Dear Friends,
As we close out 2025, our hearts are full. This year has been a profound reminder of what we can accomplish together when we show up for one another with compassion, dedication, and unwavering belief in human potential.
You will read about many incredible moments we have shared over the past few months. But what touches me most profoundly are the individual stories we witness every day. The stories of the young adults profiled in this newsletter are just a few of the countless examples of transformation happening across our community.
Every day, we help students who are unsure of themselves blossom into confident young people, children who find their voice in ways we never imagined possible, and young adults who discover their purpose and forge their own paths forward. These are not just milestones—they are sacred transformations that remind us every single day why this work matters. Watching the individuals and families we serve overcome barriers, thrive, and unlock their limitless potential is the greatest privilege of my life.
As we look toward 2026, we have so much to look forward to. On February 19, we’ll welcome the extraordinary Dr. Temple Grandin as part of our Distinguished Speaker Series—a voice who has changed the world’s understanding of neurodiversity. And we’re thrilled to share that we’ll be unveiling our new logo and brand identity in the new year, a fresh reflection of our evolving mission and the vibrant community we serve.
None of this would be possible without you. Your belief in our mission, your generosity, and your steadfast support fuel everything we do. Thank you for being part of our family and for helping us create hope, build resilience, and champion every individual’s journey.
From all of us at The Help Group, we wish you a holiday season filled with love, peace, and moments of deep connection.
With warmest regards,
The 41st Annual Holiday Carnival
Our 41st Annual Holiday Carnival on December 13 welcomed children and families to our Sherman Oaks campus for a day of joy, connection, and hope. This free celebration brought together families served through our outpatient therapy and support programs like Project SAFE and Prevention & Aftercare—many of whom are facing uncertainty, trauma, and economic instability. For many families, this was their only holiday celebration of the season. Thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses, corporate partners, and volunteers who donated toys, supplies, and countless hours, every child received a new, gift-wrapped toy and every family experienced a day of laughter and togetherness without cost or stress. Watch our highlight video to see what’s possible when our community rallies around some of its most vulnerable members.
The Help Group’s Summit 2025
Even a rare LA rainstorm couldn’t keep hundreds of clinicians, parents, educators, and researchers from our sold-out Summit. The day brought together keynotes from Dr. Aliza Pressman and Dr. Barry Prizant, the presentation of our Spirit of Hope Award to autism advocate and Help Group alum Abbey Romeo, and breakout sessions exploring everything from early childhood resilience to the role of AI in clinical care. Missed it? On-demand access is now available—earn up to 16 CE credits or register at a reduced rate for parents and caregivers.
Meet Manny, “Mayor of The Help Group”
When Manny started at The Help Group at age three, he was nonverbal and preferred playing alone. Today, he’s known as the “mayor” of Bridgeport Vocational—a young entrepreneur running his own quesadilla business, organizing fundraisers, and thriving in the workplace. His mother shares their incredible 18-year journey and the transformative power of community, connection, and believing in what’s possible.
A $10,000 Grant to Expand Vocational Training
We’re proud to announce a $10,000 grant from NEXT for AUTISM in support of our Silverlining Vocational Training Program. The funding will expand our Pop-up Shop model, bringing job training into the community and providing transition-age youth with autism hands-on experience in retail, customer service, and e-commerce. Through this year-long program, more than 200 young adults will gain real-world skills, confidence, and pathways to meaningful employment—all in a supportive, structured environment.
Alumnus Returns to Paint Hope on Campus Walls
This fall, accomplished multimedia muralist Gabe Gault returned to The Help Group—not as a student, but as a celebrated artist whose work now graces walls across the nation, including the largest mural in the United States. Gabe, who attended Summit View West and channeled his energy into art while navigating a reading disability, brought his signature style to two of our campuses this semester. Working alongside students, he created murals designed to ensure every student could see themselves reflected in the art. “I did overhear a student say, ‘that looks like me,’ and that’s what I wanted,” Gabe shared.
Kids Like Me Trunk or Treat
Over 100 families gathered for The Help Group’s first-ever Kids Like Me Trunk or Treat—a sensory-friendly Halloween celebration designed so every child, regardless of their neurodiversity, could experience the magic of the holiday. With decorated trunks, a sensory room for breaks, and a welcoming atmosphere free from overwhelming crowds and noise, children of all abilities laughed, played, and collected treats together. As one parent shared: “This was a perfect space for him to feel comfortable and experience the fun of Halloween. Seeing him so engaged and excited, it just made us so happy.”
Strengthening Our Partnership with Curtis School
What began last year with a joyful Unified Games Day has blossomed into a deeper partnership between The Help Group and Curtis School. Through monthly campus visits, students are building genuine connections grounded in understanding and shared experiences. Curtis students have been introduced to AAC devices and visual supports, learning how these tools help all students participate together. “They have learned so much about neurodiversity,” says Sue Anne Kaples, Director of Alternate Curriculum Schools. This season, the partnership grows even stronger as more than 150 Curtis students and families volunteer at our 41st Annual Holiday Carnival.
The Help Group Joins Autism Speaks 5K
More than 30 Help Group employees, friends, and family members came together for the Autism Speaks Empower Walk & Run 5K, raising funds for an organization that shares our commitment to the autism community. This year’s event was extra special—it marked the first time we proudly displayed our new brand identity. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to share more about our refreshed look and what it represents for our mission and the communities we serve.
Upcoming: Temple Grandin Speaking at Help Group
We’re excited to announce a truly exceptional speaker as part of our Distinguished Speaker Series. On February 19, the Help Group proudly welcomes Temple Grandin, PhD — celebrated author, advocate, and one of the world’s most influential voices in autism and neurodiversity. Funding may be available for families supported by Regional Centers. Clinicians can earn 1.5 Continuing Education Units.
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a pioneering leader in the field. Tickets are limited.
Upcoming: Kids Like Me Winter After School
Our popular after school program is back! After a successful fall semester, we’re excited to return for a winter session with opportunities for kids to explore dance, art, cooking, sports, coding, and more. Designed for children ages 6–17, the program supports young people of all abilities as they build confidence, make friends, and discover new interests in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Upcoming: New Hollywood Location
We’re excited to share that we are preparing to open a new office in the historic Taft Building in Hollywood thanks to a grant from the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center (FDLRC). This expansion reflects our commitment to making outpatient therapy and support programs more accessible for the communities we serve. We expect to announce full opening details in 2026 and look forward to welcoming program participants, families, and partners into this new space
