Senate Resolution No. 5069

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

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, leadership and education, affordable housing for single women,
and immigrant services; 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, The YWCA Brooklyn furthers its mission by providing
affordable, safe, permanent, housing for over 300 women; a college
access program for low-income girls of color; mentoring for women
entrepreneurs; social justice advocacy, education and activism; and a
community center that provides free and subsidized event space and
meeting space for over 60 nonprofit and civic partners in the Brooklyn
community; and

WHEREAS, The YWCA of Brooklyn is a leading advocate for racial
justice and gender equality in New York State, advancing policies in the
areas of education reform, pay equity, domestic violence, criminal
justice and access to comprehensive health care; and

WHEREAS, The YWCA of Brooklyn provides 310 affordable, safe,
permanent housing units for low-income and formerly homeless women, most
of whom are survivors of domestic violence; and


WHEREAS, The YWCA of Brooklyn's Leadership and College Access
Program prepares over 300 low-income girls of color for academic success
and professional careers; 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.