Xavier and his mom know what it’s like to be homeless.  “Do you know why so many homeless people get drunk or do drugs at night? “ Xaiver asked UP YMSL freshmen John Moss.  “It’s hard to sleep on the concrete.  Have you ever slept on a sidewalk?  It’s scary.” 

John Moss hadn’t slept on a sidewalk before and he certainly wasn’t homeless, but he was definitely going to serve his new friend as best as he could.

Xavier is a student of Cornerstone Crossroad Academy (CCA) where students get a second chance at a high school education.  Many students have been previously incarcerated or just had a hard start at life.  CCA gives them a second chance at a transformative education.  Local YMSL University Park Chapter has served CCA throughout the year, partnering with them on several key initiatives. 

This year alone, UP YMSL Moms and sons have provided over 20 breakfasts.  Moms and sons will buy and cook breakfast casseroles, tacos, fruit, bacon and a variety of other goods.  These meals are served Friday morning by UP YMSL volunteers who help provide a warm breakfast during their leadership and discipleship time.  For many students, this might be the first warm meal of the week.  “We are so grateful for our relationship with YMSL,” reports Principal Kristi Lichtenberg, “they have provided for us in ways we didn’t expect and we are so grateful”. 

In addition, UP YMSL is partnering with CCA on building their first student home.  Lead by UP YMSL liaison, Anne Campbell, moms and sons have picked up hammers, paint cans and nail guns to help restore a previously dilapidated house into future housing for students.  It is CCA’s desire for CCA graduates to become independently functioning and productive members of the community who influence their families, neighborhoods and communities.  And this all starts with a place a called home. 

UP YMSL and CCA students worked side by side, sharing the workload and making an impact.  While their high school worlds may be far apart in some aspects, they actually have a lot in common.  Both groups leave having learned something new from the other through service work.  Said UP YMSL sophomore Christopher Campbell of the experience, "I really enjoy working with the people of Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, and seeing the progress we made on the project each week was very satisfying."

The University Park YMSL chapter was recently formed in March of 2015 and provides high school boys and their moms opportunities to make a difference in the community.  They work with a variety of local service organizations including:  Dwell with Dignity, Bonton Farms, West Dallas Community School, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Treemont Nursing Home and many others.  

CCA is one of their favorites.