| Hello Kaleidoscope Community!
This month, in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Kaleidoscope is encouraging our community to reflect on how we can best support the mental health needs of our young people.
The month of May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience. As an agency specializing in providing therapeutic support to LGBTQ+ young people and their families, we are proud to highlight the importance of this awareness campaign.
As always, please feel free to send any questions to: kaleidoscope@thehelpgroup.org. Make sure to follow us on @kaleidoscopelgbtq and KaleidoscopeLGBTQ to stay informed about our clubs, groups and special events.
With Pride,
The Kaleidoscope Team |
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Jay Baldwin, Program Director
They, them, theirs pronouns
jbaldwin@thehelpgroup.org |
Laurie Stephens, Ph.D. PSY 18520 Sr. Director, Autism & LGBTQ+ Programs
She, Her, Hers pronouns
lstephens@thehelpgroup.org |
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* For general inquiries, contact us at kaleidoscope@thehelpgroup.org. |
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May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a powerful reminder of the critical role of mental health and well-being in our lives. Today, we want to focus on a particular aspect of mental health that often gets overlooked—the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth.
For many young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, navigating the complexities of adolescence can be particularly challenging. From facing discrimination and stigma to struggling with self-acceptance and identity, LGBTQ+ youth often encounter unique stressors that can take a toll on their mental health.
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Earlier this month, The Help Group hosted its inaugural Mental Health Matters Breakfast in observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month, demonstrating its commitment to mental health advocacy and support for individuals and families in need. We honored Dr. Lisa Wong, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), with the Spirit of Hope Award for her commitment and advocacy in the field of mental health. Over 200 community members attended, hearing from a diverse lineup of speakers. Dr. Audra Langley shared insights on creating culturally-responsive, trauma-informed schools, while Danielle Farmer, MSEd, LCSW, discussed adolescent suicide assessment and prevention strategies. Kim Goodman, LCSW, presented W.E. – C.A.R.E. (Wellness, Education, Community, Awareness, Resources, & Engagement) offering self-care strategies for caregivers.
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| To learn more about our mental health resources through Lumina Counseling, contact kaleidoscope@thehelpgroup.org |
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Join Kaleidoscope @ The West Hollywood Pride Street Fair!
June 1st and 2nd | 12 – 5 pm
Kaleidoscope is proud to participate in the WeHo Pride Street Fair on Saturday, June 1st and Sunday, June 2nd, from 12pm-5pm! The Street Fair is located on Santa Monica Blvd., between Hancock Ave. and La Peer Dr. The event is FREE and will include community group booths, exhibitors, sponsor activations, a stage with live performances, and other entertainment elements. Come stop by our booth, say hello, and support our community! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @kaleidoscopelgbtq for updates too.
Questions? Contact us at kaleidoscope@thehelpgroup.org
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Pride Party – LGBTQ Youth ages 11-17!
Friday, June 14th | 6 – 8 pm
Come celebrate Pride with us! Join us in person on Friday, June 14th in Sherman Oaks and celebrate with food, games, music, prizes and tie dye t-shirt making! Youth and their allies ages 11-17 welcome. Exact location will be shared upon RSVP.
RSVP |
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Want a summer filled with friends and fun?
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Specialized Day Camps
June 10 – July 3, August 5 – 9
9 am – 2 pm
Kids Like Me’s Summer Camps provide a safe and enriching environment for 6-17-year-olds across the autism spectrum to engage, experience, and explore. Campers are matched to ensure an appropriate peer group for learning and fun. Siblings are welcome! We are vendored with Regional Centers and accept Self Determination funds. Contact your service coordinator to learn more! For Teens on The Go, we’re adding bus pick-ups to our westside residents from our Culver City Campus.
APPLY TODAY
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Summer Program for Young Adults
June 10 – July 3 , August 5 – 9
9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Join Advance LA for a fun social-recreational summer program for young adults ages 18-22. This program is specially designed for those with mild to intensive support needs who face challenges with learning, language, attention, social interaction, or sensory processing. We are vendored with Regional Centers and accept Self Determination funds. Contact your service provider to learn more.
APPLY TODAY
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Mental Health Services
Kaleidoscope offers individual & group therapy as well as psychiatric care in a safe & affirming environment at affordable rates. We accept insurance, Medi-cal, and offer sliding-scale rates based upon annual income.
CONTACT US
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Individual Coaching
Coaching available for LGBTQIA+ youth & young adults who need assistance with identifying goals, taking next steps, & establishing healthy connections in community settings.
CONTACT US
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Training & Presentations
We offer training, education & presentations to parents, administrators, and the community to provide LGBTQIA+ youth with the affirming support that they need to thrive.
LEARN MORE |
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In Case You Missed It: Kaleidoscope @ The Resource Fair
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| On Sunday, April 28th 2024, The Help Group hosted its 11th Annual Special Needs Resource Fair. This event offers individuals and families the chance to connect with resources available to the special needs community, including those with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, and emotional challenges. Kaleidoscope was on hand to answer questions about our program and introduce the program to more members of the community.
LEARN MORE |
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ABOUT THE HELP GROUP’S KALEIDOSCOPE:
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. Kaleidoscope, a specialized program of The Help Group, is dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth and young adults to realize their unique and full potential. Through a focus on mental health services, family training and support, strong social connections, allyship development, and obtaining essential life and coping skills, Kaleidoscope strives to pave the way for self-acceptance, family understanding, and community support to build confidence, resilience and provide the care needed for LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive.
For more information, please visit:
www.thehelpgroup.org
www.kaleidoscopelgbtq.org
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