Mothers and sons serving communities together can result in profound bonds. One charitable group is filled with ideas for those diverse service options. Texas-founded during 2001, Young Men’s Service League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit national organization. However, the local region now is blessed with multiple YMSL chapters.
Pam Rosener, founder and CEO/president of YMSL’s national board of directors, says the group represents more than 12,900 moms and 14,600 young men as part of 194 chapters across 22 states.
Members of YMSL are moms and their teenage sons, who volunteer together to serve their local communities during his four years of high school.
"YMSL offers moms service opportunities and time together with her son(s) to grow their relationship and to instill in him a heart of service to last a lifetime," explains Pam.
In addition to service, as part of its four-year comprehensive program, Pam says YMSL teaches leadership and life skills to develop young men to become capable, confident and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
YMSL philanthropic partners include 4,600 local and national organizations, such as Wreaths Across America, Cure Childhood Cancer, Ronald McDonald House, The Miracle League, Best Buddies, ACEing Autism, Reach Out & Read, Meals On Wheels America, The Backpack Coalition, Village Harvest, Trusted World, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army.
The foundation of the YMSL program revolves around community service hours served together by our mothers and sons, Pam says. "Each year our members are required to serve at least 20 hours in support of chapter approved philanthropies in their area."
In addition, a four-year, YMSL educational curriculum incorporates important life skills lessons in areas such as social skills (college planning, job interviewing, public speaking); making good choices (money management, alcohol/drug prevention, nutrition); and practical skills (CPR, car maintenance, first aid.)
"Monthly meetings bring together grade-level young men to develop leadership skills and learn from outside expert speakers. The young men are in charge of running their meetings and take turns presenting to the group on various subjects," explains Pam. "Moms hold separate meetings that cover topics specific for them. Both moms and young men are required to serve in a job or leadership position within YMSL. In the spring, every YMSL chapter hosts an awards banquet to recognize and celebrate the achievements and growth of our young men and the impact of our organization in various communities."
In 2010, YMSL launched an annual philanthropy event called the “Ultimate Gift” project for local chapters, with the goal for each chapter to find a way to give an "Ultimate Gift" back to their community. Some past YMSL Ultimate Gift projects have included the construction of playgrounds; makeover of apartments; painting of shelters/facilities; exterior painting of homes; and landscape cleanup etc.
Pam spotlights her inspiring book, co-authored with Jim Stovall: Giving The Ultimate Gift: Transforming Communities & Cultivating Compassion: A Look at the Young Men’s Service League. The book, released during March 2024, also supports mother-son relationships via letters crafted by young men from various corners of the country, inspired by the Ultimate Gift projects.
In essence, the cornerstone of this YMSL program is the opportunity for moms and sons to spend quality time together serving their community. Pam states, "During this time, sons learn about other’s needs, and they also learn about their own character and gain a new respect for the mother/son relationship. Our goal is to instill a heart of service, love of community and respect for all."
LOCAL YMSL CHAPTERS:
McKinney: YMSLMcKinney.org
Prosper: YMSLProsper.org
United McKinney: YMSLUnited.org
"High school years go by fast, make the most of them."