The summer is upon us!  While the summer months bring with them a slower pace, excitement for many about trips and vacations and time with family and friends, do you know that for some populations, summer can be a time of great anxiety and uncertainty because some services also slow down or take a break?  This can mean, for many of our friends and neighbors, a change to needed supports.
For us at Helping People Succeed, we pay close attention to this, particularly when it comes to our youth services.  We intentionally stand in this summer gap to ensure children with mental health needs, families with case management needs, and youth with disabilities all receive programming to support them. 
We are proud to be offering 9 summer camps this year!
THANK YOU FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE ALREADY STEPPED UP TO SUPPORT OUR SUMMER CAMPS!
We are halfway to our goal of raising $50,000 and would love your help to get us to the finish line!
We often hear people talk about the “summer slide” referring to youth losing ground in reading and math skills over the summer months, and it is important to support summer programs that help to alleviate that slide.  But I urge you to think about other sorts of “summer slide”, for example, mental health summer slide.  For many of our youth mental health clients, their therapy occurs at their school during the school day as this is easier for families and ensures accessibility, safety, and integration into the school day.  But what happens when school is closed for months at a time over the summer? 
This is why we host summer camps with a therapeutic focus to ensure that not only academic slide is considered, but also the social-emotional and mental health needs of youth.  Our camps provide licensed therapists, case managers, and teachers every day to ensure our campers have their wholistic needs met over the summer, all while having fun.  Our camps ensure kids who sometimes have difficulty succeeding at more traditional summer camps have a place to feel safe, supported, and encouraged, all without a drop in much needed services.
And how about youth with disabilities?  Summer can also be a struggle for families as they adjust to their child being without their normal routine.  Our camps are a great option for any child with an IEP or 504 to have a sense of routine and individualized support all summer while focusing on learning the skills needed to be successful in school, at home, and in the community.
Today, I encourage you to spread the word and to consider a donation to support our work to keep all of our youth, especially those who are often overlooked, be safe, supported, and serviced this summer!  I would love to have your partnership as we continue to strive towards our vision of building inclusive communities where individuals of all ages and abilities are empowered to reach their fullest potential and live meaningful, connected lives.

As the school year comes to a close, our programs are transitioning from after-school care into summer camp with a continued focus on structure, safety, belonging, and skill-building.
For many children and youth, summer can bring changes in routine, increased downtime, and fewer opportunities for social connection. Our summer programs help bridge that gap by offering consistent support, engaging activities, positive peer interactions, and opportunities to practice communication, independence, emotional regulation, and social skills in a natural camp setting.

Through recreation, enrichment, community outings, workforce exploration, and inclusive programming, children and youth ages 5–21 with a documented or suspected disability or mental health diagnosis will have opportunities to build friendships, develop confidence, and stay connected to caring adults.

Ms. Ebeth,
My children, Cristian, Andrea and Sara have been attending Helping People Succeed since they were in kindergarten. My oldest two are now in middle school. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for you and your team for your help throughout the years. You and your team have made a positive impact on their lives and your hard work has not gone unnoticed. I’m blessed that my children have had the opportunity to be in such caring capable learning environment.
Your team’s commitment to helping my children with their homework has been invaluable. Especially during the darkest months of my life, while I underwent chemotherapy. This was weight lifted off my shoulder’s knowing I didn’t have to worry about their homework. Knowing that they have such patient and knowledgeable guidance has given me and my husband a sense of reassurance. The whole team, Ms. Elsa, Ms. Mary, Ms. Gladys and Ms. Maria are all very loving, patient and knowledgeable.
I’m also thankful for the social activities that are taught. Often times, when I’m picking up my children, I like to observe the activity they are working on for their social skills. It’s interesting to see them in action and hear what they have to say. Watching them grow in their ability to communicate, collaborate and connect with others is a gift that will help them through their lifetime.
Please extend my sincerest thanks to you and your team. Your patience, warmth and professionalism make a true difference in the lives of the children you work with. Thank you for your outstanding leadership and for fostering such a supportive and enriching environment for my children.
With gratitude,
Berenise 

Still looking for an engaging and enriching summer experience for your teen?
Helping People Succeed is excited to offer two incredible summer opportunities designed for youth ages 14–21 with a documented or suspected disability or mental health diagnosis. From building friendships and confidence to exploring creativity and fun community experiences, these programs are all about helping teens connect, grow, and thrive this summer!
The Social Lab Summer Experience
A fun, interactive summer program filled with creativity, connection, life skills, and memorable moments.
WRAP Summer Program
An exciting experience designed to help teens build connections, discover strengths, and create lasting memories in a safe and supportive environment.
Participants will enjoy:

• Fun activities & outings
• Opportunities to make new friends
• Confidence-building experiences
• Supportive staff who encourage success
• A welcoming and inclusive atmosphere

What is the Success Network?
The Success Network is a community of passionate volunteers dedicated to supporting the mission of Helping People Succeed.
Whether assisting behind the scenes, engaging directly with participants, or advocating in the community, there is a meaningful way for everyone to get involved. Join us and turn your time, talents, and passion into real impact.
Our Mission: To empower individuals of all ages and abilities – and their families – through comprehensive intervention and disability services promoting growth and belonging.
Ready to get involved?  Register here for our Volunteer Orientation, held via Teams on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2:00 PM. Join me on June 8th for our next orientation, by clicking the link below.

 

We’re excited to bring you monthly updates on all the incredible work happening at Helping People Succeed through our newsletter, The Success Connection. From program highlights and community partnerships to upcoming events and inspiring stories, each issue is designed to keep you informed and engaged.
Check your inbox on the first Monday of every month for the latest news. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media to stay connected and support our mission.