Las Vegas Chapter partners with Department of Family Services for Ultimate Gift 2012

On November 3-5, the Las Vegas Chapter participated in theirfirst Ultimate Gift service weekend. The Chapter chose the Department of Family Services (DFS) to be the recipient of their inaugural Ultimate Gift. DFS is a leader and advocate in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect. Chapter president Kristen
Beling said “we chose DFS because it speaks to the heart of what YMSL stands for… and we are happy to have the opportunity to make this ‘gift’ to enhance the parent-child experience within DFS.”

The project consisted of painting conference rooms, installing bookshelves with over 150 donated books, and providing artwork and toys to create a comfortable setting for DFS’s parent-child visitations. We also had help from a YMSL dad, Mr. Wagner, who taught the boys proper techniques for prepping, painting and clean-up for this large-scale project.


DFS Director Lisa Ruiz-Less said this donation "will provide comfort to these very special children of Clark County for years to come and we truly appreciate your kindness.”

Philanthropy Fair Success for the Plano chapter

On October 8th over 100 Moms gathered to create Christmas Crackers for the clients of Seven Loaves Food Pantry in Plano, Texas. That evening proved that busy hands are happy hands and in less than an hour over 500 stuffed, wrapped, and ribboned candy Christmas Crackers were assembled! Even more amazing was the $940 that was donated to Seven Loaves from our extremely generous membership. The administrators of Seven Loaves were thrilled with all of the help. 

Las Vegas Chapter Kicks Off Summer with “Smiles”

The members of the Las Vegas Chapter kicked off their summer break by helping Toys 4 Smiles, a nonprofit charitable organization that produces simple, hardwood toy cars and trucks that are provided to first responders to give to children in trauma situations.  One of the moms observed that “It is such a beautiful organization! Absolutely everything is donated, materials and time.  They take pride making sure that the final product is high quality and the cars roll and look great.”
The boys had a great summer and are looking forward to many additional opportunities to serve their community.

Dalrich chapter has an Epiphany Garden Work Day

Early on a Saturday morning, before the sun got too hot, more than a dozen Dalrich Chapter volunteers arrived at Epiphany Neighborhood Garden to assist church members with some gardening.  The garden opened last year in Richardson as a mission project of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.  Church members and neighbors donate produce grown in the garden to the food pantry at the Network of Community Ministries, meeting an essential need for fresh fruits and vegetables.  They have already donated 600 pounds of food this year.

The Dalrich Chapter volunteers assisted church members with mulching the garden, an essential task for water conservation and weed prevention.  Moms and boys worked together to shovel mulch into wheel barrows, transport to the beds and spread around each raised garden bed.  In an impressive display of productivity, volunteers moved two huge piles of mulch in less than three hours, earning a handful of blisters.  Besides completing this terrific task, volunteers also enjoyed learning more about the plants in the garden and seeing the ‘fruits of their labor’ in the form of blooming artichoke plants and burgeoning squash plants.

Las Vegas Chapter goes to the Prom

On Saturday, May 12^th thirteen members and their sons of the Las Vegas Chapter participated at Joy Prom Las Vegas.  Joy Prom Las Vegas is a full-scale, complimentary prom for teenagers and adults with cognitive and physical impairments.  The event unites community and helps dispel negative stereotypes.  The boys hosted a guest for the evening while their mothers’ chaperoned.  Joy Prom Las Vegas promotes the act of giving and social interaction between 300 guests and 1000 volunteers.  The spectacular evening included a red carpet experience, corsages for guests, dinner, and dancing bringing pure joy to those who attended and those that helped.   

 

Las Vegas Chapter gives back with the Miracle League

Our Las Vegas Chapter volunteered at Miracle League of Las Vegas on May 12.
Twelve moms and thirteen boys participated in this recreational spring baseball league for those with disabilities. Whether it was running the bases with the players or coaching for moral support, fun was had by all on that sunny, spring day.

Las Vegas Chapter hold innagural "New Membership Orientation"

YMSL Las Vegas Chapter held its inaugural "New Membership Orientation" on Sunday, April 29.  The Las Vegas Chapter launched its membership with 51 excited new members.  The members participated in their first Wish List donating items for the Clark County Department of Family Services. The chapter is preparing for a fun filled first year.