The framework
The YMSL is a nonprofit that provides opportunities for mothers and their sons to volunteer in their local communities. Founded in 2021 in Plano, the organization has more than 170 chapters across 22 states, according to its website. It provides more than 650,000 volunteer hours each year to more than 3,000 philanthropic partners nationwide.
According to an Oct. 20 news release, the YMSL Champions chapter partnered with the North Houston chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds and provides beds to children in need. According to SHP’s website, 2%-3% of children in the U.S. do not have their own bed. Across the Greater Houston area, nearly 8,000 kids have to sleep on the floor every year, per the release.
The impact
As part of YMSL Champions' annual community service project, SHP North Houston was selected as this year's recipient for the organization's "Ultimate Gift" project.
"I had the most meaningful experience delivering a bed last year with Sleep in Heavenly Peace,” Stephanie Bruce, vice president of philanthropy for YMSL Champions, said in a statement. "When it came time to choose a recipient for our Ultimate Gift project this year, I knew that this was the Ultimate Gift partnership our community could truly benefit from."
In September, more than 100 members YMSL Champions banded together to build 100 beds that were then delivered by officials with SHP North Houston to children without beds across the north Houston area. Additionally, YMSL officials said they were able to purchase 250 bedding units to go along with the beds through a Sept. 11 AmeriCorps grant.
“I am convinced we really are making a difference in kids’ lives by providing them with a bed of their very own,” Bruce Green, co-president of SHP's north Houston chapter, said in a statement.
Get involved
Both the SHP and the YMSL offer several opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. To view volunteer opportunities offered by SHP, click here. To view membership opportunities for the Champions’ chapter of the YMSL, click here.
Hannah Brol & Matthew Stephens contributed to this report.
