For the Londe family, the PAL program is more than a volunteer opportunity — it’s a legacy.
PAL is the only program in Atlanta providing mentorship services to Jewish children ages 5–17 (Little PALs), from Jewish young professionals (Big PALs). Since 1986, PAL has made over 1,000 meaningful matches, building relationships that strengthen Jewish identity and pride in the Jewish community.
For families like the Londes, the relationships span generations.
A Love Story That Starts with PAL
Michael and Susan Londe both volunteered as Big PALs in their twenties and had experiences that were cherished and rewarding. In fact, they even met each other at the big PAL fundraiser/Young Professionals Party, Havinagala! After their Little PALs aged out of the program, the relationships continued.
“My parents' little PALs were at every major milestone in their lives, including their wedding,” said Michael and Susan’s daughter, Marin. “They have been at major milestones in my life too, from my Bat Mitzvah to living with us for periods of time when I was little, and more. Watching these relationships has showed me how meaningful this program could be, and it made me excited to build that kind of bond myself.”
Marin & Henley
This year, Marin followed in her parents’ footsteps, becoming a Big PAL to Henley.
“It’s really special to be able to come full circle with the PAL program,” said Marin. “From growing up hearing my parents' stories and bonding with their little PALs, to now having a little PAL of my own, I now get to experience it from my own perspective. It makes the whole experience even more meaningful because I have been looking forward to it for so long.”
Marin and Henley spend time crafting together, covering park sidewalks with chalk after hours of drawing, and checking out the fish tanks at the pet store. No matter what they’re doing, “our adventures are always a lot of fun!”
A Parent’s Perspective
The benefit is mutual, said Henley’s mom, Emily.
“Henley loves spending time with Marin!” exclaimed Emily. “She seems to understand her time with her PAL is special and unique to her, and she always gets excited whenever I tell her Marin asked to make plans.”
“As a solo parent, I wanted Henley to have a special friend, outside of family or my friend network,” she continued. “As a child and teen, I cultivated several long-lasting friendships with people who I still consider mentors. The PAL program was a great way to start helping Henley form her own tribe of support.”
Because of the profound impact of Jewish mentorship, PAL is one of the rare JF&CS programs that only serves the Jewish community.
“My experience has enforced how important it is to be a positive presence in the Jewish community—both with (Henley) and with the other JF&CS programs,” said Marin. “So much of being Jewish is rooted in shared values and traditions, and Henley and I are able to share that with volunteering together as one of our activities.”
Emily hopes that this relationship helps Henley to “learn the value of having someone special, other than mom, to lean on and build a lasting relationship.”
Where Legacy Is Celebrated
Stories like this one are at the heart of Havinagala, the biggest Jewish young professionals party of the year which supports the PAL program. Havinagala is an upscale evening with a live band and silent auction, and it brings together community-minded young people from across Atlanta.
Each year, we proudly honor our Joel Libowsky Big PAL of the Year award winner. This year, we are celebrating two remarkable individuals, David Friedman and Adam Sonenshine, who embody the spirit of the program.
In Marin’s words, “the PAL program is special because it creates genuine, long-lasting connections that both kids and adults look forward to…Little PALs gain a reliable mentor, and Big PALs get the joy of watching their little grow.”