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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet The Neighbor – Stacia Lemke
By Callie Thomas
How many times have you heard the phrase “Mother knows best?” Moms just seem to have that extra sensory perception about what’s right for their children, and in many cases, what’s right for the children in their community. 89012 resident Stacia Lemke has a good idea of what is needed to ensure that all of our kids have access to the resources that are best for them.
Lemke spent ten years working in the area of marketing for American West Homes. Today, she’s a stay at home mom with four children. Both of her careers have occasionally led her to brick walls, both literally and figuratively. In her career as “mom” she has become educated on a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome, which her oldest son Cameron lives with daily. She’s active in his treatment and education, and in the process has found gaping holes in the available resources for our children within the community. As a result, Lemke has developed a passion to not only fill in the gaps but to help bring moms and kids together in the process.
She has focused her efforts on a nonprofit organization called Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), which formed a Las Vegas chapter one year ago this month. The group enables mothers and their teenage sons to work together to serve the community. Their philanthropic efforts will help support a variety of programs that better the lives of others such as Joy Prom, Miracle League, Operation School Bell, After School All-Stars, Toys 4 Smiles, Catholic Charities and more. We had the opportunity to talk with Lemke about her work with the organization and how it’s brought her closer to her own kids and helped inspire other mother-child teams.
What is your role with YMSL?
“I’ve been the VP of Membership. Since the chapter began, we’ve had an overwhelming response with waiting lists of boys and moms interested in being part of the organization. It is heartwarming to see how many people want to give back and help others. In less than a year, we’ve served over 3,000 hours to our community. This year I am stepping into the role of VP of Philanthropy.”
How does the organization support the community?
“Chapter members commit to serving a minimum of 75 hours of service over the four years of high school, mostly as a mom/son team. Members may also donate items needed by charities through a giving program called Wish List.”
YMSL is new to Vegas and yet you’ve already reached so many. Is there a standout event over the last year?
“Joy Prom was our first big charity event. It’s a free, full-scale extravagant prom for teenagers and adults with cognitive and physical impairments. It was breathtaking to watch our YMSL boys escort their disabled companions. Our teen boys spent an entire night giving of themselves to ensure that their guest had an amazing evening. The best part was when we left and our exhausted teen boys were smiling ear to ear and talking about the great night they had making a difference for others!”
Your efforts are not just relegated to mom-son duos. You help an organization that pairs moms and daughters, too?
“Yes. My daughter and I are involved with the National Charity League, which is a similar organization for young ladies and their moms.”
With all of your efforts, do you ever get any down time?
“My weekends typically start with a long run with my friends—that’s my “me” time. The rest of the time is spent watching my kids Cameron, Shaye, Coleman and Graydon play sports or doing some charity work and hopefully relaxing for a bit with my husband Michael.”
Do you have any “motherly” advice to give the kids in our community?
“Every day I tell my children to do your best, do what’s right and I love you always.”
