Senate Resolution No. 2002

BY: Senator ALCANTARA

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the YM &
YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood

WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this Empire
State, if the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor
combine in the commitment to society, there have emerged among the
distinguished citizens of the State of New York certain organizations
which warrant special recognition; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights
and Inwood to be celebrated with a Gala Dinner on Thursday, June 8,
2017, at the Central Park Boathouse; and

WHEREAS, The YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood has been
serving the needs of its ever-evolving community since its inception in
1917; and

WHEREAS, With an increase in immigration to the United States,
Washington Heights and Inwood became hotspots for populations fleeing as
refugees from wars, escaping oppressive regimes, and simply hoping for a
better life for their families; and

WHEREAS, In the earliest years of the YM & YWHA of Washington
Heights and Inwood, the focus was on the resettlement of refugees; the
neighborhood became home to the most German refugees in the country in
the 1930s; later, from 1978 onward, the organization worked to aid
Jewish refugees from Russia with similar urgency; and

WHEREAS, During this time, the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and
Inwood focused on English classes, citizenship tutoring, and
recreation-based community building programs to serve the needs of its
communities; and

WHEREAS, The YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood expanded its
multi-generational programming and innovative care for the elderly
throughout the 1990s; and

WHEREAS, The Wien House, a 100-unit independent living facility, was
erected adjacent to the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood,
where beloved programs like lunch for seniors and continuing education
classes have been instrumental in local seniors experiencing a marked
improvement in their quality of life; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the YM & YWHA's nursery school has grown
tremendously from its humble beginnings to include six fully staffed
rooms, and an unprecedented quality of teachers and services; and


WHEREAS, With notable programs such as Sosua, an intensive musical
theater program for teens, this vital organization highlights the unique
mixture of cultures within the community, and celebrates all that can be
achieved by working together; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to its community, the YM & YWHA of Washington
Heights and Inwood provides such services as mental health outreach,
work with battered women, and access to social services; furthermore,
its staff is trained in cultural diversity, services are offered in
three languages, and a heavy emphasis is placed on workforce
development; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 100 year history, the YM & YWHA of
Washington Heights and Inwood has demonstrated continuous service to the
residents and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and
Inwood is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the YM & YWHA of
Washington Heights and Inwood; and

WHEREAS, In light of its commitment, dedication and successful
efforts, it is the custom of this Legislative Body to extend its highest
commendation to the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, New
York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights
and Inwood; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood.