Young Men’s Service League invites mothers and sons to serve the community together

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

It’s been said that you must be the change you wish to see in this world. Just ask the 81 moms and 92 high school students who make up the Clarendon Hills/Hinsdale chapter of the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL). Improving communities through service is the cornerstone of this mother/son group.

While the local chapter is currently in its second year, next year will mark a quarter of a century for the national organization. The 501(c)(3) was founded by sisters-in-law Pam and Julie Rosener in Plano, TX. The pair sought to create an opportunity for mothers and their high school-aged sons to serve their local communities while spending time together. YMSL has expanded to 195 chapters nationwide across 22 states. Although Pam’s sons have long since aged out of the group, she still serves as President and CEO of YMSL.

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children.

A four-year commitment is a criterion that sets YMSL apart from other service organizations. “After attending an introductory meeting to discuss expectations, the moms are encouraged to speak with their sons and be sure they are on board with a four-year, 20-hour commitment for service, in addition to the meetings,” said Heather O’Hara, who serves as Vice President of Membership for the Clarendon Hills/Hinsdale chapter. After moms and sons sign a letter of intent, they are invited to apply for membership.

“The initial response was overwhelming,” said Heather Jashnani, President. “It really spoke to a need in the community.”

Students are placed in a “class group,” according to their high school class. Each chapter consists of four separate classes – freshmen through seniors. Thirty spots are available for incoming ninth graders.

“We were inundated with responses for two of the class levels and ended up having to do a blind lottery, which is what happens if we receive more letters of intent than we have spots,” said O’Hara. “So far, we only have freshmen through juniors. Next year will be our first senior class.”

Helping out at the People’s Resource Center.

The Clarendon Hills/Hinsdale chapter is the fourth in Illinois to be granted a YMSL charter. Other chapters in the state serve areas such as Glen Ellyn, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, and Naperville. A ‘no boundaries’ philosophy welcomes moms and sons from any town to join any chapter. While most students attend Hinsdale Central, there are also several from Fenwick, Nazareth, Benet, and St. Ignatius. Starting a chapter isn’t a small order, but mentors are available from the national organization for advice.

The local group was started by Jashnani and Michelle Carlavato, who serves as Vice President. Both were separately interested in starting a local YMSL chapter, but had not met until O’Hara connected them. “It was rather serendipitous,” O’Hara believes. “I just happened to know both of them from different parts of my life.”

Preparing food at the Ronald McDonald House Loyola location.

“I don’t know of another group for mothers and sons,” said O’Hara. “I joined with my third son, Henry. Going into it, I think he was a little unsure. Now he loves it.”

The young men meet by class in various locations around the area, relevant to the evening’s selected topic. Subjects from automobile care to financial planning and self-defense to the basics of cooking – among other topics – carry them through the four years. Each young man has a job for the meeting, assisted by a few moms.

“My son enjoys the meetings,” said O’Hara. “He has been able to reconnect with other members of his class who were friends from grade school.” Jashnani’s son’s experience has been very positive as well. “My son is a freshman this year and has made several friends in the group, so when he started high school, he already knew a few other students.”

The moms, who are the actual members, have their own meetings with their own topics. “Last night we had a college counselor come and talk to us about how to navigate the college process,” said O’Hara. “Another time, a physician talked to us about women’s health issues. We have a professional organizer coming to our next meeting.”

Invariably, when people spend that kind of time together, friendships grow.

Each young man and his mother are required to complete 20 hours of volunteer work, half of which is required to be served together. Cooperating philanthropies such as DuPagePADS, Sharing Connections, and Level Up Academy are vetted through the national organization and must adhere to the criteria outlined in the mission statement – to assist, serve, and support those in need in the community.

YMSL volunteered at a Special Olympics bowling competition.

“The hope is that the members and their sons have contact with the clients who are the recipients of the help,” said Jashnani. “So, it’s not just stocking a food pantry, but also meeting clients who are there for assistance.” It’s amazing how quickly a rapport is built. For example, when O’Hara’s son assisted one afternoon at a Special Olympics bowling event. “I think Henry had more fun than he initially expected walking into it. It was nice to see him helping the kids and interacting so well with them.” The results can be eye-opening.

Recently, several members and their sons played Scrabble with residents at The Birches. “At first, I think my son might have been a little apprehensive,” said Jashnani. “But in the end, he made connections with a few of them and realized you can find something in common with anyone, if you’re willing to try.”

Like other moms, O’Hara often finds the drive home to be the most worthwhile part of the exercise. “Henry and I chat. Even if it’s only for ten minutes, it’s impactful. A short, meaningful conversation with your son at this point in both of your lives is valuable.”

For more information, visit chapters.ymsl.org or @YMSL.Hinsdale&CH on Facebook.