by Melissa Chaiken | Section Editor
I feel incredibly fortunate to participate in two remarkable organizations that not only allow me to dedicate meaningful time with my children but also instill within them the value of philanthropy.
My 16-year-old son and I are members of a local chapter of the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL). Founded in 2001 by two visionary mothers in Plano, YMSL was designed for moms and their high school-aged sons to collaborate in support of those in need within the community. Today, YMSL has grown into a national organization with a governing Board of Directors that facilitates the establishment of chapters across the United States. YMSL’s mission is to “assist, serve, and support those in need within our community, develop leadership skills among members, and enhance the mother-son relationship.” The program spans four years, commencing in the boys’ 9th grade year.
As we embark on our third year in YMSL, my son and I have had the enlightening opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. We have relished our experiences, which include preparing and serving meals for the homeless, assisting at swimming and softball practices for the Special Olympics, constructing a fence for a children’s play area at a resource center, and volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club after school, among various other activities.
Beyond its charitable focus, the organization holds several meetings throughout the year where members learn about conducting formal meetings following procedural rules. These gatherings frequently feature guest speakers who cover topics like personal finance management, the dangers of impaired driving, essential life skills such as changing a tire, doing laundry, and preparing simple meals, as well as the risks associated with Performance Enhancing Drugs.
Since its inception in 2001, YMSL members have collectively contributed over 100,000 hours of community service.
My 14-year-old daughter and I are also in our third year with a local chapter of the National Charity League (NCL). Established in 1925 in Los Angeles and incorporated in 1958, NCL has become one of the most prestigious mother-daughter organizations in the nation. Comprising over 55,000 members—mothers and daughters in grades 7 through 12—in 23 states, NCL’s mission is to “nurture mother-daughter relationships within a philanthropic organization dedicated to community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences.”
Through our journey with NCL, my daughter and I have had the opportunity to prepare breakfast for families at the Ronald McDonald House and volunteer at day camps for siblings of young patients. We’ve also participated in the Friday Night Friends program, organized by a local church, which provides respite care for children with special needs so their parents can enjoy a well-deserved night off. One of our cherished initiatives is Shoes for Orphan Souls, a part of Buckner International that donates new shoes to at-risk children in the U.S. and orphans across 68 countries. We’ve spent countless hours in their warehouse sorting and packing shoes, always adding a heartfelt note of encouragement to each pair!
The NCL experience is transformative, inspiring and empowering young women to become confident, well-rounded individuals who actively contribute to their communities. Annually, NCL members volunteer approximately one million hands-on hours within their local areas.
As a parent, it brings me immense joy to share these rewarding experiences with my teenagers. My hope is that when they eventually step out of my care, they’ll carry forward the legacy of giving that we have built together during our time in these organizations.
