The Help Group is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from NEXT for AUTISM in support of its Silverlining Vocational Training Program, a social enterprise designed to help transition-age youth with autism and related challenges gain meaningful work experience and independence.
Founded in 2011, Silverlining is a resale boutique and vocational training center where participants build real-world job skills in a structured, supportive environment. The program blends in-store, online, and community-based learning, offering hands-on opportunities in retail operations, customer service, e-commerce, and event-based pop-up shops. These experiences foster confidence, professionalism, and financial literacy, often leading to a participant’s first paycheck.
With this generous support from NEXT for AUTISM, The Help Group will expand Silverlining’s Pop-up Shop model, taking job training into the community and providing participants with more inclusive, public-facing experiences. These pop-ups not only strengthen work readiness but also raise awareness and inclusion by engaging the broader community in support of neurodiverse young adults.
“Silverlining is more than a store, it’s a bridge to independence and belonging,” said Dr. Susan Berman, CEO of The Help Group. “We are deeply grateful to NEXT for AUTISM for recognizing the importance of creating meaningful employment pathways for individuals on the autism spectrum.”
Through the year-long training sequence, more than 200 transition-age adults will participate in orientation, skill-building workshops, peer mentorship, and work-based learning both on-site and through community events. In collaboration with the California Department of Rehabilitation, Silverlining connects training with real employment outcomes, ensuring each participant leaves with the tools, confidence, and experience to pursue their next steps in the workforce.
This partnership reflects The Help Group’s mission to support and celebrate the unique strengths of individuals with special needs, mental health challenges, and socio-economic adversity. Through NEXT for AUTISM’s support, The Help Group will continue building pathways to employment and community inclusion for autistic young adults across the Los Angeles area, empowering them to thrive where they live, work, and belong.