Today, we’re honored to share a story from the heart of our community. Deanna Cabrera is the mother of Manny, a student who has been part of The Help Group family for 18 years, from our Young Learners program through Bridgeport Vocational Center. As Manny prepares to graduate, his mom reflects on his remarkable journey and the dreams they’re building together. Her words remind us why we do this work and the profound impact that belonging can have on a young person’s life.
Guest Blog by Deanna Cabrera
Manny started the Help Group at just three years old in the preschool for Young Learners. From the very beginning, he was surrounded by an incredible group of teachers and aides who played a vital role in his early development.
When Manny entered Young Learners, he was nonverbal. He could say only two or three words and was not yet potty trained. While he was loving, kind, and friendly, he faced significant challenges—no speech, limited eye contact, and little social interaction with friends or family. He preferred playing independently, lining up his cars and trains, or playing in the dirt, often keeping to himself.
Around the age of five, we began to see meaningful progress. His language started to emerge, and he became potty trained. As Manny realized he had friends and began forming connections, he truly started to thrive. That sense of belonging made all the difference.
Today, Manny is lovingly known as the “mayor” and “grandpa” of the Help Group. He deeply loves his school and has thrived in every class with every teacher. He is respectful, kind, and has built strong relationships with the staff who have supported him throughout the years.
When Manny entered junior high and high school, his social world expanded even more. Starting in 2019, friends began coming to our house, and we hosted Friendsgiving, Christmas exchanges, movie days, bowling outings, and other activities outside of school. These social gatherings played an instrumental role in Manny’s development—and not just his. Teachers began noticing the growth, connections, and confidence the students were gaining as a result of these shared experiences.
Manny has always loved food and enjoys cooking. While he grew up with a limited menu, we focused on using clean ingredients he enjoyed. One day, he shared his dream of owning his own business, and together we created Te Queso Mucho—selling quesadillas with dipping sauces.
Manny’s heart for service shines through everything he does. During the Palisades fires, he organized a fundraiser and raised $900 in one day, personally purchasing the supplies and donating the proceeds to the Dream Center.
At Bridgeport Vocational School, Manny has gained valuable work experience and confidence. He has worked at Target, Sharkey’s, the animal shelter Lulu’s, as a teacher’s aide, and at Smart & Final. He loves talking to customers, being part of a team, and taking pride in completing his work.
As Manny prepares to graduate from Bridgeport Vocational, he has mixed emotions. The Help Group has been his home for the past 18 years, and leaving school is bittersweet. Looking ahead, he plans to continue growing his quesadilla business, secure a job through the career placement program, and stay active in the community.
We’re looking forward to him checking out the Advance LA social activities for young adults and selling his quesadillas at future Help Group events. He also hopes to continue working with Beauty by Jenna, training at Zooz Fitness, participating in community events, and seeing his friends weekly whenever possible.
My dream is that one day I will step away from my career and open a quesadilla storefront with Manny—focused on hiring young adults and creating opportunities for others like him. Giving these kids a chance to work, grow, and belong is our ultimate dream.