October 2023 Newsletter
Hello Kaleidoscope Community!
We hope you all have settled back into the routines of back to school and are enjoying the beginnings of autumn! We are excited to host one of our biggest events of the season on Friday October 27, our annual Halloween Party for LGBTQ+ Youth! Come dressed in a costume and get ready to get spooky with us!
October marks one of the most important times of the year for our community as we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month. Our most recent blog post provides resources to educators and other professionals about important ways we can celebrate and incorporate LGBTQ+ History into K-12 classrooms.
As always, we invite you to follow us on social media and keep current on our clubs and groups, 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.
Jay Baldwin
Program Navigator
They/Them
jbaldwin@thehelpgroup.org
Laurie Stephens, Ph.D. PSY 18520
Sr. Director, Autism & LGBTQ+ Programs
She/Her/Hers
lstephens@thehelpgroup.org
* For general inquiries, contact us at kaleidoscope@thehelpgroup.org
LGBTQ+ History Month, a month-long celebration that occurs in October was first celebrated in the United States in 1994, when Rodney Wilson, an openly gay high school teacher from Missouri, passionately advocated for the idea of dedicating a month to honor gay and lesbian history. With the already established National Coming Out Day on October 11th, and the anniversary of the first march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights in 1979, October was chosen not only for its historical significance, but also because it’s a month when students are in school. This allows a wonderful opportunity to educate and engage kids of all ages in meaningful and age-appropriate conversations about LGBTQ history.
Upcoming LGBTQIA+ Events, Services & More
Halloween Party
October 27 | 6 – 8pm pm PT
In-Person at Sherman Oaks, CA
Put on your most creative costume and get ready to dance, mingle, and make unforgettable memories with other LGBTQ+ youth. This inclusive event is a safe space where you can be yourself and celebrate Halloween with your community. Our party will feature music, spooky decorations, and a costume contest with fabulous prizes!
New Parent Group Forming
October 2023
Starting in October 2023, we will be offering a new therapeutic Parent Education Group for parents of LGBTQ+ and autistic teens. This clinically focused parent group is a 6-week series facilitated by Kaleidoscope psychologist Jess Furrer. Email us to set up an intake.
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.
More Stuff
In Case You Missed It
Unlocking Opportunities For Neurodiverse Young Adults
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.
Copyright © *2023* *The Help Group, All rights reserved