The Help Group is recruiting new volunteers for Paws and Pals for Kids with Autism, a volunteer-supported pet intervention program for children and young adults enrolled in its autism schools, Kids Like Me recreational camps, teen residential and young adult transitional living programs. Volunteers work side-by-side with The Help Group’s highly qualified teams of educators, aides and therapists to bring the positive rewards of pet intervention to young people with autism and other special needs.

Currently, a growing team of volunteers visit one of The Help Group’s seven campuses in the greater Los Angeles area on a weekly basis. Volunteers and their certified therapy dogs have the unique opportunity to engage young people with social and communication challenges, and be part of contributing to building students’ self-esteem and confidence. Paws and Pals volunteer Ginny shared, “It’s so rewarding to see the children light up and smile when they interact with my dog, Baylee.”

To learn more about how to become a volunteer, please visit Paws and Pals for Kids with Autism to download the brochure, or contact Ann Avidor at aavidor@thehelpgroup.org or Lisa Manafian at lmanafian@thehelpgroup.org.