I recently sat down with Howard to discuss his passion for The Help Group and why now was the right time for him to take on this role. He shared his vision for expanding our impact, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring sustainability for the future. I invite you to read our conversation below to hear firsthand about his commitment and excitement for the journey ahead.

Please join us in congratulating Howard on his new role! We look forward to his leadership in furthering The Help Group’s mission.

Warmly,
Dr. Susan Berman
President & CEO
The Help Group

A Conversation with Howard Tenenbaum, The Help Group’s New Board Chair

Howard, first of all, congratulations on becoming The Help Group’s new Board Chair! You’ve been a part of this organization for over 20 years—why did you feel that now was the right time to step into this role?

Thank you, Susan! It’s truly an honor. The Help Group has been a cornerstone of my philanthropic work for two decades, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact it has on children, families, and individuals. This is a pivotal moment for the organization—one of growth, innovation, and expanding reach. With the evolving needs of the communities we serve, it felt like the right time to step into this role and help lead The Help Group into its next era of impact. Working alongside incredible leaders like you and our former Chair, Gary H. Carmona, has been inspiring, and I’m excited to build on the strong foundation that has been established.

SB: What are you most looking forward to in your tenure as Board Chair?

The Help Group has always been at the forefront of providing innovative, high-quality schools, programs, and services for the special needs and mental health communities. Now, more than ever, there is an opportunity to grow that impact in transformative ways.
One of the most exciting priorities is expanding our reach—both through enhancing existing programs and launching new ones. Mental health services have never been more critical, and our commitment to ensuring that support is accessible to those who need it most is unwavering. The opening of our new location in Antelope Valley is a major milestone in that effort. This expansion allows us to serve even more children, adolescents, and families, ensuring that vital resources are available within their own communities. It’s about breaking barriers to access and meeting people where they are.

Equally important is strengthening connections—with families, supporters, educators, and the broader community. Meaningful relationships are at the core of long-term sustainability, and by deepening engagement through volunteer initiatives, donor partnerships, and strategic collaborations, we can ensure that The Help Group not only continues to thrive and serve as a national example for impactful service.

SB: The Help Group has been such a meaningful part of your philanthropic work. What, in your opinion, makes it so special?

Without a doubt, it’s the people. The Help Group is more than an organization—it’s a community rooted in compassion, dedication, and the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive. The staff, the families, the children—they are the heartbeat of everything we do. Every year we reach over 25,000 people, but the impact isn’t just measured in numbers but in lives changed. The resilience, the breakthroughs, the moments of joy—those are what make The Help Group truly special.

SB: Finally, as we look ahead, what is your vision for The Help Group’s future?

The future is about bold growth and even greater impact. We want to see The Help Group expand its programs, strengthen its presence in more communities, and create even more opportunities for those we serve. We have become a national model for how organizations can empower neurodiverse individuals and those facing developmental and mental health challenges. Financial sustainability will be key to ensuring that we can continue this work for generations to come. The foundation is strong, the momentum is there, and I truly believe that the best is yet to come.

SB: Howard, thank you for your leadership and for all that you do for The Help Group. We’re thrilled to have you as our Board Chair and look forward to working together to make an even greater impact!