SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 275

WHEREAS, The YMCA of El Paso is celebrating its 135th anniversary in March 2021, and this occasion presents a fitting opportunity to pay tribute to its long record of service to the city's residents; and

WHEREAS, In 1886, 19 men in El Paso met at the First Baptist Church to establish a branch of the Young Men's Christian Association, in order to keep young men off the streets and away from the "attractiveness of vice"; its original activities consisted of prayer meetings, which were held in a room on San Antonio Street; and

WHEREAS, As the organization grew, it moved to a space above a livery stable on San Francisco Street, and in 1909 the YMCA erected a new building at the corner of Oregon and Missouri Streets at a cost of $250,000; conveniently situated at the time within walking distance of nearly every resident of the city, this location was used until 1957; and

WHEREAS, Today, the El Paso YMCA serves an area that encompasses the city and its surrounding communities, as well as southern New Mexico, offering a wide variety of services out of five locations across the city; programs for young people include classes in gymnastics, art, ballet, martial arts, piano, and guitar; the youth sports program offers soccer, flag football, basketball, and volleyball, while YMCA pools across the city offer swimming lessons, lap swimming, water fitness classes, and lifeguard certification; and

WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA has helped sustain and support families around the region, providing financial assistance, classes, meals, tutoring, and other services to more than 2,200 people; and

WHEREAS, For well over a century, the YMCA has been an invaluable resource for the people of the El Paso region, offering ample opportunities for recreation, education, and inspiration, and it is truly deserving of special recognition for its many contributions to the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby commemorate the 135th anniversary of the YMCA of El Paso and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the YMCA of El Paso as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Blanco

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 19, 2021.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate