Feuer Recognizes Dr. Barbara Firestone as Assembly District 42 Woman of The Year
President and CEO of The Help Group Honored for Lifetime Dedication
to Helping Children with Special Needs
March 23, 2009 (Sacramento) – Assemblymember Mike Feuer has named Dr. Barbara Firestone 2009 Woman of the Year for California Assembly District 42. Dr. Firestone is the President, CEO and Founder of The Help Group, the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind serving children with autism and other special needs. Dr. Firestone joined honorees from each of the other seventy-nine California Assembly districts for a special recognition ceremony at the California State Capitol.
“I am honored to have been selected by Assemblymember Feuer whom I admire greatly for his leadership and commitment to the well being of the children of our State,” said Dr. Firestone. “I dedicate this award to the children of The Help Group who are at the heart of all of The Help Group’s efforts.”
In 1975, Dr. Firestone established a non-profit special education day school for children with developmental challenges, including autism, which would evolve into a family of agencies known today as The Help Group. Under her leadership, The Help Group now serves more than 1,300 children daily in its innovative day schools, and assists more than 5,000 children and families each year through its mental health, therapy, and residential programs.
With an impressive list of achievements, contributions to the field and honors, Dr. Firestone was appointed Vice Chair of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism. Dr. Firestone has also authored the award-winning book Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge, which chronicles 38 first hand accounts of families with children with autism.
“Dr. Firestone’s work with The Help Group has immeasurably improved the lives of so many children and families, both in Los Angeles and throughout the country,” said Feuer. “I am proud to honor her as the Assembly District 42 2009 Woman of the Year.”
Assemblymember Feuer was elected to the California State Assembly to represent the 42nd Assembly District, which includes all or part of the Los Angeles communities of Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Universal City, Griffith Park, Brentwood, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Beverly Glen, Westwood, Century City, Hollywood, Fairfax, Hancock Park, Los Feliz, as well as the Cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. http://www.assembly.ca.gov/a42.
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