“Always be kinder than necessary.”
Shepard Sloan carries that motherly advice with him every day and as he volunteered with the Northside Youth Organization. The Christopher League is a baseball league run by NYO for children with special needs. This program is designed for “buddies” ages 11 and older to assist the players in the games. The program was one of a few that Shepard volunteered with as a part of his membership with Young Men's Service League.
Young Men’s Service League is a national organization that creates opportunities for moms and their high school sons to volunteer together at philanthropic organizations in their community. YMSL is a comprehensive four-year-long program for mothers and sons dedicated to serving together, learning life lessons, and leading with heart.
“We just completed a huge project called the ‘Ultimate Gift’ based on the book of the same name by Jim Stovall. It is a powerful book with a wonderful lesson about service,” says Mary Elizabeth Ellenburg, who is participating in YMSL with her son Jack, a junior at North Atlanta High School. “We applied for a 9/11 grant from our national chapter and received over $3500 for a project geared toward Veterans. We just spent two days planting landscaping at the Marietta Aviation Museum next to the campus of Dobbins Air Force Base. The boys spent time interviewing Veterans and hearing stories about their service.”
We caught up with Jack and fellow NAHS students, brothers Easley and Shepard Sloan to find out more about their commitment to community. These boys are all busy with extracurricular activities, competitive sports and homework, but are making giving back a priority. We applaud you, gentlemen!
Meet Jack Ellenburg
11th Grade, North Atlanta High School
Extracurriculars - Football, Fishing, Golf, Founder of Jaxsox.com (founded at age 11)
Most memorable event or moment with YMSL? My most memorable time with YMSL is working with the charity Open Hand. Open Hand is an organization that makes and delivers meals to people who need food. First, we had a training session to understand the needs of the community. Then, we loaded up boxes of food that had been prepared at Open Hand. After that, I helped deliver the meals to homes in Atlanta. The people who received the food were so thankful to see us. It taught me to be grateful for what I have and it gave me the perspective that there are people around us everywhere who need help. I spent about four hours that day delivering food and the food was enough to last a week.
If you were describing YMSL to a younger boy, what would you tell him?
YMSL is something you should strongly consider joining. There isn't a book or a movie that can teach you what you will learn from serving your community. Also, read the book called "The Ultimate Gift" by Jim Stovall.
What is a piece of advice your mom has given you that you appreciate?
My Mom has taught me to thank God for everything I am and everything I have. Take nothing for granted and use my God-given abilities to help others.
Which nonprofit are you most proud of supporting with YMSL?
Piedmont Park Conservancy makes me the most proud. When I was a child I lived in walking distance to Piedmont Park and made so many great memories there. Growing up I completed the Peachtree Road Race several times ending in the park. Now, as a North Atlanta Football player, I play football games across the street from the Park at the Midtown stadium. Keeping the park clean is important to me and it is an easy thing to do. We should all care about where we live so that others can make memories there, too.
Meet Easley Sloan
12th grade, NAHS
Extracurriculars: Football, Lacrosse, Best Buddies
Most memorable event or moment with YMSL?
One of my favorite volunteering days was when we worked in an assembly line to make the meals at Open Hand. We had to put on aprons, hairnets, and gloves and enter a freezing room. It was fun because they had good music playing, and we made around 350 meals to be delivered. It felt good to help so many people in just three hours.
If you were describing YMSL to a younger boy, what would you tell him?
As a senior about to graduate, my years volunteering through YMSL have flown by. YMSL is an opportunity to serve our community with your mom and brother if you have them. You also have monthly meetings where you learn essential life skills like how to change a tire or write a thank you note.
What is a piece of advice your mom has given you that you appreciate?
My mom is big on treating everyone how you want to be treated. When we deliver Open Hand meals to people in nursing homes or people who can’t leave their houses, I try to talk to them just like I would want someone to talk to me. Many look forward to weekly food deliveries to have regular conversations with volunteers. Often, our conversations are pretty funny.
Which nonprofit are you most proud of supporting with YMSL? Open Hands
Meet Shepard Sloan
10th grade, NAHS
Extracurriculars: Football, Lacrosse, Best Buddies
Most memorable event or moment with YMSL?
I have so many great memories from spending Saturday mornings at NYO volunteering with Christopher League. At this point, I know a lot of the players. One of my favorite players never says a word; he always gives us a smile and thumbs up. He can’t verbalize it, but he’s having a great time.
If you were describing YMSL to a younger boy, what would you tell him?
YMSL is about spending time with your mom and brother helping our community. It’s a fun and rewarding way to spend your Saturday morning. We also like to deliver meals through Open Hand during the school breaks. We go in the morning, and by lunch, you are done and feel good about helping others. It feels nice to start the day that way, especially during the holidays.
What advice has your mom given you that you appreciate?
Always be kinder than necessary. I think about this a lot, and it’s easy to do!
Which nonprofit are you most proud of supporting with YMSL? Christopher League
It taught me to be grateful for what I have and it gave me the perspective
YMSL is about spending time with your mom and brother helping our community.
One of my favorite players never says a word; he always gives us a smile and thumbs up.