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Dear Friends,
As May comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month. At The Help Group, we believe that support for individuals with special needs and mental health challenges should not be limited to a single month; it is a lifelong journey. We are honored to walk this path alongside individuals and families every step of the way.
This season has fostered a deep sense of community, creativity, and progress. We were proud to host our 12th Annual Special Needs Resource Fair, where over 800 individuals and families came together to connect with essential resources and services. Shortly after, our students had the unique opportunity to showcase their talents at our Festival of Arts, held at a professional gallery. This extraordinary event celebrated the voices and creativity of our students in a space that recognized their gifts and gave them the spotlight they deserve.
Looking ahead, graduation season begins in early June, a time of celebration and reflection across our 9 schools. These ceremonies are more than just milestones; they are affirmations of growth, determination, and the power of personalized support. Students like Liam, a 9th grader at our Village Glen School, remind us of what is possible. Once hesitant to attend class, Liam now embraces each day with confidence and purpose. His journey represents the very heart of what we do.
As we transition into summer, our work does not slow down. From our Summer School offerings to programs like Kids Like Me Summer Camps and Advance LA, The Help Group continues to provide enriching, educational and socially meaningful experiences for neurodiverse children, teens, and young adults with special needs and mental health challenges.
We are also excited to debut a new inclusive sports league which will expand access to recreation and team sports for athletes of all abilities. These efforts are made possible through the generous support of our funding partners, including the LA84 Foundation. Their belief in our mission enables us to grow, innovate, and reach more people who need support to thrive.
This time of year reminds us not only of how far we have come but also of the limitless potential that lies ahead. Whether through education, creative expression, community events, or year-round programs, The Help Group remains deeply committed to building a more inclusive world—one where everyone can find belonging, purpose, and the opportunity to flourish.
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
Hearts in Action
Building Brighter Futures
Partners in Purpose
Knowledge Exchange
Celebrating our Staff
Mark Your Calendar
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Breaking Barriers:
Liam’s Journey – Hope & Healing
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In the latest installment of our Breaking Barriers video series, we spotlight Liam, a 9th grader at Village Glen School whose educational journey has been transformed by the support of The Help Group. Once hesitant to attend school, Liam now greets each day with enthusiasm and confidence. Hear from Liam and his mother, Melissa, as they share how the support he needed helped him truly thrive.
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Hearts in Action:
Mission in Motion
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A Day of Connection, Inclusion, and Possibility:
Highlights from The Help Group’s 12th Annual Resource Fair
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On April 27th, The Help Group hosted its 12th Annual Special Needs Resource Fair at the Autism Center in Sherman Oaks, welcoming hundreds of families, professionals, and community members for a vibrant day of learning and connection. More than 70 exhibitors shared resources spanning education, therapy, vocational training, advocacy, and more.
New highlights included the Discovery Zone, where Help Group schools hosted interactive games and crafts, and the Craft Corner, led by our Summer Camp team. The crowd came alive during a joyful concert by Kerry Fenster and Friends, part of the Music for Autism series.
Guests enjoyed the new pickleball courts, insightful talks during our Speaker Series, and relaxing moments in the sensory room. Student-led initiatives like Silverlining Boutique and Bridgeport’s lemonade stand added a personal touch, while a festive taco truck kept everyone fueled and smiling.
We’re deeply thankful to all who made this event a success. It was a true celebration of community, inclusion, and the power of coming together.
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“What Brings You Joy?”
A Celebration of Creativity and Community
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On Sunday, May 18, 2025, The Help Group hosted its annual Festival of Arts at StuSpaceLA – Stu Burbank, transforming the venue into a vibrant gallery of student expression. This year’s theme, “What Brings You Joy?”, invited attendees to explore the heartfelt creations of neurodiverse student artists from all nine Help Group schools.
Art as a Universal Language
The festival showcased a diverse array of artworks, from colorful canvases to mixed-media pieces, each narrating personal stories of joy and resilience. Visitors were moved by the authenticity and depth of the students’ expressions, highlighting art’s power to transcend words and connect hearts.
Fostering Inclusion and Empowerment
Beyond the art, the event emphasized the importance of community and inclusion. Families, educators, and art enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the unique voices of neurodivergent students, reinforcing The Help Group’s commitment to empowering every individual through creative expression.
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Building Belonging through Unified Sports:
Days of Joy, Growth, and Community
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We’re thrilled to announce that The Help Group has been officially recognized by Special Olympics Southern California as a Unified Champion School—a milestone that celebrates our commitment to inclusive athletics and peer leadership across all grade levels.
This designation comes on the heels of an inspiring expansion of our eight-year collaboration with Harvard-Westlake Upper School. In addition to our annual Unified Field Day, this spring we added a Unified Basketball Game, bringing high school partners together on the court for spirited, side-by-side competition. And thanks to our new partnership with Curtis School Elementary, we’ve extended Unified play to younger learners—complete with obstacle courses, team-movement activities, and impromptu dance-alongs that had students talking about friendship and positivity well after they went home.
These Unified events aren’t just about sports—they’re living classrooms in empathy and belonging. Whether students are mastering track drills, coaching one another through flag-football plays, or cheering each other on at the free-throw line, they’re learning the power of respect, teamwork, and genuine connection, and forging friendships that bridge differences and uplift everyone involved.
As a new Unified Champion School, The Help Group will deepen our partnerships—creating more leadership roles, shared social activities, and community showcases that put inclusion front and center. We’re excited to build on these successes, because when students of all abilities come together through the joy of play, we all become stronger, kinder, and more unified.
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Bloom Café Welcomes Guests
to Culver City Campus
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The Help Group’s new Bloom Café on our Culver City campus has quickly become a vibrant centerpiece for community, connection, and vocational training. In recent weeks, we were proud to host two meaningful visits that highlighted the café’s mission and impact.
We were delighted to welcome members of Looking Beyond to a special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the café’s grand opening. With its floral-themed décor, peaceful garden, and greenhouse, Bloom Café offers more than just coffee and treats—it provides a calm and welcoming space for students, teachers, parents, and visitors to relax and connect. The café also serves as a hands-on vocational training environment, where our students gain valuable real-world experience. We are deeply grateful to Looking Beyond for their generous and ongoing support, which helps our programs and students continue to grow and thrive.
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Additionally, our new Board Chair, Howard Tenenbaum, stopped by Bloom Café and met with students involved in the café’s job training initiatives. He spent time listening to staff and students share their experiences, and expressed his enthusiasm for the café’s role in preparing students for meaningful employment.
“We’re creating something truly special here,” Mr. Tenenbaum remarked. “Bloom Café is not just a place to enjoy a great cup of coffee—it’s a place where young people gain confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose.”
These visits underscore the important work happening at Bloom Café and throughout The Help Group. With the support of partners like Looking Beyond and the leadership of Mr. Tenenbaum, we are excited to continue building spaces that empower our students and strengthen our community.
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Building Brighter Futures:
One Gift at a Time
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Game On:
The Help Group Receives LA84 Grant
to Launch Inclusive Sports League
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We are proud to announce that The Help Group has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the LA84 Foundation to support the upcoming launch of the Help Group Sports League (HGSL). This award serves as a strong endorsement of the need for inclusive sports programming and of The Help Group’s capacity to lead such an initiative. It also reflects our commitment to building a coalition of funders and partners who share our belief that all young people, regardless of their abilities, deserve the opportunity to play, connect, and thrive through athletics.
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Rose Hills Foundation:
Enduring Support, Enduring Impact
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The Help Group is honored to be the recipient of a generous unrestricted grant from The Rose Hills Foundation, continuing a valued history of support for our mission and work.
Unrestricted funding plays a critical role in sustaining our schools and programs. This grant enables us to direct resources where they are needed most—supporting a range of essential initiatives that enhance the educational experience for our students, including arts, music, and STEM programming. These areas are vital in promoting creativity, engagement, and confidence in the young people we serve.
The Rose Hills Foundation’s continued generosity reflects a meaningful investment in the potential of students with autism, learning differences, ADHD, and emotional challenges. We are deeply grateful for this partnership, which helps ensure that our schools remain places of opportunity, growth, and achievement.
We look forward to sharing the impact of this support in the months ahead and to continuing our longstanding relationship with The Rose Hills Foundation.
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Partners in Purpose:
Values into Action
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Welcoming Our New Board Chair,
Howard Tenenbaum
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In Case You Missed It!
Back in March, The Help Group proudly announced the appointment of Howard Tenenbaum as Chair of our Board of Directors. A devoted supporter of our mission for over 20 years and longtime Vice Chair, Howard brings exceptional leadership, deep compassion, and a strong philanthropic spirit to this new role. As President of Keyes Motors Inc. and a champion for individuals with special needs, his appointment marks a new and exciting chapter for our organization. Read more to learn about his journey, vision, and hopes for The Help Group’s future in a special conversation with our CEO, Dr. Susan Berman.
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Honoring Two Decades of Leadership:
Gary H. Carmona Steps Down as Board Chair,
The Administration Building Renamed in His Honor
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After more than two decades of dedicated service, Gary H. Carmona has stepped down as Board Chair of The Help Group. In recognition of his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment, The Help Group’s Administration Building has been officially renamed the Gary H. Carmona Building, a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Reflecting on his journey, Gary expressed his gratitude, stating:
“Serving as Board Chair has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Although I am stepping down as Chair, my dedication to The Help Group remains unwavering.”
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With Gary’s transition, The Help Group is pleased to announce that Howard Tenenbaum has been appointed as the new Board Chair. A respected leader with a deep understanding of The Help Group’s mission and values, Howard brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advancing the organization’s impact.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation that Gary has established,” Howard shared. “Gary’s leadership has been a source of inspiration, and I am committed to upholding the values and mission that he has championed.”
Dr. Susan Berman, CEO of The Help Group, praised Gary’s legacy, stating, “Gary’s leadership has transformed The Help Group, and his unwavering dedication has been a source of strength and inspiration for all of us. His name on the Gary H. Carmona Building will forever serve as a reminder of his exceptional service.”
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Celebrating Women Who Lead:
Spotlight Series Honors Changemakers in Our Community
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March marked a meaningful time of celebration at The Help Group as we honored Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month through our Women Who Lead Spotlight Series. Each day, we recognized remarkable women whose leadership, advocacy, and vision are shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world.
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Kari L. Van Gundy, Executive Chair of the Board at Zenith, was the first to be honored. A dedicated partner and advocate, Kari’s support has helped expand access to essential programs for individuals with special needs. Her belief in the power of community impact continues to inspire our mission.
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Next, we spotlighted Lisa Wong, Psy.D., Director of the LA County Department of Mental Health. A fierce advocate for equitable mental health services, Lisa has strengthened our shared efforts to ensure all individuals, especially youth and families, have access to the support they need.
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We then celebrated Anne Sweeney, a trailblazer in media and longtime Help Group supporter. From her leadership on prominent boards to her advocacy for disability representation, Anne has championed inclusion and amplified the voices of those often unheard.
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Day four highlighted Abbey Romeo, a former Help Group student and powerful self-advocate seen on Love on the Spectrum U.S. Through her honesty, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, Abbey is changing perceptions and empowering the autism community.
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We closed the series by honoring Dr. Susan Berman, President & CEO, and the women from the Senior Leadership of The Help Group. For over 41 years, Dr. Berman has been a guiding light in special education and mental health services. Alongside an outstanding leadership team, Dr. Berman continues to drive The Help Group’s vision forward with heart, hope, and unwavering purpose.
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To all these phenomenal women—and the countless others making a difference—thank you for leading with courage, compassion, and conviction.
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Volunteer Spotlight:
Spotlight Series Honors Changemakers in Our Community
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We were thrilled to welcome volunteer and affiliate board member Mike Berk to our Culver City campus for a special presentation of his incredible rock collection. His energy, deep knowledge, and passion captivated our students from start to finish. They were fully engaged, asking questions, and already asking when he’ll be back! We’re so grateful to Mike for sharing his time and enthusiasm with us.
If you’d like information on how to join The Help Group’s fantastic volunteer team, please contact us at volunteer@thehelpgroup.org
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Bridging Education and Psychiatry:
USC Fellows Visit The Help Group
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The Help Group was thrilled to host a group of USC Psychiatry fellows during their recent visit to learn more about our Nonpublic School (NPS) programs. The visit provided a dynamic opportunity for future child and adolescent psychiatrists to engage with our multidisciplinary teams, explore our innovative approaches to supporting neurodivergent students, and gain a deeper understanding of the educational and mental health services offered in NPS settings. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our work and foster collaboration with the next generation of mental health professionals.
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Mental Health Matters Spotlight Series
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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Help Group is proud to present the Mental Health Matters Spotlight Series — a special collection of expert-led talks premiering throughout the month of May.
We were so fortunate to have three distinguished professionals share impactful insights on key mental health topics to inform, inspire, and support our community. These events were free, and the recorded webcasts remain easily accessible on The Help Group website to watch at your convenience.
Empowering Clinicians with Tools that Work: A Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Primer Marcus Rodriguez, PhD
Founder & Director, Youth and Family Institute
Provider Wellness in Practice: A Positive Psychology Approach to Burnout & Resilience
Dorit Saberi, PhD
Co-Founder & Clinical Director, Safe Harbor Trauma Recovery Center at Harbor UCLA Medical Center
Trauma-Sensitive Communication
Rebecca Morgan, LCSW
Trainer, DMH + UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence
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In Case You Missed It: Webcast Recap
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance
in Autistic Youth & Young Adults
Presented by Dr. Laurie Stephens
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As part of our programming for Autism Awareness Month, we hosted a powerful and informative webcast exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)—a profile on the autism spectrum that’s often misunderstood and mischaracterized.
Led by Dr. Laurie Stephens, Sr. Director of Autism & Clinical Programs at The Help Group, this session dives into the anxiety-driven nature of PDA, how the nervous system can become overwhelmed, and why everyday expectations can feel unbearable for those with PDA. Dr. Stephens also shared practical strategies to foster trust, reduce stress, and create supportive environments where autistic youth and young adults can thrive.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, mental health professional, or advocate, this presentation offers essential insights for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of PDA and better support the neurodiverse community.
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Employee Engagement Events
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This month, our staff across all of our campuses came together to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with our “Sip & Spin” pop-up events — and what a fantastic turnout it was!
Staff enjoyed a relaxing and energizing beverage bar that featured coffee, tea, and fresh juices, paired with a variety of pastries and mood-boosting snacks. Attendees contributed to a colorful community art piece, expressing what mental wellness means to them through creativity and self-expression.
Additionally, the prize wheel added a fun twist, offering sensory-friendly prizes such as fidget toys, aromatherapy stickers, and more, bringing smiles all around.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating mental health. Here’s to prioritizing wellness all year long!
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Unlock Summer Success
at The Help Group’s Summer School!
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Looking for a summer experience where growth, learning, and fun go hand in hand? The Help Group’s Summer School is the place to be for students ages 3 to 22 with social, emotional, and learning challenges! Running from July 7 to August 1, 2025, our Extended School Year (ESY) program is designed to give students the support and tools they need to thrive – all in a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment. With 9 specialized schools, we’re proud to offer a community of care that includes not only expert special education teachers but also a multi-disciplinary dream team: clinicians, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists all working together to create meaningful summer learning experiences.
This in-person program includes 4 hours of daily instruction and is open to both current Help Group students and students from the broader community. Morning start times vary by school, and each campus brings its own unique magic based on the individualized needs of the students it serves. Want to find the right fit for your child? 🌟 Let’s make this summer one of progress, connection, and confidence!
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School’s Out, Camp’s On:
The Help Group’s Summer Adventures Begin!
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When the final school bell rings, summer fun begins—and at The Help Group, that means it’s time to dive into a season of creativity, connection, and adventure through our Kids Like Me Summer Camps and Programs. For neurodiverse children and teens, the shift from the structured rhythm of the school year to the open-ended days of summer can be a tough transition. That’s why our camps provide a carefully designed balance of structure and excitement, ensuring every camper feels supported, engaged, and ready to thrive.
Whether it’s cooking and art in the Adventurers track, hands-on innovation in the Engineers STEM camp, social outings in Teens on the Go, or career-readiness and connection in the Advance LA Young Adult Summer Program, there’s something for everyone. With Kids Like Me holding weekly sessions in Sherman Oaks and Advance LA offering sessions in Sherman Oaks, Culver City, and our new Antelope Valley location— our camps help young people build friendships, grow in confidence, and create summer memories that last a lifetime.
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Click on flyers above to apply!
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Summer Movie Magic Under the Stars –
A Sensory-Friendly Experience!
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Get ready for a summer of fun under the stars! The Help Group is excited to host weekly Summer Movie Nights in both Culver City and Sherman Oaks, specially designed for neurodivergent children and their families. Bring your beach chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy fan-favorite films, delicious student-run concessions, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere that welcomes everyone. With movies like Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse, Grease, Trolls, and Moana 2, it’s the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening.
Click below for dates, times, and the full movie lineup!
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Visit our website for more info!
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