The Help Group is excited to announce the launch of one of its newest programs—Kaleidoscope, serving LGBTQ+ children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. While Kaleidoscope will serve all LGBTQ+ individuals, it will also specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, LD and social and emotional challenges and their families.
Kaleidoscope will support building healthy relationships, strong social connections and critical life skills. Through high quality, innovative evidence based programming, Kaleidoscope’s goal is to help each person realize their unique potential.
According to Dr. Susan Berman, COO of The Help Group, “With a growing number of LGBTQ+ young people, including those with special needs, seeking a safe place to connect with peers and explore their emerging identity, it was clear that there was a pressing community need for a program such as this. Believing that strengths in differences make the world a better place, and that all LGBTQ+ individuals should have access to a full complement of services, Kaleidoscope was born.”
Kaleidoscope plans to offer the following services:
- Support, advocacy, and education
- Social events, social clubs, and community engagement
- Resources and referrals
- Training for community partners
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- School programs
According to Bryan Scheihing, LMFT and Program Coordinator of Kaleidoscope, “It’s important to recognize that LGBTQ+ youth are facing unique challenges. Those challenges are more complex when combined with social and learning differences – “a double rainbow.” Understanding and accepting that each child, teen and young adult has a unique story is critical in providing more specialized support for this population.”
To learn more about Kaleidoscope, visit www.thehelpgroup.org/kaleidoscope.