CyFair Young Men’s Service League Honored for Excellence, Inspiring Teen Leaders and Strengthening Family Bonds Through Service
n a world where teenagers are often pulled in a dozen different directions and family time feels increasingly scarce, one local organization is carving out space for something remarkable: meaningful service and unforgettable moments between mothers and their teenage sons.
The CyFair Chapter of the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) has been named a “Chapter of Excellence” for the 2024–2025 year, a distinction that celebrates exceptional leadership and community impact among YMSL’s 199 chapters nationwide. For a chapter founded only in 2021, this recognition reflects extraordinary dedication—not just to helping others, but also to strengthening families in the process.
A Mission of Service—and Connection
YMSL’s model is unlike any other: teenage boys and their mothers volunteering side by side throughout all four years of high school. Together, they contribute at least 20 hours of service each year, with half of that time spent working as a team. Along the way, teens participate in a structured curriculum designed to prepare them for life beyond high school, covering everything from leadership skills and interview techniques to cooking, car repair, and even hazing prevention.
For mothers, it’s a chance to spend intentional time with their sons during years when such moments can be hard to come by. As Chapter President Rachel Fogg put it: “The four years of high school go by incredibly fast. Finding time to spend together with your teenage son gets harder and harder. When you join YMSL, you commit to spending quality time together with your son serving your community.”
The Lasting Impact of Service
The benefits of volunteering extend far beyond the hours spent at local philanthropies such as Kids' Meals, Cy-Hope, Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Cypress Assistance Ministries, Houston Food Bank, Wreaths Across America, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Research from the American Psychological Association has long shown that teens who volunteer often experience higher self-esteem, stronger social connections, and lower rates of depression and stress compared to their peers. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 32% of U.S. adolescents experience an anxiety disorder and 17% experience at least one major depressive episode each year, highlighting the importance of programs that promote positive mental health and resilience through service.
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These findings are echoed by a recent UTHealth Houston study that analyzed data from nearly 52,000 children and teens. The study revealed that youth who volunteered within the past year were not only more likely to report excellent or very good overall health, but also 18–35% less likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges. Additionally, these teens were 66% more likely to be “flourishing,” with researchers noting that volunteering alongside family members can strengthen household relationships and emotional well-being.
For CyFair YMSL families, these benefits are more than statistics—they are lived experiences. Serving side by side allows mothers and sons to strengthen their bond while giving back, turning simple acts like delivering meals or honoring veterans into moments that shape character and create lasting family memories.
Families Making a Difference
Many CyFair YMSL families describe their volunteer experiences as deeply rewarding and even life-changing, noting that the program not only impacts those they serve but also transforms their own perspectives and relationships.
“We enjoy participating in Wreaths Across America to honor our fallen soldiers during the holiday season," shared Maria and Santiago Martinez. "We also had the chance to visit our loved one’s gravesite and it brought so much comfort, this is such a meaningful cause."
For Becky and Ben Casey, it’s about human connection: “We really enjoy volunteering for Meals on Wheels. It is heartwarming to deliver food and talk with the recipients.”
And for Pam and Thomas Sirgausa, the program opened doors to global outreach: “We loved learning about Project Cure. The intro video taught us about the medical help we could provide worldwide; from here in Cypress we made a difference!”
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A Growing Local Legacy
Today, the CyFair Chapter includes 86 mothers and 99 young men from schools such as Cy Ranch, Bridgeland, Cy Woods, Cy-Fair, Cy Lakes, Cy Springs, Cy Falls, and private schools. They join a national network of more than 31,700 mothers and sons across 24 states, together contributing over 4.5 million volunteer hours.
With this year’s Chapter of Excellence designation, CyFair’s young men and their mothers are proving that service and leadership development can go hand in hand with family bonding. And for the teenagers involved, these experiences do more than build résumés—they shape character, compassion, and confidence that last a lifetime.
Looking Ahead
While membership for 2025–2026 is now closed, families with current eighth-grade boys can prepare to apply for the 2026–2027 membership year. YMSL is a sponsorship-based organization, but the chapter offers guidance for families who are new to the program.
For more information, visit ymslcyfair.org.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more stories about local organizations like YMSL that are strengthening communities and families, one act of service at a time.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
