b'My Piece of the PuzzleIsrael MyPieceofthePuzzle(MPOP)wasinitially formed to run a free summer overnight camp in Israelusingunderprivilegedteens-at-riskas juniorcounselorsforchildrenwithspecial-needs.Andexpandedtoworkwithallofthe campers and junior counselors during the school year via regular meetings and activities. MPOPbelievesthateverychilddeservesthe chancetofeelsuccessfulandloved.The special-needschildrengoupanddownthe autisticspectrum,somehaveDownsyndrome, others have Fragile X syndrome. The goal is the same with each of the two populations, and that is to prepare them to function successfully in todays society, while having fun. The program is run by a carefully selected staff of volunteers, offers a wide range of activities such as swimming, zip lining, ropes course, sports, camping, and workshops in art, music, drama, cooking and dancing.Usingteens-at-riskasjuniorcounselorsforspecial-needschildrenisanother example of how HOT and its partners use leverage in their programs. The special-needs populationalwayshasstaffonhandtohelpthem.Theteens-at-risklearn responsibility and the pleasure of helping the special-needs children. A true Win-Win! Last summer, MPOP had 34 children (17 special-needs and 17 teens-at-risk) at camp. MPOP is currently running twice a month programs in 8 cities in Israel (16 schools). These programs pair off approximately 50 students from special-needs schools with approximately 50 students from at-risk schools. Their hope is to have 60 of these 100 children in camp this summerThis unique program with the teens-at-risk being empowered to move forward with their lives and hopefully escape what could otherwise be an endless cycle of poverty. In fact, if all goes as planned, many of them will come back as volunteer full counselors and be the staff thatwillmakethefurtherexpansionoftheprogramspossible.Asforthespecial-needs children, their interaction with the teens-at-risk is also helping them move forward. They are still limited by whatever disability they have, many are learning that they can be part of a group that goes beyond other special-needs children. As for those that do not get the full benefit of the program they will, at least, have had a wonderful, fun experience.MPOPs wish list includes $1,385 for Special Entertainment Programs at this summers camp$9,690 overnight trip (meals, guiding, entrance fees, transportation, lodging etc. for 50 children and 30 staff)$11,080 to fund the cash requirements (much of the costs of camp are donated in kind) for the last 20 kids for camp @ $554 per child 45'