November 2022 Newsletter
To our Kaleidoscope community,
We hope you and your families are doing well as we head into the second part of autumn and many of us prepare for the upcoming holiday season. In addition to our regular monthly offerings, Kaleidoscope is excited to kick off the winter holidays at the beginning of next month on December 3rd for our annual Winter Party. 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 Coordinator, Leo Kirkham, shares ways that we can be more supportive and inclusive of our queer and trans youth during the holiday season. Because the holidays can often be a source of very particular stress or anxiety for the LGBTQ+ community, Leo offers a series of best practices for helping you and your LGBTQ+ family members navigate the holiday season.
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 wonderful end of summer and beginning of autumn!
-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
The winter holidays are a time for family and friends to gather together in the spirit of gratitude and giving. But they can also be fraught with conflict and stress.
For LGBTQ people especially, the holidays can be a trying time. Whether they are visiting family who don’t fully accept their identities, being reminded of childhood trauma, seeing a past abuser, or struggling with an eating disorder, the holidays can bring up anxiety for queer and trans people.
Upcoming LGBTQIA+ Events, Services & More
LGBTQ+ Young Adult Game Night for 18-25 year olds
Tuesday November 15th | 6 – 7pm | In Person
We invite Young Adults of the LGBTQIA+/Questioning community (ages 18-25) to join us for a game night at one of our favorite coffee shops in the valley. Come meet peers and hang out in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Cost: Free to attend – Coffee, tea, drinks and snacks for purchase at the shop. Location will be sent to you after registration.
Virtual Pride Club
4th Monday of Every Month
November 28th | 6 – 7pm | Zoom
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.
Save the Date! Winter Party for LGBTQ+ Youth 12-25 and Their Families!
Saturday, December 3rd | 4-6 pm
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!
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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