Imagine being a child — full of curiosity and energy — but every attempt at friendship is met with silence. Many parents cry quietly at night, wishing their child wasn’t isolated or missing out on simple joys — a friend, a laugh, a hug.

For children like Eric, this is daily life.

Diagnosed with autism at 5, Eric loved cars but came home from school dejected unable to understand why no one wanted to play. Then his family found Peer 1 on 1.

Every Saturday, Eric and his volunteer buddy hiked, built Legos, and laughed. Slowly, Eric began to smile again — looking forward to weekends filled with friendship.

Today, 15,000 children in LAUSD share Eric’s story. Peer 1 on 1, founded in 2017, now serves 40 - 50 children every week — hiking, drawing, playing, and building friendships. But demand is growing, and we rely 100% on donations.

Your gift helps us reach more kids like Eric. Parents tell us:

"Peer 1 on 1 gave my child their first friend.”

"This program changed our life.”

No donation is too small. Together, we can turn isolation into joy — and show these children that the world cares.