The Help Group, the Sherman Oaks-based nonprofit that offers nine specialized schools for children with social, emotional and learning differences from preschool through high school and transition-age school, announced in October that Dr. Susan Berman, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the organization, has been appointed President and CEO. Berman’s move follows the retirement of founder Dr. Barbara Firestone, now CEO Emerita.
For more than 40 years, Berman has been an integral part of The Help Group’s history. Her deep belief in the mission that “Everyone deserves a great future” has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of The Help Group, one of the largest nonprofits in the United States serving 6,000+ young people with special needs and their families each year through its innovative educational, therapeutic, residential, community mental health and vocational programs.
Certified by the California Department of Education, The Help Group’s schools provide prescriptive teaching, small classes, individualized curriculum and enrichment activities to maximize learning. Counseling, speech and language, and occupational therapy complement the curriculum. More than 1,000 students are enrolled across four campuses throughout Los Angeles.
The Help Group believes that “Dignity, Hope, Opportunity and Love” are the birthrights of all children. Its mission is to recognize, cultivate and celebrate the individual gifts of young people with special needs related to autism, learning differences, ADHD, developmental delays and emotional challenges. It offers innovative educational, therapeutic, residential, community mental health and vocational programs, and engages in cutting-edge research, professional training, outreach and public policy advocacy. The Help Group’s nonpublic special education day schools serve children, youth and young adults from 2½ years to 22 years old and its schools and programs are spread across five locations in Culver City, Sherman Oaks, Valley Glen, Van Nuys and Inglewood to serve young people with a range of cognitive, social, emotional and learning issues.
Parents can attend an open house or email admissions@thehelpgroup.org to learn more about The Help Group’s programs, philosophy and approaches. Or contact The Help Group at 877-943-5747or visit www.thehelpgroup.org.