b'My Piece of the PuzzleIsrael My Piece of the Puzzle (MPOP) was initially formed to runafreesummerovernightcampinIsraelusing underprivilegedteens-at-riskasjuniorcounselorsfor children with special-needs. And expanded to work with all of the campers and junior counselors during the school year via regular meetings and activities. MPOPbelievesthateverychilddeservesthechanceto feelsuccessfulandloved.Thespecial-needschildren spantheautisticspectrum,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. Theprogramisrunbyacarefullyselectedstaffof volunteers,offersawiderangeofactivitiessuchas 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! In July 2019, MPOP had 50 children (25 special-needs and 25 teens-at-risk) at camp. MPOP is currently running twice a month programs in 8 cities in Israel (16 schools). These programs pairoffapproximately160studentsfromspecial-needsschoolswithapproximately80 students from at-risk schools. They hope to have half of these children in camp next summer.This 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, some will come back as volunteer full counselors and be the staff that will make the further expansion of the programs possible. As for the special-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$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 $16,950 overnight trip (meals, guiding, entrance fees, transportation, lodging etc. for 80 children and 40 staff) 44'