December 2022 Newsletter
To our Kaleidoscope community,
We hope you and your families are doing well as we head into the upcoming holiday season. For those of you who have not signed up yet, Kaleidoscope extends a warm invitation to attend our annual Winter Party on Saturday December 3rd. And as always, we appreciate your continued financial support, and you can help us to keep these programs going by donating here.
In this month’s blogpost, our Program Navigator Jay Baldwin reflects on the concept and transformative nature of chosen family for the LGBTQ+ community during the holiday season and all year round.
Lastly, we invite you to follow us on social media and keep current on our clubs and groups meetings as well as special events. Please comment, share, and tag your friends, as we celebrate all things LGBTQIA+ on Instagram @kaleidoscopelgbtq, and follow us on Facebook at KaleidoscopeLGBTQ.
Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday season.
-The Kaleidoscope Team
Jeri Rochman, JD, MS
Program Director
She/Her/Hers
jrochman@thehelpgroup.org
Laurie Stephens, Ph.D. PSY 18520
Sr. Director, Autism & LGBTQ+ Programs
She/Her/Hers
lstephens@thehelpgroup.org
Jay Baldwin
Program Navigator
They/Them
jbaldwin@thehelpgroup.org
Leo Kirkham
Program Coordinator
They/Them
lkirkham@thehelpgroup.org
* For general inquiries, contact us at kaleidoscope@thehelpgroup.org
This time of year is typically associated with family gatherings full of celebrations, joy and togetherness. We are inundated by Hallmark movies, TV commercials, and social media posts that would have us believe that everyone should be sitting around a fireplace with their loved ones having the most wonderful holiday celebrations. Not everyone, however, has a family of origin they can or even want to be with for a variety of reasons. An increasing number of people, especially folks in the LGBTQ+ community, opt to surround themselves with their chosen family instead of their family of origin, not just during the holiday season but all year round.
Upcoming LGBTQIA+ Events, Services & More
Winter Party for LGBTQ+ Youth 12-25 and Their Families!
Saturday December 3rd | 4 – 6pm | In Person
Join us for a winter party to bring our entire LGBTQ+ community together! We invite LGBTQ+ Youth ages 12-25 as well as parents, family members and caregivers to celebrate the winter season with us through games, giveaways, and winter themed karaoke! Pizza, snacks and refreshments will be served. Can’t wait to see you there!
Virtual Pride Club
4th Monday of Every Month
On Hiatus – Returns in January
Connect virtually with other LGBTQ+ youth and their allies ages 13-17 through creative activities, games, discussions, & hanging out! Zoom link will be sent out upon registration.
Parent/Caregivers Support Group – In English
Now Forming
This free and monthly virtual support group is a great space for parents and caretakers of LGBTQIA+ children & teens to connect, receive affirming support strategies, and learn from one another with a Kaleidoscope therapist. To learn more, reach out to Jordan Sasiela for more information.
Parent Support Group For Parents of Young Adults
Now Forming!
This free and monthly virtual support group is a great space for parents and caretakers of LGBTQIA+ young adults to connect, receive affirming support strategies, and learn from one another with a Kaleidoscope therapist. To learn more, reach out to Jeri Rochman for more information.
Parent Support Group (in Spanish)
Grupo de Apoyo para Padres
Actualmente en pausa
Estas sesiones virtuales son gratis y diseñadas para que los padres y cuidadores puedan concetar, recibir apoyo y aprender unos de otros. Las discusiones grupales serán facilitadas por la Dra. Joselyn Valle, Terapeuta LGBTQIA+ con el programa Kaleidoscope de The Help Group.
This free and monthly virtual support group in Spanish is a great space for parents and caretakers to connect, receive affirming support strategies, and learn from one another.
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 to learn more.
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 to learn more.
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. Contact us to learn more.
ABOUT KALEIDOSCOPE:
Kaleidoscope’s mission is to provide services and supports for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults to help each person realize their unique and full potential. We focus on mental health services, family training and support, forming strong social connections, finding allies and developing critically needed life and coping skills. Kaleidoscope hopes to pave the way to self, family and community acceptance, resilience and care needed for LGBTQ+ folks to thrive.
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