Young men today face immense pressure to embody strength and independence, often at the expense of their emotional well-being. Too frequently, vulnerability is seen as a weakness, leaving many to struggle in silence. Organizations such as the Young Men’s Service League challenge this norm by fostering service, leadership, and genuine connection. By uniting mothers and their sons in community service, they help young men build emotional resilience, confidence, and lifelong mental wellness through meaningful relationships.
Mental health challenges are common among all ages, but for many men, acknowledging emotional struggles remains stigmatized. From a young age, boys are often taught to suppress vulnerability and “tough it out,” leaving them unequipped to manage emotional stress in healthy ways. The Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) provides an opportunity for young men to connect, express empathy, and develop leadership skills through service, encouraging openness and growth starting in high school.
Founded in 2001 by Pam and Julie Rosener, YMSL began in response to a lack of service programs specifically for young men. The organization has since grown into a national initiative, with more than 135 chapters across 18 states, encompassing over 25,000 members. YMSL’s core mission is to cultivate confident, capable, and compassionate leaders through a combination of community service, education, and relationship-building.
The North Star Chapter in Plano, Texas, exemplifies this mission. Mothers and sons work together, committing to at least 20 volunteer hours annually, partnering with local nonprofits like Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and ACEing Autism. This shared experience helps young men develop empathy by interacting with people from diverse backgrounds while making a meaningful impact in their communities. The opportunity for bonding also strengthens their commitment to service.
In addition to service, YMSL offers leadership training. Each year, members engage in life-skills education on topics like financial literacy, health, and social responsibility. These lessons are reinforced through guest speakers and hands-on activities designed to teach real-world skills and help them grow into capable adults.
An essential aspect of YMSL is strengthening the mother-son relationship. Most service hours are completed together, fostering emotional closeness and communication. In a time when many boys begin distancing themselves from family, these shared experiences encourage open dialogue and emotional support, essential for mental health and resilience.
In a society where young men are often expected to be stoic, YMSL provides an environment that nurtures emotional well-being, growth, and healthier emotional expression.
Our long-term impact is on the young men whom we raise to understand the importance of serving others.