My son, Joey Beech, has volunteered thousands of hours of his weekends and his summers, working for the local chapter of the Association for Retarded Citizens. He has developed a loving, caring relationship with all of the special children there, and they all view him as a "big brother” on whom they can depend.

Joey volunteers for the weekend respite programs at least twice a month, and he also spends eight weeks of every summer volunteering to complete any number of tasks for the program. The weekend respites entail groups of usually about twenty children with special needs, spending Friday and Saturday on an exiting trip within the community. Joey often facilitates these events every chance he can, as he loves these children with all his heart.

Joey’s special sensitivity regarding children with special needs has its roots within his own family experience. His sister, Hannah, was born with cerebral palsy. She has inspired Joey to help children like her attain the opportunities and friendships in the larger community that they all deserve. He is proud of his sister and of every step forward, great or small, that she makes in life. He takes a similar pride in and care of the children for whom he volunteers so much of himself

Joey Beech has a tremendous heart and sees the beauty and promise in children with special needs. I am immensely proud of my son, a young man who may sacrifice virtually all of his spare time to work with these children, but who looks upon his efforts as gaining wisdom, empathy, and the very special gift that these children can give like few others: love.

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