Assembly Resolution No. 1072

BY: M. of A. Wright

COMMENDING the YWCA of Brooklyn upon the occasion
of celebrating its 130th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the YWCA of Brooklyn upon the occasion of celebrating its 130th
Anniversary at an Event on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in the Roulette
Theater in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, For 130 years, the YWCA of Brooklyn has strived to
eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom,
and dignity for all; 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 a significant amount of women, men, and children take
advantage of a broad mix of programs, including: health and wellness
programs, youth development and affordable housing for single women; and

WHEREAS, In 1943, the YWCA of Brooklyn 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
including 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
tutoring, 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 those
organizations which enhance the well-being and vitality of their
community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence
certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the YWCA of Brooklyn upon the occasion of celebrating its 130th
Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the YWCA of Brooklyn.