Testimonials

“The Helping Hands Art & Exercise team has been around for my 29-year-old nephew with Autism for a long time. I remember seeing his work on Artsonia and going to his art shows with his peers when he was in high school. However, I never appreciated how important it was until the pandemic. The Helping Hands team helped my nephew stay connected to his long-time friends and counselors and this was invaluable during an extremely difficult time. Additionally, it is obvious that this program has positively impacted my nephew's self-esteem, as he identifies himself as an artist.

We feel so fortunate to have had the Helping Hands community not only during his school years, but well afterwards. We hope he continues to participate in the Helping Hands program as we know it makes him happy, the staff is incredible, and it is an awesome way to spend his time.”

— Donna, Aunt of Participating Student

“I have been volunteering for Helping Hands for the past 3 years and this is one of the most amazing programs for kids and adults with special needs. The way this program is so involved with everyone makes the connections between the volunteers and the people with special needs is so unique and special. I have been able to connect with so many people in my community who I may not have had the opportunity to connect with outside of Helping Hands, which I am incredibly grateful for.”

— Sophia Moret, Peer Mentor Volunteer

"I began volunteering at Helping Hands while I was in high school in order to gain community service hours, and I am now attending college studying special education. Through Helping Hands I had the opportunity to meet mentors and artists that impacted my decision to pursue a career in education and I am thankful I took the initial step in attending my first class, as from that day forward I looked forward to attending class every Saturday. "

(Toni was awarded a scholarship to Monclair College for her community service hours!)

— Toni, Peer Mentor Volunteer

“Thank you for supporting Sarah's artistic endeavors and allowing her the freedom to express herself through her art. Art will always be part of Sarah's life, and YOU have given us confidence that Sarah has a future with her art.”

— P. Redding, Parent of Participating Student

“My Saturday mornings are filled with wonderful people because of Helping Hands, I truly have gained an overall greater perspective and understanding of others."

— Abby, Peer Mentor Volunteer

“My son did not enjoy or have an interest in art prior to joining the Helping Hands program. The teachers and staff offered their talents, along with patience and continued encouragement, resulting in his newfound love for art projects! He looks forward to each session to create new art, build social skills, and get moving through various exercise activities. The program is always evolving to offer new and exciting activities to build skills and grow independence. For example, through the newly added remote sessions, he gained computer skills including email capabilities and completing Zoom sessions! As a member for quite a few years now of Helping Hands, he looks forward to many more!”

— Lori Shave, Mother of Participating Student

"Hitting close to home, the program was special from the beginning. Coming in, my volunteer hours would be filled with irreplaceable people who would show me what it meant to be dedicated."

— Norka, Peer Mentor Volunteer

"Helping with this class; interacting with them and watching them interact with each other, has changed the way that I interact on a daily basis."

— Brooke, Peer Mentor Volunteer

“I don't know what Dylan would have done without this program. We appreciate you for giving these gifted young adults a chance in life when no one else would. As talented as these autistic adults are, there was no one who helped them to continue to keep learning about art. You have given my grandson hope and have encouraged him to pursue his love for the arts and that someone does care. Without you and this program, I don't know where we would be right now. Thank you so much. Know that Dylan and I appreciate you and all the volunteers who help them.”

— M. White, Parent of Participating Student

"Thomas has been attending Helping Hands Art since the inception of the program. He looks forward to going to Helping Hands Art and really enjoys each session. Helping Hands Art has helped Thomas discover his artistic talents, interact better with his peers and make new friends. The instructors do a great job and the student volunteers are quite helpful. Also, the addition of the exercise segment to the program was a great idea. In summary, it’s a wonderful program run by knowledgeable and caring instructors."

— K. Doherty, Parent of Participating Student

“Glen has always been a joy and an inspiration for me. Such innocence in a very deep thinker. He certainly has his times, but most of the time he is smiling and has the purest of hearts. I give my daughter so much credit, as well as his educators that helped him be all he can be. He always spoke so highly of his teachers in his art class. I know how proud he felt when his family went to look at his art projects! I have the greatest respect for the work that you all do!”

— L. Kramerman, Parent of Participating Student

"Thank You So Much for all that you do! Johnny loves going to Helping Hands every Saturday. He was so proud of his last picture when he presented it to me. Because of you, he is more focused on his work. You truly are a blessing!"

— B. Covello, Parent of Participating Student