LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Genesee County YWCA upon the occa-
sion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Genesee County YWCA upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniver-
sary; and
WHEREAS, In the spring of 1909, the women of Batavia, New York, real-
ized there was a great need for an organization to provide for the spir-
itual, moral, social and physical condition of young women; they also
recognized the necessity for residence rooms for young working women;
and
WHEREAS, After some informal discussions the women applied for member-
ship in the YWCA and selected Mrs. Frances G. Francis as its first Pres-
ident; and
WHEREAS, By mid-August, there were 350 members and a formal applica-
tion was submitted to the YWCA USA; on February 10, 1910, the Batavia
YWCA was officially chartered by the YWCA USA; and
WHEREAS, During the 1920s, the Batavia YWCA fostered many active
organizations and provided lodging to numerous women; in the late 1930s,
it established a kindergarten to be attended by local children; and
WHEREAS, The Batavia YWCA was greatly affected in the 1940s by World
War II; the members of the YWCA worked tirelessly, collecting aluminum,
contributing to the emergency fund for England and China, collecting
books for the men serving in the Armed Forces and serving as a Red Cross
Donor site; and
WHEREAS, Upon entering the 1970s, a time of anti-war protests and
civil rights demonstrations, the YWCA of Genesee County echoed the poli-
tical and social issues of the times; at this time the YWCA became a
leader in the community in presenting eye-opening issues which were
discussed and voted on at the YWCA National Convention; and
WHEREAS, In the 1980s, the YWCA began shifting its focus more and more
to human services with the emphasis being on preschool, child care, and
support services; and
WHEREAS, Looking forward to 2010, the Genesee County YWCA will
complete more building renovations, establish a new safe house for
domestic violence clients, initiate more racial justice programs, and
continue building stronger community connections; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Genesee County YWCA, is in direct corre-
lation to the efforts of its administration, staff, and volunteers,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impres-
sive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard
of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the Y and the population it
serves; and
WHEREAS, Upon the occasion of its 100th Anniversary, the Genesee Coun-
ty YWCA has established itself as a cornerstone of the community, and
stands ready to continue to fulfill its vital mission for many years to
come; 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
honor the Genesee County YWCA upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th
Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Genesee County YWCA.