Volunteering offers teens in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to mentor and provide friendship to a child with special needs and meet other Jewish teen volunteers. Each volunteer is matched to a child with special needs, providing friendship and support as they participate together in various programs. By making an impact on the life of a child with special needs, teens gain empathy, leadership skills and learn about the importance of community involvement, the inherent value in individuals of all abilities, and develop the sensitivity and social skills necessary to be tomorrow’s leaders. This interaction also instills in teens a responsibility for embracing special-needs individuals on a personal level.