Autism nonprofit opens resale boutique in Culver City

On March 9, Silverlining will open not only its own doors, but doors of opportunity for young people with autism. The Help Group’s resale boutique will be located adjacent to its Culver City Campus.

This unique enterprise offers new and gently used designer clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children, while serving as an innovative vocational training center for students with social and communication disabilities, including autism and other related disorders. The work experience is designed to enable students to increase their level of independence and self-confidence, and develop the life skills they need to secure employment.

“This is one of the many new initiatives being launched at The Help Group that seeks to broaden the range of opportunities for young people with special needs. This venture has the added beauty of benefiting the students, those who donate to the store and our community – a silver lining for all,” said Dr. Susan Berman, chief operating officer of The Help Group.

The Help Group, which was founded in 1975, is dedicated to helping young people with autism and other special needs fully realize their potential. It is the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit organization of its kind in the United States, and is recognized as a leader in the field of autism. The Help Group offers a wide range of innovative autism spectrum disorders programs. Each day, 950 students between the ages of 3 and 22 attend its autism day schools.

Generous donations were made to the organization by American Rag, Disney/ABC Television Group, Ed Hardy Shoes and Pumpkinhead, as well as from individuals in the community.

Silverlining is at 12095 Washington Blvd. in Culver City. For more information and to make donations, call(310) 751-1483 or email silverlining@thehelpgroup.org.