LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the YWCA of Brooklyn upon the occa-
sion of hosting its Benefit and Silent Auction

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious organizations and individuals of the State of
New York whose purposeful endeavors serve to enhance the quality of life
in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the YWCA of Brooklyn upon the occasion of hosting its Bene-
fit and Silent Auction on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, in Brooklyn, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1888, the YWCA of Brooklyn is the only YWCA in the
borough of Brooklyn, and is also one of the oldest in New York State;
each year over 10,000 women, men and children take advantage of a broad
mix of programs, including: health and wellness programs, youth develop-
ment and affordable housing for single women; and
WHEREAS, In 1943, the YWCA became the first YWCA in the country to
racially integrate its program and in 1946, its residence hall for women
was formally desegregated; this proud tradition of integration and
commitment continues to this day; and
WHEREAS, The YWCA of Brooklyn offers programs and services to meet the
needs of the women, men and children of the community; it encourages all
to participate, yet remains true to its mission of empowering women and
girls, with particular focus on gender equity and racial justice; and
WHEREAS, Programs for women dedicated to fitness and health include:
Encore Plus, the breast cancer and cervical cancer prevention program
which offers workshops and referrals; Sister Strength, aimed at reducing
the incidence of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes in low-income
women in central Brooklyn; Senior Fit which focuses on fitness and
disease prevention for fixed-income seniors; and fitness classes includ-
ing swimming, martial arts, dance and yoga, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, The YWCA has established a youth-led leadership program for
young women, the Young Women's Leadership Academy, to promote leadership
training, financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills; the after
school and summer camp programs continue to provide programs for tutor-
ing, swimming, music, dance and art classes; and
WHEREAS, The YWCA of Brooklyn also provides a welcoming gathering
place for community meetings, events and parties; it has served a
racially and economically diverse population since its inception, and
today, it continues to fight for social justice; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the YWCA of Brooklyn upon the occasion of hosting its Bene-
fit and Silent Auction; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the YWCA of Brooklyn.