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Each Fall season, as our campuses are filled with renewed energy and purpose, we’re reminded of the importance of our mission at The Help Group. For almost five decades, we’ve been dedicated to serving individuals with a wide range of challenges, offering a comprehensive network of support through our educational, residential, clinical, vocational, recreational, and social programs. We’re proud to have impacted hundreds of thousands of lives and inspired similar programs across Los Angeles and beyond.
This October holds special significance as we recognize National ADHD Awareness Month, World Mental Health Day, and Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. These observances highlight the diverse needs of the individuals we serve and underscore the importance of awareness, understanding, and support. Inside this newsletter, you’ll find helpful tips, a featured blog article on why some students consider their ADHD to be a “superpower,” and additional resources aimed at raising awareness and fostering support for all.
In the spirit of awareness and understanding, we’re excited to celebrate our 28th Annual Summit, “Imagining Possibilities”! This incredible event brings together 19 distinguished experts from leading institutions across the nation to explore the latest advancements in supporting emotional well-being and neurodiversity. We’re thrilled to offer both in-person and online options, making this valuable experience accessible to everyone.
The Help Group is about empowering individuals to thrive. We’re incredibly honored to share inspiring stories like Grace’s, a gifted artist who found her voice and flourished within our programs. Her journey is a testament to the power of our dedicated staff and the supportive environment we create.
And speaking of our amazing staff, we’re delighted to welcome Tracy West-Grubb as our new Chief Strategy and Program Development Officer! Her expertise and passion will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve. Learn more about Tracy in our Staff Spotlight below.
In closing, I’d like to take a moment to express our deep gratitude to those whose generosity and dedication have played a vital role in bringing so many events and initiatives to life; your support is evident in every story we share. Thank you for being such an important part of our community.
Warmly,
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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
Upcoming Events
The Strength of Community: Stories of Impact
Staff Spotlight
Our Latest Blogs
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Join us, for the return of our Summit conference on November 15 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Our 28th annual event will bring together clinicians, therapists, educators, researchers, and parents to explore the latest advancements in understanding and supporting emotional well-being and neurodivergence from childhood to adulthood.
All new this year, Summit offers whole-child and lifespan approaches to learning, including: Improving Outcomes through Early Intervention, Innovative Educational and Behavioral Practices for School-Age Youth, Effective Strategies and Support for Young Adults, Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health.
With 19 expert-led sessions and an inspiring keynote speaker, Dr. Daniel Siegel, presenting, “The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience,” there are learning opportunities for everyone, and online options so you can attend every session.
Summit is an opportunity to:
- Cultivate resilience: Gain strategies for navigating challenges and fostering well-being.
- Strengthen relationships: With a focus on inter-personal, parent-child, child-clinician relationships in addition to strengthening relationships with youth and families we work with and serve.
- Build a lasting network: engage with experts and each other, and the opportunity to develop a deeper knowledge base to apply at home, in schools, clinics, or communities
- Enhance your professional development: Earn up to 19 CE credits.
We are pleased to offer special rates to our community of families.
We look forward to your joining us.
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Our New Pickleball Courts Opening in November!
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The Help Group is excited to unveil our brand new pickleball courts on our Sherman Oaks Campus! We look forward to introducing this inclusive and engaging sport as part of our commitment to providing dynamic athletic programs for all students. Pickleball promotes physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being, making it the perfect fit for our students with learning differences and mental health challenges.
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The Strength of Community:
Stories of Shared Impact
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Meet Grace, a residential student at The Help Group and a gifted artist.
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Grace’s journey, shaped by resilience and the nurturing programs of The Help Group, has been one of profound personal growth. During her teenage years, The Help Group’s residential and school program became her safe haven, allowing her to explore her creativity and heal through art. With the guidance of these programs, Grace discovered art as a powerful tool for self-expression, helping her process her experiences and communicate her feelings in ways she hadn’t before.
Her development extends beyond personal growth, through events like the 2024 Festival of Arts, where she was featured as a highlighted artist. Grace’s moving speech at last year’s Teddy Bear Golf Tournament further showcased her journey of perseverance and gratitude for the support she received. Her story demonstrates the transformative impact of creative outlets and supportive mentorship, showing how educational and therapeutic programs can help students overcome challenges and thrive.
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The Help Group Shines at the
Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Gala
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Jennie VonCannon, Partner, Crowell & Moring LLP, and Dr. Susan Berman, CEO, The Help Group
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The Help Group was honored to receive the Beacon of Light Award at the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Gala last month. This prestigious award recognizes individuals and organizations who are trailblazers in their fields and who have made significant contributions to empowering others and creating positive change. The Help Group was in excellent company, joining other honorees such as Dominique Shelton Leipzig, Rasha Gerges Shields, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, and Senator Nancy Skinner.
CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Susan Berman accepted the award on behalf of The Help Group, emphasizing that this recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the organization’s mission to empower those with special needs and mental health challenges. The award, presented by Jennie VonCannon of Crowell & Moring LLP, further fuels The Help Group’s passion for helping individuals reach their full potential.
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Kindness in Action: Connecting a Caring Community’s
Women in Action visit The Help Group
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Connecting a Caring Community’s Volunteer Team
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It was truly our pleasure to host the Connecting a Caring Community’s Women in Action program. We were thrilled to hear that the day left everyone feeling inspired and joyful. Seeing smiles all around and being able to share our choir’s performance, the culinary talents of our Vocational Students, and some creative fun with pumpkin painting and Halloween treats was a true highlight for us as well. At The Help Group, we believe in the power of community and connection, and we are honored to be part of Connecting a Caring Community’s journey. Together, we can continue to build a caring and supportive world for everyone.
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The Help Group and Connecting a Caring Community Leadership and Volunteers
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Fun and Connection at the Sherman Oaks Street Fair
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The Help Group had an amazing time at the 32nd Annual Sherman Oaks Street Fair, held on Saturday, October 20th, along a lively half-mile stretch of Ventura Blvd between Van Nuys and Kester. The event, a true neighborhood favorite, drew throngs of people from all over Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley with its live entertainment, carnival games, pet zone, and an array of local vendors.
The Help Group booth was a hub of activity, with staff and volunteers handing out bubbles, Halloween treats, and reusable tote bags to excited visitors. Children enjoyed craft activities, while parents stopped by to ask questions and learn more about the diverse schools, programs, and services The Help Group offers to support children, teens, and families.
Our goal at the fair was to strengthen our connection with the community and share the many ways The Help Group can make a positive impact. It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with us and enjoy the activities we provided. The Help Group’s participation in the fair embodied our mission of community engagement and outreach, creating a space for neighbors to connect, have fun, and discover new resources.
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Celebrating Differences Through Music:
A Music for Autism Halloween Concert
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The Help Group recently hosted a Music for Autism Halloween concert, bringing together young people and their families for an afternoon filled with music, treats, and community spirit. With free admission for all, attendees enjoyed an immersive musical experience, creative crafts, and seasonal surprises.
The mesmerizing performance by ArcoStrum, a multi-instrumental duo featuring violinist Strauss Shi and guitarist TY Zhang, set the tone for the day. Fresh off their victory at the prestigious 2023 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, ArcoStrum enchanted the audience with their eclectic blend of classical repertoire, progressive rock, and traditional Chinese melodies. Their dynamic chemistry and energetic stage presence captivated everyone in attendance, as the duo effortlessly fused genres and cultures into a harmonious musical experience.
Events like this underscore the profound impact music can have on neurodiverse communities. The Help Group’s Music for Autism creates a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy the arts without barriers or judgment. Research shows that music fosters emotional expression, improves social interaction, and enhances sensory integration—making performances like these invaluable for young people on the autism spectrum, providing opportunities for creative expression and inclusivity.
At the event’s conclusion, a young boy, inspired by the concert, marched happily toward his car, holding an imaginary violin under his chin and pretending to play. Onlookers smiled as he “played” his way across the parking lot—a heartwarming reminder of music’s lasting impression, sparking joy and inspiring creativity in all of us.
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Introducing Tracy West-Grubb
We are excited to welcome Tracy West-Grubb as our new Chief Strategy and Program Development Officer at The Help Group. Tracy brings extensive experience as a former Chief Operating Officer in both nonprofit and healthcare, where she’s driven strategic transformation and fostered impactful changes. She is passionate about The Help Group’s mission and looks forward to contributing to the organization’s growth.
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Her career has spanned industries ranging from healthcare to education, working with top organizations like Walt Disney World, Google, Kaiser Permanente, and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Tracy also holds multiple degrees and certifications, including a Master’s in Strategic Leadership, Education, and Counseling, and certifications in Executive Leadership and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
With a blend of technical expertise and emotional intelligence, she excels in building high-performing teams and implementing initiatives that drive organizational success. “We are thrilled to welcome Tracy, whose passion and expertise will make a real difference in the lives of the children and families we serve,” shares Dr. Susan Berman, President and CEO of The Help Group.
Outside of work, Tracy is an avid traveler and enjoys spending time in nature. She is also committed to serving on healthcare and youth-focused non-profit boards.
“I am thrilled to join The Help Group at this pivotal moment and humbled to work alongside such a dedicated team who strive to make a meaningful impact,” says Tracy.
We’re excited for the leadership and vision she brings to The Help Group!
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Join us in making the season brighter for over 800 underprivileged special needs children and their families at The Help Group’s annual Winter Carnival! Volunteers are needed to help bring this magical day to life, filled with games, rides, food, arts and crafts, face painting, and a special visit with Santa Claus. Your support will help make this unforgettable event a success—let’s work together to bring smiles to the children and families we serve!
See last year’s carnival fun here
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Understanding Emotional Health
Communicating Your Needs Effectively to Navigate Stress and Anxiety
For young adults, especially those navigating life across the autism spectrum or facing learning differences and social-emotional challenges, open communication about emotional health is more crucial than ever.
Read more
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Kaleidoscope Celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month
Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future
This special time is set aside to recognize the significant contributions, milestones, and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history, while also embracing the progress we continue to make towards equality, visibility, and love.
Read more
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Navigating Cyberbullying
A parent’s guide to supporting children across the autism spectrum
For children across the autism spectrum, or those with learning differences and social-emotional challenges, navigating online interactions can be particularly complex and distressing.
Read more
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Role-Playing Games
Building Connection and Mental Well-Being for Neurodiverse Kids
Role-playing games (RPGs) have long been cherished for their creativity and storytelling. But eyond being just a form of entertainment, these games have emerged as powerful tools for neurodiverse children, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
Read more
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Visit our website for more info!
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