The Indelible Impact of Mentorship
Jewish Family & Career Services’ PAL program was designed to foster community, instill Jewish pride, and build a strong connection between mentors and their matches.

“It feels so good to have a PAL (Jewish mentor). He’s a great role model for me as I’m growing up. He helps me make good choices as I’m deciding who I want to be.” – Little PAL, age 15
Every parent wants their child to live up to their full potential. Sometimes there are familial and external factors that can cause kids and teens to need additional support along the way, and that’s where a mentor can make an indelible impact on a child’s life. Each January, Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) celebrates and recognizes the impact of mentoring relationships during National Mentoring Month.
A recent study commissioned by the Boston-based nonprofit organization MENTOR found that 54 percent of young people feel that having a mentor has supported their mental health, 74 percent of those who had a mentor said that that person contributed significantly to their later success in life, and that 92 percent are more likely to volunteer in their communities thanks to having a mentor.

Children growing up in nontraditional family situations—whether in single-parent households, or being raised by grandparents, legal guardians, or siblings—often face unique challenges. These children may lack consistent mentorship or access to resources that help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The PAL program is designed to provide them with the support, guidance, and connection they need to thrive within the Jewish community. It’s important for a Jewish child to have a Jewish mentor because it helps them build a strong sense of identity, connection, and cultural continuity. A Jewish mentor can share and reinforce the values, customs, and traditions of Judaism while also understanding the unique experiences or challenges Jewish children face. A Jewish mentor can serve as a positive role model, demonstrating how to integrate Jewish values and practices into daily life, whether through acts of kindness (chesed), repairing the world (tikkun olam), or celebrating Jewish holidays.
Since 1986, JF&CS has taken on the responsibility of aiding in the mentorship of our young Jewish generations in Metro Atlanta.
“The PAL Program was designed to foster community, instill Jewish pride, and build a strong connection between mentors and their match,” said Sarah Bernstein, PAL and Young Professionals Program Manager at JF&CS, “but the impact of this incredible program reaches so far beyond that. Many of our volunteers go on to work in our community long after their time with the PAL program.”

As Atlanta’s only Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister program for nearly four decades, the PAL program has made countless matches of Jewish young professional mentors (Big PALs) with Jewish children between the ages of 5-17 (Little PALs). It has touched the lives of hundreds of children, families, and volunteers and formed close relationships that, in some cases, have lasted decades.
For Big PAL Ilissa Paulen Feiler, the Jewish connection with Little PAL Chelsea (now 15) means everything. “You’re able to have a deeper relationship, because you have shared experiences,” she said. “It creates an extra bit of intimacy.”
Ilissa was first matched with Chelsea in 2014. As a young professional, Ilissa served on the host committee of Havinagala, the longtime fundraiser for the PAL program. Her good friend, Carly Sonenshine, was helming the program at that time and encouraged Ilissa to become a Big PAL. Carly knew Chelsea’s mom, Laura, wanted Chelsea to have a Big PAL, and that Ilissa would be the perfect match. Ilissa took the leap of faith, which has had a positive ripple effect on all of their lives.
“Our family doesn’t have a dad, but Ilissa has been a rock for Chelsea,” said Laura. “We had some bumpy patches during elementary school, and Ilissa has been there—not only for Chelsea but as a sounding board for me, too.”
“I can’t thank Ilissa enough for having something to do with who Chelsea has developed into as a 15-year-old,” emphasized Laura. “She’s had a hand in encouraging Chelsea to be exactly who she is every step of the way, and helped gently guide her into who she is today. She’s been there for her no matter what phase of life.”
The feelings are mutual for Ilissa. Being with Chelsea over the last 10 years — from kindergarten to now nearly driving — has coincided with a lot of growth in her own life: getting married to her husband, Brian, and welcoming two beautiful children.
“She prepared me for my own kids in certain ways,” reflected Ilissa. “Being around Chelsea has taught me to be a more patient and understanding person. I also get to enjoy a different type of relationship with her than I do with my children—instead of a parenting role, Chelsea and I have a really good friendship.”
Ilissa was named the 2025 Joel Libowsky Big PAL of the Year. This award honors exemplary Jewish mentors who have had a superlative influence on their Little PALs and families. Big PALs are nominated by their Little PAL families and are chosen by Joel. Ilissa joins past winners Nate Rubin (2024), Sam Perlman (2023), Jason Zutty (2022), Kim Green (2021), and Robert Tinter (2020).

Joel, the award’s namesake, is a two-time Big PAL and longtime supporter and advocate of the program.
“The reason I am so passionate about the PAL program is that I have seen firsthand the incredible impact mentoring young Jewish individuals has on their self-confidence and self-esteem,” explained Joel. “I’ve had the privilege of watching [my former Little PALs] Blake and Scott grow into amazing adults.”
“Being a Big PAL inspired me to be a better person every day and made me realize that I am truly happiest when I’m giving of myself to others,” he continued. “The positive impact of this program, both for the Big and Little PALs, is immeasurable. Their lives—and mine—have been forever changed for the better.”
Havinagala raises critical funds for the PAL program. This upscale event takes place Saturday, Jan. 25, and is always a highly anticipated gathering of young Jewish professionals. Tickets and sponsorships are available at jfcsatl.org. To learn more about the PAL program, visit jfcsatl.org/pal.
JF&CS Marketing contributed to this report.
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