One of HCO’s core missions is to serve and advocate for the special needs community. Building on the buddy project initiated in 2021 by Aila Jiang at Light and Salt Association’s Special Needs Caring Center, HCO has since expanded its outreach to create more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful programs for individuals with special needs—not only across the Greater Houston Area but also inspiring student organizations in the Dallas area and New Jersey to serve their own local communities. Our advocacy and service efforts are guided by the vision of a more inclusive, equitable, and bias-free world. What makes HCO unique is its commitment to empowering youth to take the lead in these initiatives. Under the umbrella of “Youth SMILE 4 Special Needs,” organized in partnership with the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS) – Pearland Branch, HCO currently operates five signature programs: 1. SMILE Summer Camp – A classroom-style summer program featuring immersive, inclusive activities that foster growth, teamwork, and confidence through fun, hands-on skill-building. 2. Pearland My PlayClub – A monthly inclusive play event that raises community awareness and promotes social inclusion through shared play experiences. 3. SMILE Inclusive Play & Learn – A monthly interactive program combining play, learning, and community engagement to encourage inclusion and understanding. 4. Bucket Drumming for All – A rhythm-based program using music to build coordination, teamwork, decision-making, and leadership while fostering social connections. 5. SMILE Pearland – The newest addition, offering a condensed version of SMILE Camp with hands-on skill-building and recreational activities tailored for individuals with special needs in the Pearland area. Together, these programs cultivate youth leadership while creating supportive, inclusive environments where individuals with special needs can learn, grow, and thrive.