A newly formed local chapter of a national nonprofit is proving that two of life’s most fulfilling activities can go hand in hand.
The Jacksonville Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) brings mothers and their high school-aged sons together for volunteer opportunities where they give back to the community while spending quality time together.
“The four years in high school go by so fast,” said Erin Avera, one of the moms who helped found the chapter in June. “You watch them play sports, you support them in school, but really having one-on-one time with your son is what every mother wants.”
Although it launched only a few months ago, YMSL’s newest chapter already has 70 mothers and 80 sons participating. The organization has also quickly forged partnerships with more than 20 area nonprofits, including the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, Blessings in a Backpack, Feeding Northeast Florida and UCOM’s food ministries.
Volunteer opportunities are available every weekend and occasionally during the week. One weekend, the young men of YMSL might find themselves plucking invasive weeds as part of a dune restoration; the next, hauling 2,700 pounds of nonperishable goods to a food pantry; and the following weekend, organizing a ‘trunk or treat’ for children battling cancer.
Whitman Moore and mother, Melanie, brighten kids’ days by volunteering at Blessings in a Backpack.
Melanie Moore, a San Marco resident and the chapter’s community relations chair, says volunteering at a food bank run by Christ Church in Ponte Vedra was especially eye-opening for both her and her son, Whitman. The program distributes food to more than 300 kids and families.
“He didn’t realize that even kids living in more affluent areas have food insecurity, and I didn’t either, honestly,” said Moore.
Volunteering is a great way for students to get service hours for college applications, but for those involved, the time spent giving back is much more meaningful than simply building a college resumé.
Mother Ashley English and her son, William, combine quality time with giving back at Feeding Northeast Florida.
“They’re learning how to be good towards others, and that’s what I want my son to remember,” said San Marco resident Ashley English, who volunteers with her son William. “When he gets older, and he has children, he can do the same thing with his son or daughter.”
Another key part of the program is its monthly meetings, which focus on different life skills each month. Recent topics have included civic engagement, financial responsibility and practical skills. Lessons can cover something as casual as grilling techniques or changing a tire, or as serious as discussing recent events at Cornell University. The purpose is to help shape well-rounded, morally grounded young men who are equipped for college and adulthood.
Mothers and sons from across Jacksonville have joined the program, many from the city’s historic neighborhoods.
In keeping with the national organization’s standards, both moms and sons are expected to volunteer 20 hours throughout the year. And in keeping with the group’s core mission of promoting healthy mother-son relationships, 10 of those hours must be completed together.
Barrett Perkins and his mother, Jennifer, volunteer at UCOM Grocery Giveaway.
Jennifer Perkins, who joined YMSL with her son Barrett, said she felt it was important to get out of the “bubble” of Ortega, where she has raised her family.
“I feel like they really needed to get out of our community and connect with what most families who aren’t as fortunate are dealing with,” said Perkins. “Our kids, so many of them have their heads in their devices, and I don’t think that’s reality. Social media isn’t reality.”
The program is intended to be a four-year commitment, with 30 boys in each grade level, meaning there is still plenty of room for new members. Avera, the chapter’s VP of communications, emphasized that the group is not selective and all are welcome without limitations. She and others echoed the same sentiment – the most important part is the quality time participants get to spend together.
“I really wanted us to have something we could do together before Whitman leaves for college, and what better than to do something for other people,” said Moore. “I was thrilled to have that outlet for him and me to do something special together.”