Putting the care back in lawn care
We are Raising Men & Women to be leaders in our community through service to others
Making a difference one lawn a time
Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service is the union of an ordinary yard maintenance service and the commitment to establish an inspiring program to keep our youth (girls & boys) on a positive path while learning and understanding their value in society. RMLCS/RWLCS provides free lawn care to our elders, those who are disabled, single mothers and our veterans, who do not have the time, resources and/or money to take care of their yards.
Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service is a 501(c)(3) organization
We mow free lawns for
THE ELDERLY
THE DISABLED
SINGLE PARENTS
OUR VETERANS
Watch our story
Our goal is to unite communities across the country by empowering youth to serve in meaningful and impactful ways. We provide an inspiring, hands-on program that channels young people’s energy into positive action while supporting those who need help the most. Many youth want to give back, and many neighbors are in need—but knowing who needs help and how to connect can be challenging. We bridge that gap by organizing and guiding acts of service nationwide, allowing youth to make a real difference while helping families, veterans, and seniors care for and maintain their lawns.
MORE THAN MOWING
Kindness in every season.
Mowing, raking, or shoveling—every act of service makes a difference.
Mowing Lawns
Helping neighbors care for their lawns.
Spring & SummerRaking Leaves
Lending a hand with fall cleanup.
FallSnow Shoveling
Helping clear snow for neighbors in need.
WinterOur Safety Video
Do you accept the 50 Yard Challenge?
Kids across the country united in service
We challenge you to cut 50 lawns FREE for the elderly, disabled, single parents, veterans , & anyone in need of help in your town. If you accept this challenge, all you need to do is send us a photo of you holding a sign saying “I accept the 50 Yard Challenge”, and in return, we’ll send you your white Raising Men/Women shirt along with shades & ear protection to get you started. For every 10 lawns cut, you will get a new color shirt.
Phoenix's Story
Camden's Story
No Donation is too Small
Since our organization relies on the generosity of individuals like you, we ask you to consider a donation to our cause. Raising Men Lawn Care Service can only achieve its goals with the assistance from you, our family. Without these donations, serving those across the country would not be possible .
OTHER WAYS TO DONATE
More ways to give.More lawns to love.
Choose a way to support our mission and help kindness grow.
Credit / Debit Card
Give securely online.
PayPal
Give through PayPal.
Venmo
Send your support.
Buy a Shirt
Wear your support.
Amazon Wishlist
Send a needed item.
Mail a Check
Prefer to give by mail?
Show Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2182Madison, AL 35758
We are Raising Women Too!
“Anything he can mow, she can mow better.”
-Founder Rodney Smith, Jr.
Although our organization was originally named “Raising Men,” we are equally dedicated to “Raising Women.” Several years ago, we recognized a shortage of young women joining our program. We were concerned that providing all participants with a “Raising Men” t-shirt might not feel inclusive or welcoming to young women who joined our program. To address this issue, we established a sister program called “Raising Women Lawn Care Service,” where young women are given a “Raising Women” t-shirt upon joining. Since implementing this change, we have observed a substantial increase in the number of young women participating in our program.
Our Shirt System
Receive a new shirt for every 10 lawns cut
Our 50 Yard Challenge program operates on a color-coded shirt system, modeled after the karate belt system. Upon registration, each participating child is given a white shirt, which serves as the starting point. As they progress through the program, they are rewarded with new colored shirts for every 10 lawns they mow. For example, after completing 10 lawns, they receive an orange shirt, while mowing 20 lawns earns them a green shirt. Upon reaching the 30, 40, and 50 lawn milestones, they receive a blue, red, and black shirt, respectively. Upon reaching the 50-lawn mark, the child is recognized as having attained a level of proficiency in lawn mowing that is analogous to that of a black belt in karate
The 50 Yard Challenge
HOW IT WORKS
Building Leaders. Serving Communities. One Lawn at a Time.
Through the 50 Yard Challenge, kids step up to serve those in need—while growing into strong, compassionate leaders.
Request a Lawn
If you or someone you know could use a helping hand, submit a request. We serve the elderly, veterans, people with disabilities, and single-parent households—completely free of charge.
Shared With Local Families
Your request is sent directly to parents of kids in your area who are taking part in the 50 Yard Challenge. Since our volunteers are youth, availability depends on schedules and transportation.
Kids Step Up to Serve
A child, alongside their parent, takes on the opportunity to help—mowing lawns, raking leaves, or clearing yards. It's more than yard work… it's a lesson in service.
Growth, Impact & Purpose
Every lawn completed helps a child grow in discipline, respect, and leadership. With each yard, they're not just completing a challenge—they're changing lives, including their own.
MORE THAN YARD WORK
Building character through service.
Every lawn is an opportunity to learn, lead, and care for others. The 50 Yard Challenge helps kids grow through real acts of service in their communities.
Responsibility & Discipline
- Responsibility & accountability
- Strong work ethic
- Time management
Confidence & Growth
- Confidence & self-esteem
- Perseverance & determination
- Goal-setting & achievement
Compassion & Community
- Compassion & empathy
- Respect for others
- Community pride
Leadership & Independence
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Independence
Our Current Numbers
We've got kids in all 50 states!
In over 8 countries, we have thousands of kids signing up to make a difference in their community by completing our 50 yard challenge. From our humble beginnings in Huntsville, Alabama, our organization has experienced tremendous growth in just 5 short years. Our steadfast goal has always remained the same:
Making a difference, one lawn at a time.
Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service was honored to be featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, highlighting how kids across the country are stepping up to serve their communities through the 50 Yard Challenge. What started as one simple act of kindness has grown into a nationwide movement—empowering youth to mow lawns for the elderly, disabled, single parents, and veterans completely free of charge. Being recognized on a national platform like NBC is a reminder that when young people lead with service, the world takes notice.
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Need a hand with your yard?
Kids in the 50 Yard Challenge give back through free lawn care for elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, single parents, and veterans.
- Mowing
- Leaf Raking
- Snow Shoveling
Help depends on local participation, school schedules, and parent transportation. Availability is not guaranteed.
Our Founder's Debut Children's Book
In “One Lawn at a Time,” Rodney Smith, Jr., our founder, unveils his own real life story, illustrating how a serendipitous encounter with an elderly man unable to mow his lawn ignited a global initiative. Set in the simplicity of an ordinary neighborhood, this book goes beyond recounting Rodney’s individual deeds of kindness and community assistance. It brings to life a potent narrative of hope, unity, and the ripple effects of small acts of kindness. Through vivid storytelling and colorful illustrations, readers of all ages are invited into Rodney’s journey, witnessing firsthand how one person’s compassionate actions can inspire a worldwide movement of positive change, emphasizing the book’s significance for anyone aspiring to impact the world positively.
Our Partners
