The Dunwoody Chapter of the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) received the coveted “Rookie of the Year” award from the national YMSL organization this summer. The members of the Dunwoody Chapter volunteered more than 3,700 hours during the 2022/2023 school year, the most of any new YMSL chapter in the Southeast region. This is the second award for the Dunwoody Chapter, which received the “Most Hours Served” award in 2022.
“It is always an honor to be recognized for your efforts. These awards speak to the dedication of our members to serve the community and raise sons that understand the difference they can make through the impact of their actions,” said Ivonne Castaneda, the current President of the YMSL Dunwoody Chapter. “Our membership team works relentlessly to ensure there is ample opportunity for us to serve to the best of our ability.”
The Young Men’s Service League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit national volunteer organization comprised of young men in the 9th-12th grades and their mothers. The YMSL Dunwoody Chapter was founded in 2021 and serves the Dunwoody, Brookhaven and Northeast Atlanta communities.
“We started the YMSL Dunwoody Chapter to make a positive impact in our community and spend time with our sons. Volunteering has taught them that they can make a difference through their actions,” shared Seanna Stephenson, the immediate past President and a founding member of Dunwoody YMSL. “Our chapter is very proud of what these young men accomplished. The award acknowledges their commitment and hard work, and we know that the experience of giving back has formed valuable life lessons that they will take with them onto their next stage.”
YMSL members participate in a variety of service activities year-round dedicated to improving the lives of the communities they serve. The YMSL Dunwoody chapter volunteered with nearly 20 nonprofits over the last two years, including Charlie’s Army, Community Assistance Center, Dunwoody Nature Center, North Metro Miracle League and Second Helpings. Michele Halliwell and Cindy McGee led the philanthropy efforts in 2022 and 2023 through their respective roles as Vice President and Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy.
“The moms and sons of our chapter are extremely dedicated to serving the community, and we appreciate the invaluable services that our philanthropy partners offer,” said Mara Mooney, Vice President of YMSL Dunwoody. “Our chapter is fortunate to have a philanthropy leadership team that works tirelessly to present us with an exciting and impactful array of volunteer opportunities. We look forward to evolving and contributing as a chapter for many years to come.”
In addition to service, YMSL offers valuable leadership opportunities for mothers and their sons and a four-year curriculum for young men that covers topics such as car repair, interview skills, cooking, hazing prevention, and more. The young men in the Dunwoody Chapter attend high schools in the area including Dunwoody High School, Chamblee Charter High School, Lakeside High School, Greater Atlanta Christian, and St. Pius. Membership opens in January 2024 for the 2024/2025 school year.
About YMSL: YMSL currently represents nearly 11,500 moms and over 12,500 young men in 130 chapters in 18 states. YMSL provides opportunities for moms and sons to volunteer together and impact their community while making lasting memories. In addition to fostering a heart for service, YMSL teaches leadership and life skills as part of its four-year comprehensive program to develop young men into capable and confident leaders of tomorrow. For more information, visit
###
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information –
Contact: Ivonne Castaneda
Title, Company: President, YMSL Dunwoody Chapter
Phone: 404-808-0056
Email: ivocoqui@hotmail.com
Contact: Kate Pearch
Title, Company: Community Affairs Chair, YMSL Dunwoody Chapter
Phone: 404-213-3714
Email: kpearch@mmmlaw.com
