Our Social Skills Journey
Genevieve Hardison, Social Skills Alumni Parent
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Our family began our journey with Cheerful Helpers when our son was just 4. We began in play therapy with Sam and Richard. We were lucky that our preschool director had worked with Cheerful Helpers and guided us there.
We have done social skills, camp and play therapy almost every week since, and our son is now almost 7. We have loved our weekly social skills group; we have made friends and spent time building Legos and marble runs. All the while, he has been growing and learning valuable lessons about flexibility, regulation, and play. From large groups to small groups, our child has developed strong bonds both with other kids and with adults. Sam is a huge part of what has made social skills so special for us, and having someone like her throughout our time there has been a gift.
As we have navigated the transition from preschool to kindergarten, Cheerful Helpers has been instrumental, whether it’s observing, talking to administrators or guiding me through challenges; their help has been invaluable.
We have loved our time with Cheerful Helpers. The consistency, care, and dedication shine through in everything they do, and our family feels lucky to have found them.
There is so much this world does not understand about neurodivergence. And so much it does not yet accept. I feel strongly about wanting the world to change before I ask my child to change. That starts with having spaces where they can be where they are accepted, valued, and understood. Cheerful Helpers has become one of those places for us, and its value can’t be overstated.
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Rebeca's Class - is learning about sound-letter correspondence for the letter Y (beginning/middle/end sounds). Students are putting together the last chapters for Monday Business and Picture and Story.
Maria’s Class - is learning how to graph and compare groups of numbers. In literacy, students are learning their last magical E words with the vowel U. In science, students are finalizing their books on how to keep the earth healthy!
First Grade - is completing timelines depicting their experiences at Cheerful Helpers.
A small sample of books we read this month:
* What Dad's Can't Do
* Together
* My Dad
* What Daddies Do Best
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This month's video offers some fun ideas for families looking for a way to keep their kids engaged over Summer Break! |
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Saturday Social Skills
Meg Karman, Social Skills Parent
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As Thomas's mom, it is hard to put into words just how much Cheerful Helpers has meant to our family.
Thomas attended Cheerful Helpers for two and a half years, and during that time, it became so much more
than a program—it became a place where he was understood, supported, and encouraged to grow in ways we once only hoped for.
When Thomas first arrived at Cheerful Helpers, one of our biggest challenges was helping him use his
words to communicate and learn how to interact and play with other children. These skills did not come
easily to him, and as a parent, it was often difficult to imagine what his future social relationships might
look like. Through the patience, expertise, and genuine care of the Cheerful Helpers staff, we watched
Thomas make incredible progress. Seeing him initiate conversations, express his needs, and engage in play
with his peers was a huge milestone for our family. Those moments may seem small to others, but for us,
they represented years of growth, hard work, and hope.
When it came time for Thomas to graduate, our family experienced what Cheerful Helpers calls "double-dip
feelings". We were incredibly proud because Thomas had grown so much and was ready for his next
chapter. At the same time, it was emotional to leave behind the people, routines, and sense of belonging
that had become such an important part of his life. Cheerful Helpers had become a second home for
Thomas, and the relationships he built there meant so much to all of us.
One of the best decisions we made after graduation was enrolling Thomas in the Community Social Skills
program on Saturdays. It provided the perfect bridge between Cheerful Helpers and the larger world. The
program allowed him to stay connected to familiar peers and staff while also expanding his social circle and
meeting children outside of Cheerful Helpers. It gave him a safe and supportive place to practice the skills
he had worked so hard to develop.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for everything Cheerful Helpers has done for Thomas and for our
family. The staff saw his potential, celebrated every success, and supported him through every challenge
with kindness, patience, and compassion. The Community Social Skills program made his transition after
graduation feel natural and successful rather than overwhelming.
Today, Thomas carries with him the communication skills, friendships, confidence, and sense of belonging
that he developed at Cheerful Helpers. For that, our family will always be thankful. Cheerful Helpers helped
Thomas find his voice, connects with others, and believes in himself—and that gift is immeasurable.
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June 30, 2026, is the end of our fiscal year. We have a $10,000 fundraising goal and have raised $4,350 so far — only $5,650 to go! Please help us close the gap with a gift to our year-end campaign today; every donation makes a difference.
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