Reflecting on my Experiences with YMSL

by Will Muth

November 1, 2020

When I first joined YMSL, I was a little skeptical about what we would be doing in general with the volunteer work, meetings, etc. as volunteering was something new for me. Now a couple years later with more experience, I can say that it’s been an outstanding experience. It’s a great opportunity for young men and their moms to work together for a better cause, and have fun with it at the same time.  One opportunity that I’ve had that I will always remember is helping out with my mom at Respite Care, a non-profit organization here in Fort Collins. This was one of the most special experiences I’ve had in YSML as we got to volunteer for special needs kids. I really enjoyed getting to know these kids and spending time with them. After volunteering at Respite Care for the first time, I realized it was something I’d like to do again.

The other half of my YMSL experience is attending the meetings throughout the year. We are able to gain information from speakers on various topics as well as socialize with the other young men. Although the speakers give us a lot of important information, I especially enjoyed the speaker who taught us about driving responsibly. This applied to me in that I was just about to get my driver’s license, so I made sure to use what I learned from that and apply it to the real world skills of driving. This is an example of why I think having these meetings every so often is important.

With that being said, I genuinely believe being a part of YMSL has helped me develop a better understanding of giving back to the community and selflessness. It is a win-win situation because I am able to help out those in need, have fun, and feel a sense of accomplishment.  Because it has impacted my life so much, I  think all young men should be involved in a great program like YMSL.

 

 

 

 My YMSL Experience 

by Brayden Lake

September 11, 2020

 

When I first joined YMSL, there was a lot of concern over what we’d be doing for our volunteer hours. I was a bit scared that it would be manual labor every time, or working with massive crowds. At that time I wasn’t good at working in crowds. I liked personal work or working 1-on-1. This came to a head in February of my Freshman year with the Tim Tebow Foundation’s ‘Night to Shine’ event. The first time I volunteered, I did not know what to do with myself. I ended up sitting in a back-room working with some of the food prep workers and didn’t talk with the guests. While it worked for me, I felt guilty the whole time. I worried I wasn’t able to contribute as much as the rest of the volunteers. I felt like I was out of the loop.

 

During my Sophomore year, I went through a whole change in how I talked to people. I took classes and volunteered more and I slowly figured out how I could help those I was supporting. I figured out I actually enjoyed speaking in front of other people; even crowds! Therefore, I focused on finding roles at events that allowed me the opportunity to help support and interact with large groups. At the next ‘Night To Shine’ during my Junior year, I ended up in the food prep for the parents of the guests. We were situated upstairs, away from the crowds, with a large, but calm group to serve. In choosing this role, I was able to provide more 1-on-1 service for caregivers. This allowed them to take a break for the night and helped me find where I could do the most good.

 

If at first, you try one of these events and you feel uncomfortable and feel like you can’t find your place, try it again. Try some other way to engage with those you’re helping and attempt to see it from a different perspective. Strive to find your place. As for me, I really enjoyed helping behind the scenes; supporting others who volunteered, and taking care of the caregivers who give their all every day. There’s a multitude of different events and roles you are able to join in as part of YMSL, and even if you feel like you can’t help out effectively, there’s always something for you to do. You really get out of YMSL what you put into it. Good Luck!

 

 

YMSL’s Forever Impact

Dario Gonzales

February 1, 2020

The past two years as a participant of the Young Men’s Service League has provided me with many wonderful experiences.   I am so thankful that I chose to be a part of this group that helps better the people and community around me.  Though there have been many eye-opening experiences, one that I will always remember and that makes me smile to this day is the Night to Shine event.  During the Night to Shine event I had the privilege of helping crown, special needs participants ages 14 and older, king and queen.  I will forever cherish this moment in life because I was able to see how I was impacting someone’s life in a positive way, which is a goal in my life.



The meetings we attend throughout the year vary in topics.  Some meetings seem long while others are interesting and beneficial.  Right before I got my driver’s license, we had a couple of speakers that revealed important information about being a responsible driver.  Yes, there was the information that our parents talk to us about and that is learned in driver’s education, but there was other valuable information that even our mothers (those that stayed to listen) were not aware of.  I actually did not want to drive after that meeting!  I did get my license a week after that meeting and was able to apply and use the information I learned right away. 



Being a part of YMSL has helped me become a less selfish person.  I have learned how to work hard, enjoy each and every moment, and appreciate all that I have.  YMSL has had an absolutely rewarding impact on my life and I truly believe all boys should be involved in such an outstanding group.

Civic Responsibility and YMSL

Carter Smith

October 27, 2019

On Sunday October 27th we toured the Fort Collins Police Station.  We learned about Civic Responsibility.  Police officers and other law enforcement agents are required to take the civil service exam.  Their focus is to protect people and property.

The beginning of our tour stared in the area where they take emergency or 911 calls.  This is an example of when the police are helping to ensure people are safe.  We then toured the area where they hold kids that did something to break the law.  The police would hold them until their parents could arrive.  This is an example of where they are protecting anyone who may have been armed by the kid but it is also a way to ensure the child is safe as well.

After that, we toured the area where the police kept adults who perhaps didn't have to go to jail but they needed time to calm down.  Some examples were if they'd been causing a disturbance or had been drinking.    During the tour we also went outside and saw the SWAT cars and other vehicles.  All vehicles are designed to protect and serve the community but also keep our law enforcement officers safe.  One area we also saw was the police officers testing their tasers which illustrated preparation in being ready and able to protect the community.

Part of our civic responsibility as citizens is to respect the rights beliefs and opinions of others.  One thing I've learned already in my activities in YMSL is the focus on serving those in our community that need help, while respecting them; as this is all part of my civic responsibility.

The YMSL Experience, By Bohdan Salcido, November 3, 2019

“The YMSL Experience”

Bohdan Salcido

November 3, 2019

There are many opportunities within YMSL that present themselves as both enlightening and unique, but in the beginning, I wasn’t so sure I understood the objective, nor was I sure I wanted to be a part of it.  When I went to one of the first YMSL meetings my freshman year at King Soopers, we learned all about a single mother and got insight into what her week looked like.  I was moved by her and how hard she had to work just to get food on the table every day for her and her kids. It was a very fun meeting, setting up a meal for her and her family for $10 or under, but it made me realize how stressful it must be to try to provide an inexpensive and healthy meal and how many people in our community are impacted by this situation every day.  After that meeting, I felt like YMSL was really something I liked and wanted to be a part of.  I feel privileged to have an extremely loving family and very supportive friends and I that have the ability to participate in sports, travel, etc., but not everyone has these opportunities, so this was enlightening and I knew this was a way I could contribute. 

My relationship with my Mom also has improved a lot as well because when do a service or volunteer at Respite Care (my favorite philanthropy) we work hard together to achieve a goal of making someone else's life better. Getting up early in the morning and helping kids with special needs have a fun day at the Lee Martinez Farm or at the museum makes me extremely happy because they are cheerful and loving and that makes my Mom and me feel that we are helping give back to this amazing community filled with really grateful and charitable people. Overall, I think that YMSL has opened my eyes and made me feel like a helpful member of this community and that is the least I can do since I was born and raised in Fort Collins.

A Senior's Thoughts on YMSL

by Aiden Baugh

Through my four years of being in YMSL, I have had numerous beneficial experiences. I am glad that I have been able to help my community so much with this group. I have had so much fun helping at places such as CYO. At CYO, I was able to meet and help the kids at the day camp. I will always value the connections and memories I made - over a fishing pole and a bag of Cheetos.

The monthly meetings were also very beneficial to me - sometimes long but beneficial. I was able to meet with all of the boys and learn about various life skills. One of the things that we learned was interview do’s and don'ts. It was obviously helpful because later that week I interviewed for a job and I got it - and I still have it! As you can see, YMSL has had a very rewarding impact on my life and I believe that every boy should be involved with YMSL.

Aiden and his mom, Kris, volunteering for Ultimate Gift at Homeward Alliance.

Philanthropy Update

 by Ryan Green

September 11, 2019

Meals on Wheels is a terrific philanthropy that is based on the desire to improve the health and quality of life of seniors, and help ensure no one is left hungry or isolated. At the beginning of this past summer I participated in an orientation for Meals on Wheels. At each stop we dropped off a hot and cold meal for each patron, and when they saw us at their door, their faces lit up. They loved having someone to talk to, and being entertained for a few minutes before their lunch. Each senior had a few stories to tell, and all were very kind and inspiring. One elderly woman we met was all alone in her home as her family had moved to Kansas. She was so excited to see us & show us her flowers; it was impossible to deny her request for hugs. Another man talked to us about his medical procedure that caused him to only be able to eat pureed food, and he then kindly offered us raspberries from his garden!

Meals on Wheels is an outstanding organization and I enjoyed volunteering for them throughout the summer. I can’t wait to deliver more meals and meet new people!