLIANCE OF YMCAS AND DECLARING FEBRUARY 12, 2015 "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 statewide through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility; and

     WHEREAS, more and more New Mexicans are turning to the YMCA for education on nutrition and for programs to manage diabetes and other chronic diseases, which supports New Mexicans in their desire to live healthier lifestyles; and 

     WHEREAS, more than twenty-three thousand New Mexicans benefit directly each year from the YMCA's extensive programming for all ages and abilities, programs that include early childhood education, job-readiness, tax preparation for senior citizens and wellness opportunities; and

     WHEREAS, more than ten thousand four hundred youths in New Mexico benefit each year from programs such as YMCA after-school enrichment, youth-in-government, developmental sports, earth service corps, counselor-in-training, teen life skills, teen centers, camp Shaver and hundreds of other character-building and youth-development programs; and

     WHEREAS, more than six hundred individuals volunteer at YMCAs each year, donating thousands of hours of time and expertise so that others may develop their potential and 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 YMCAs are working to meet the most pressing everyday needs in their communities, from addressing health and education disparities to providing critical services and support to underserved populations, and whose members who give generously of their time, money and efforts to help New Mexicans grow into responsible members of their families and communities; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs has awarded nearly seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) in financial aid so that everyone, regardless of ability to pay, can participate in YMCA activities and programs; and

     WHEREAS, the financial aid offered by the New Mexico alliance of YMCAs depends on continued community support and contributing partners, through YMCA memberships and program support and annual campaigns for scholarships;

     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 important role in providing community programs and support to youths, families and adults throughout New Mexico, and that February 12, 2015 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.

- 3 -