ABOUT US

In early 2026, a single conversation sparked a movement that would soon reach families across the nation. One afternoon, Nick Suarez and Ilanit Ben‑Naim sat together reflecting on the challenges their adult children with special needs faced every day. Their shared question was simple yet transformative:

How do we create real opportunities for individuals with special needs — and how do we ensure they lead the way?

Ilanit, a devoted mother and lifelong advocate, had always envisioned a world where ability — not limitation — defined a person’s future. Nick, a passionate parent and champion for inclusion, brought firsthand insight into the barriers families encounter. Together, they imagined something bold and unprecedented:
an organization not just serving individuals with special needs, but one led by them — where individuals with special needs, supported by a community mentor, would guide, teach, and mentor others with special needs.
This would become the foundation’s signature model:

special needs helping special needs through paired mentorship with the community.

Their vision quickly drew in others who shared their commitment. Close friend Mike Reavey, Head Coach of Switchbacks Unified and Project Inspire, joined with compassion, leadership, and a steady hand in building sustainable, inclusive programs. Nick’s wife, Michelle Suarez, added her unwavering support and deep belief in family‑centered empowerment, ensuring that love, unity, and purpose would remain at the heart of the foundation.

As conversations deepened and the mission sharpened, the founding circle expanded once more. The Kitzman family, parents of a child with special needs, joined after several heartfelt discussions. They brought lived experience, empathy, and a powerful reminder that every family’s journey matters. Their presence strengthened the foundation’s commitment to building an organization shaped by the voices of those who understand these challenges most intimately.

Gathered around office tables, living rooms, and community spaces, the group’s purpose became unmistakably clear. This wasn’t just an idea — it was a calling. Inspired by Alexis, the daughter of Nick and Michelle; by Yariv, the son of Ilanit and Yuval; and by the Kitzman family’s journey, the team saw firsthand the strength, resilience, and brilliance within the special needs community. Their stories affirmed a truth that would guide everything to come:

Ability is built by abilities — and every individual deserves the chance to grow, lead, and shine.

With Nick’s expertise in technology and scalable systems, and Ilanit’s determination to build a world where individuals are recognized for their abilities rather than their disabilities, the team formalized their vision. They chose a name that captured their belief in limitless potential:

Our mission is to empower individuals with special needs through a foundation led by their voices, strengthened by community mentors, and built on the belief that we should all focus on abilities not disabilities. We provide 

mentorship, personalized support,

leadership development, and meaningful community connections that help every participant grow with confidence, achieve their goals, and live a life filled with purpose, independence, and

opportunity.  

Our vision is a world where individuals with special needs lead with confidence, lift one another by focusing on abilities what one can do and what one can learn to thrive within communities that 

celebrate their strengths. We envision a future where mentorship becomes

empowerment, barriers become

breakthroughs, and every person is 

given the opportunity to live with

purpose, independence, and belonging.