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Dear Friends,
Our hearts remain with all those affected by the devastating wildfires that have impacted our community. The loss and hardship have been profound, but in the face of adversity, we have witnessed incredible strength, unity, and compassion. The resilience of our community shines through, and together, we continue to support and uplift one another in meaningful ways. The Help Group remains dedicated to supporting affected children and families, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need to heal and move forward.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises transformative growth for The Help Group. We are excited to include stories of shared impact and the strength of our greater community. Thanks to a generous gift from The Ahmanson Foundation, we are developing adaptive playgrounds to foster inclusion and accessibility for all children. We are proud to announce that our Kaleidoscope LGBTQIA+ program received a grant to expand services, furthering our mission of creating safe, affirming spaces for neurodiverse LGBTQIA+ youth.
With support from Looking Beyond, we are expanding our vocational education programs and creating more welcoming and sensory friendly recreational environments in our schools. Our soon-to-open Bloom Café will not only serve as a community space but also offer vocational training, preparing young adults for the workforce.
Our 12th Annual Special Needs Resource Fair on April 27th will bring together families, caregivers, and professionals for a day of connection and empowerment. As we look ahead to Kids Like Me Camps this summer, we remain dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for young people, keeping them and their families at the heart of our mission. As we continue to grow, we are excited to open a new office in Antelope Valley, extending our reach to more families in need, particularly those in some of its most under resourced neighborhoods.
These achievements would not be possible without your continued generosity. Your support drives our mission, enabling us to create meaningful opportunities and lasting impacts for children, young adults, and families.
Together, let’s make 2025 a year of hope, progress, and transformation.
With warmest regards,
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Susan Berman, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Help Group
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In this newsletter you can expect:
Welcome
Breaking Barriers
Building Brighter Futures
Hearts in Action
Adult Learning
Celebrating our Staff
Mark Your Calendar
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Breaking Barriers:
Ixtli’s Inspiring Journey
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In our latest “Breaking Barriers” video, we’re excited to share the story of Ixtli Garcia, a Summit View School graduate now thriving at UCLA. Watch to learn more about Ixtli’s incredible growth—from being a student who was once hesitant to speak up in class to becoming a confident leader in student government. Ixli’s journey is a powerful example of how self-advocacy and the supportive environment at The Help Group can help students overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
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Building Brighter Futures:
One Gift at a Time
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Playtime Upgraded:
The Ahmanson Foundation Sponsors New Playground
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The Help Group is excited to announce that we have received a transformative $150,000 gift from the Ahmanson Foundation to build a new playground at our Summit View West School in Culver City.
“We are deeply grateful to the Ahmanson Foundation for their continued partnership and generous support,” said Susan Berman, CEO of The Help Group. “Thanks to their funding, we’ve been able to upgrade our playgrounds, creating safe and enriching spaces that foster essential social skills, enhance physical and cognitive development, and boost confidence among our students. For our neurodiverse community, these upgraded spaces are vital, providing opportunities to build life skills, improve focus, and strengthen social connections. We are truly thankful for the Foundation’s belief in our mission and the profound impact they’ve made on our students’ lives.”
This grant follows the Ahmanson Foundation’s earlier $100,000 grant, which funded the playground at our North Hills Prep School in Van Nuys. That playground has become an invaluable resource for students and the broader community, promoting social interaction, emotional well-being, and physical health.
The new playground at Summit View West will provide a similar impact, offering a safe, engaging space for exploration, physical activity, and community interaction. The Ahmanson Foundation’s generous support will help us continue to create inclusive environments where children of all abilities can grow, connect, and thrive.
We are deeply thankful to the Ahmanson Foundation for their ongoing generosity and vision. This funding not only creates playgrounds—it fosters brighter futures and builds stronger, more inclusive communities.
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Kaleidoscope:
Enriching Our LGBTQIA+ Community
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Since its inception in 2018, The Help Group’s Kaleidoscope has been a beacon of support, education, and community for LGBTQIA+ youth, young adults, and their families. Grounded in our belief that every young person deserves a bright and fulfilling future, Kaleidoscope provides tailored services that foster identity affirmation, mental well-being, and inclusive social connections.
We are excited to announce that we have received a generous, three-year donation from an anonymous donor to ensure that our Kaleidoscope program continues to thrive and shine. This donor provided the initial funding to launch the program, and after seeing its profound impact, has committed to supporting its continued growth and success.
A Safe Space to Shine
At Kaleidoscope, we provide a safe and affirming environment where LGBTQIA+/Questioning youth can explore their identities without fear of judgment. By offering mental health services, social support groups, educational training, and advocacy, Kaleidoscope ensures that no young person feels alone in their journey.
Mental Health Services: Affirmation and Support
Many LGBTQIA+ youth face unique challenges, including anxiety, depression, and trauma due to societal rejection. Kaleidoscope provides LGBTQIA+-affirmative therapy using evidence-based approaches to support identity exploration, self-acceptance, and overcoming internalized stigma. Our Transformation Group offers high school-aged transgender youth a safe space to connect and share experiences. Additionally, we provide specialized training for parents of LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse youth, helping them foster understanding and build stronger, affirming relationships with their children.
Creating a More Inclusive Future
Kaleidoscope doesn’t just serve individuals—it educates and empowers entire communities. We are a welcoming presence at major Pride events, local school GSAs, and youth leadership initiatives. We also offer comprehensive training programs on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, best practices for creating safe spaces, and the intersectionality of autism and gender identity. These efforts have reached national and international audiences, reinforcing Kaleidoscope’s global impact. To date, Kaleidoscope has reached over 4,000 individuals, delivering a message of acceptance, inclusion, and hope.
To learn more about The Help Group’s Kaleidoscope, please reach out to:
Tracy West-Grubb: twest@thehelpgroup.org
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Looking Beyond:
Increased Vocational Opportunities for Our Students
Thanks to the generous support of Looking Beyond, The Help Group’s Bridgeport Vocational Center has expanded its vocational training programs, empowering our students with real-world job skills and greater confidence.
A Legacy of Support
Looking Beyond has been a long-standing partner in enriching our campuses with innovative learning environments. Their generosity has previously funded our outdoor greenhouse and wall planters at the Culver City campus, as well as the Looking Beyond Garden and Vocational Lab at our Sherman Oaks campus. These contributions have provided invaluable hands-on experiences for our students, fostering growth in horticulture, sustainability, and vocational skills.
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Bloom Café in Culver City
Bloom Café, the newest vocational training space made possible thanks to support from Looking Beyond, is an exciting new venture combining a café experience with a floral boutique, providing students with dynamic, real-world training in both the hospitality and floral industries. Through this program, students learn about food preparation, customer service, and business operations while also gaining insight into floral arrangement, seasonal flowers, and presentation techniques.
A Sensory Friendly Recreational Courtyard in Sherman Oaks
At our Sunrise School in Sherman Oaks, Looking Beyond’s generosity will enable us to create a sensory friendly courtyard and recreation space where students can relax, connect and enjoy their surroundings. The courtyard will be designed to be a calm, safe and nurturing space, utilizing gentle, natural elements to soothe the senses of our students and encourage sensory play and social interaction.
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Hearts in Action:
Serving Our Community
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Hope and Healing in Times of Crisis:
The Help Group’s Response to the Wildfires
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In partnership with the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, The Help Group delivered toys to children impacted by the wildfires.
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The Help Group partnered with Bear Givers to distribute 400 teddy bears, accompanied by handwritten notes from our students, to children at the temporarily relocated Eliot School in Pasadena, offering comfort and encouragement during this challenging time.
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One of the core values our students embrace is the belief in their ability to serve their community and effect positive change. In a spirit of generosity, our students prepared and delivered care packages to LAFD Station 102 on Burbank Boulevard, aiming to uplift and support our local firefighters.
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Additionally, alongside volunteers from Connecting a Caring Community, Women in Action, our Bridgeport Vocational Center students visited and spent quality time with residents of Belmont Senior Living in Encino. Together, they assembled care packages for firefighters and painted donation jars for Belmont’s gift shop with all proceeds being donated to victims of the wildfires. These acts of gratitude and kindness not only inspire our community but also strengthen the bonds that connect us during challenging times.
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Expanding Our Reach:
Announcing Our New Help Group Office in Antelope Valley!
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The Help Group is thrilled to share the news of the opening of our newest office in Antelope Valley! This expansion allows us to serve even more individuals, children, and families in need, reinforcing our commitment to making vital resources accessible to communities and to meeting them where they are. By extending our reach beyond the more than 25,000 people we currently serve through our specialized day schools, mental health and therapy services, vocational and residential programs, and community initiatives, we are creating even more opportunities for connection, care, and empowerment. Stay tuned for details on our grand opening celebration—we can’t wait to share this exciting milestone with you!
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Relax, Recharge, Reconnect:
A Self-Care Celebration for Parents
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The Help Group’s Prevention & Aftercare (P&A) and Partnerships for Families (PFF) programs hosted a special event dedicated to self-care for parents—because their well-being is essential for strong, thriving families.
Through self-massage demonstrations, indulgent treats, painting, flower arranging, manicures, and pampering products, we provided a space for parents to relax, recharge, and reconnect. When caregivers are supported, they are better equipped to navigate the challenges of parenting.
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Virtual Community Conversation:
Navigating the Psychological Effects of the Wildfires
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The Help Group hosted a virtual webinar featuring our in house experts including Dr. Shayne Horan, Dr. Laurie Stephens, and Hannah Harrison. This session provided families with practical strategies to help children cope with the psychological impact in the event of a disaster. Topics covered included understanding wildfire trauma, creating a sense of safety, and making use of available resources.If you missed the webinar, click to watch here.
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Staying Informed Without Feeling Overwhelmed:
Tips for Neurodiverse Young Adults
Let’s face it—keeping up with the news can feel like a lot sometimes. For neurodiverse folks, it can come with its own set of challenges, like sensory overload, emotional stress, or just trying to make sense of complicated stories. But don’t worry—there are ways to stay in the loop without it becoming too much. Here’s what our Advance LA coaches suggest to help you engage with the news in a way that works for you.
Read more
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Congratulations to our 2024
Employees of the Year
At The Help Group, we deeply value the dedication and hard work of every team member. This year, we are proud to recognize a select group of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and passion in their roles. Their outstanding contributions have made a significant impact on our mission, and we celebrate their dedication to excellence.
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Elba Fuentes, Teacher’s Aide, has for over 7 years provided warmth, reliability, and unwavering support to students. Her consistency and strong connections make her invaluable to both staff and students.
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Adam Popichak, Behavioral Interventionist, has supported students with challenging behaviors for over 20 years, fostering a safe and uplifting environment. His patience and positivity make him indispensable to the school community.
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Giovanni Pardo, Mental Health Rehab Specialist, is the “glue” of the REACH team, providing leadership and stability with a positive attitude. His reliability and passion for helping children make him essential to the program’s success.
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Michael Calderon, Teacher, has transformed a challenging classroom into an enthusiastic learning space with his hands-on approach. His dedication to students and structured teaching has been key to the program’s success.
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Fatima Gutierrez, Program Coordinator, goes above and beyond to serve clients, promote programs, and support her peers. Her dedication and willingness to take on extra responsibilities make her an exceptional team player.
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Staff Holiday Gifts Were a Big Hit!
Our staff has been proudly sporting their new Spirit Jersey-style sweatshirts, our latest and most stylish holiday gift! Due to popular demand, parents and students will soon have the chance to purchase their own and stay tuned as we expand these offerings to the entire THG community—coming soon!
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Employee Engagement Event
In recognition of Black History Month, we honored the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Black individuals whose impact continues to shape history and inspire our work. Their legacy underscores the power of connection and perseverance in driving progress. Across our campuses, our staff brought this spirit to life with vibrant celebrations—sharing delicious cuisine, uplifting voices, and creating a reflection wall where participants expressed their hopes, gratitude, and commitment to a brighter future.
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The Help Group’s 12th Annual
Special Needs Resource Fair
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On Sunday, April 27th, from 11 AM to 2 PM, The Help Group is bringing families, caregivers, and professionals together for a free community event filled with resources, support, and fun.
Designed for individuals with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, other special needs, and mental health challenges, the Resource Fair is a chance to connect with schools, therapists, and advocacy groups—all in one place. Families can enjoy interactive experiences like sensory play, arts and crafts, and hands-on activities, along with great food and entertainment in a warm, welcoming environment.
It’s more than just an event—it’s a day of connection, community, and empowerment. We’d love to see you there!
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Summer is a season of adventure, connection, and growth—but for neurodiverse children and teens, finding the right program can be challenging. Kids Like Me Camps, returning for Summer 2025, offer a safe, structured, and enriching environment where kids ages 6-17 can engage, explore, and build friendships in a supportive community. For young adults, ages 18 to 22, our Advance LA Spring Break Camp will likewise offer a social community experience, all-day excursions, and a variety of engaging activities.
At Kids Like Me, camp is more than just fun—it’s a place where campers build confidence, make new friends, and develop essential life skills. Each child is thoughtfully matched with peers and the right atmosphere to help them thrive. Through engaging activities like interactive games, arts and crafts, science experiments, water play, and movement exercises, campers gain independence while embracing the magic of summer. And because The Help Group values family connections, siblings are welcome to join the experience!
For many families, summer and spring break can bring uncertainty, as traditional programs may not always accommodate their child’s unique needs. Kids Like Me and Advance LA Camps eliminate that worry by creating an inclusive space where every camper is valued, understood, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.
Beyond the excitement, summer camp plays a vital role in developing lifelong skills. Campers learn to navigate social situations, practice teamwork, solve problems, and build resilience—all in an environment where they feel accepted and supported. These experiences help foster self-confidence and independence, benefiting children far beyond the summer months.
If you’re looking for a program where your child can thrive, make friends, and develop essential life skills, we invite you to join us for Spring and Summer camps 2025!
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Click the camp flyers above for more info
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Visit our website for more info!
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