June 2024 Newsletter

Dear Advance LA Community,

In June, we recognize this month as a significant transition time for many young adults. From graduation celebrations to the pursuit of summer jobs, this period is filled with opportunities and new beginnings. For neurodivergent young adults, including those with ADHD or on the autism spectrum, these transitions can bring both excitement and challenges.

With many of our students recently graduating, the graduation milestone marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. It’s a time of reflection and anticipation, as young adults look forward to new adventures in education, work, and personal growth. 

One of these new adventures may include finding a summer job, which is a great way for young adults to gain valuable work experience, develop new skills, and build confidence. At Advance LA, our Life Skills Coaches provide personalized support to help young adults navigate the job search process, from creating a resume to practicing interview skills. We also have vocational programs specifically designed to assist neurodivergent young adults in preparing for and securing meaningful employment.

With summer upon us, another adventure may include some fun! Our Young Adult Summer Program offers a fantastic opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful social interactions, make lasting friendships, and learn new skills in a supportive and enriching environment. Designed for neurodivergent young adults, this program helps participants connect with peers, explore their interests, and develop both personally and socially. 

At Advance LA, our mission remains unwavering—to empower young adults with special needs to lead fulfilling, independent lives and thrive in all aspects of their journey.

For more information or to connect with our supportive community, please reach out to us at advancela@thehelpgroup.org.

We look forward to a summer filled with growth, discovery, and new opportunities for all.

Warm regards,

Heather Humphrey
Advance LA

 

Written by Heather Humphrey, LMFT

For many neurodivergent young adults, job searching can feel overwhelming. Our Advance LA Life Skills Coaches understand these feelings and help break down the job search process into manageable steps. Here are our top tips to land a great gig…

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Summer Program

 

Summer of fun starts now! Only a few spots remaining!
June 10 – July 3, August 5 – 9 | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm | Sherman Oaks, CA 

Don’t miss out on Advance LA’s exciting social-recreational summer program, specifically tailored for young adults between the ages of 18-22 with mild to intensive support needs. This summer, we have three new tracks. Participants are thoughtfully matched to cultivate appropriate peer connections. Our summer programs aim to bolster confidence, hone social and essential life skills, and foster independence, all within a fun atmosphere conducive to forming lasting friendships!  We are vendored with Regional Centers and accept Self-Determination funds.

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Here’s what participants and families have said about our Young Adult Summer Program….

  • Last summer, a participant shared, “This program is perfect for me,” citing how well the activities in our summer programs align with his needs and preferences.
  •  “She had an incredible time,” shared a parent.” This was a terrific experience for my daughter. She’s so happy to be a part of this!”
  • Another participant expressed her eagerness to return, saying, “I had the best time! I didn’t expect to have such a memorable start to my summer!”

Upcoming Summer Events

 

Join us for a free, interactive concert!
Saturday, July 27, 2024 | 11 AM – 12 PM Sherman Oaks, CA. 91401

Join The Help Group as we proudly partner with Music for Autism, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and raising public awareness through its autism-friendly, interactive concerts. Immerse yourself in a musical event featuring Kerry Fenster & Friends. After working at a school for children with autism, Kerry wrote and recorded the children’s album Songs About Us to promote social skills. Since its release, the album has won numerous awards, received national attention, and been reviewed in Billboard and The Huffington Post. Admission is FREE for Help Group families and the community. RSVP required

RSVP NOW

Additional Services

 

Parent-to-Parent Support Group
(Resuming in September) 

Free online sessions for parents to connect, share stories & learn from one another. Meetings take place on the first and third Thursday of each month. Our parent support group is a safe space to share information, resources, and friendship.

RSVP

 

Dating & Relationship Coaching

Available now!
Advance LA now offers dating and relationship coaching for neuro-divergent young adults who are interested in learning the social skills involved in dating, as well as the communication skills required to maintain a romantic relationship. To learn more, contact Jeri.

CONTACT

 

Life Skills Coaching

Virtual coaching available for academic, vocational, social, and independent living skills support (individual or group sessions). 

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Lumina Counseling

Lumina offers insurance and private pay for individual, couples, and family therapy to people of all ages throughout the Los Angeles area. Lumina believes that everyone has the right to be heard and to be guided to live their best possible life. For more info, please call 818-779-5100.

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ABOUT THE HELP GROUP’S ADVANCE LA:
The Help Group offers innovative, educational, therapeutic, residential, community and vocational advocacy and support to empower children and young adults to live with dignity, hope, opportunity, and love.  Advance LA, a specialized program of The Help Group, provides clients with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, executive functioning difficulties and learning differences, the experiences and opportunities necessary to lead a fulfilling adult life. Our specialized program provides coaching services and support groups, as well as workshops and conferences for young adults, parents, and industry professionals, answering one of the most frequently asked questions by parents of those with special needs, “What happens next?”

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