Use context to determine the meaning of this quote

he gang unofficially adopts Johnny. His mother does not care about Johnny so the rest of the gang looks out for him. Ponyboy notes that the gang needs Johnny as well. They need his soft-spoken sincerity as well as his kindness. The strongest trait of the gang is they treat each other like family and Johnny is considered family. Ponyboy certainly needs him the most. Johnny is like a brother to Ponyboy.