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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Helping Hands Behavioral Outreach (HHBO)?
Helping Hands Behavioral Outreach (HHBO) is a nonprofit organization established in 2004 to support children, adolescents, and families through socially focused, skill-building programs. HHBO emphasizes meaningful social interaction, peer engagement, executive-function development, and independence in a supportive, community-based environment.
Who does HHBO serve?
HHBO serves children and adolescents with a wide range of social, emotional, developmental, and learning differences, as well as those who benefit from additional support building confidence, flexibility, and social connection. Programs are inclusive and designed to meet participants at their developmental level.
What is the focus of HHBO programs?
HHBO programs focus on social communication, peer relationships, emotional regulation, and executive-function skills such as planning, organization, flexibility, problem-solving, and self-monitoring. Skills are practiced naturally through structured group activities, guided peer interaction, and real-life social experiences.
How are social skills supported?
Social skills are supported through facilitated, natural interactions rather than scripted or rigid lessons. Staff guide participants during authentic social situations, helping them practice communication, cooperation, perspective-taking, and problem-solving as they occur in real time. This approach supports meaningful learning and generalization of skills across settings.
What are peer mentors?
Peer mentors are trained individuals who model appropriate social behavior, communication, and executive-function skills. They help create motivating social opportunities, support peer engagement, and encourage confidence and independence within group activities.
How does HHBO support executive-function development?
Executive-function goals are embedded throughout all activities. Participants practice initiating tasks, sustaining attention, transitioning between activities, managing frustration, organizing materials, planning steps, and reflecting on outcomes. These skills support success in school, social environments, and daily life.
Are HHBO programs individualized?
Yes. While programs are group-based, supports and goals are individualized based on each participant’s strengths, needs, and developmental level. Staff adjust facilitation and activities to ensure meaningful engagement and progress.
Is HHBO therapy?
HHBO programs are educational and support-based and do not constitute psychotherapy, behavioral health treatment, or medical services. While programs may feel therapeutic and provide social and emotional benefits, they are not intended to diagnose or treat mental health conditions and do not replace clinical therapy. HHBO programs are designed to complement other services families may be receiving.
Who leads HHBO programs?
HHBO is led by Dr. Vanetta LaRosa, a licensed psychologist and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral, with decades of experience in psychology, education, and behavioral health. Programs are developed and overseen by professionals with advanced training in these fields. While staff bring professional expertise to their work, services at HHBO are delivered within an educational, community-based framework.
How does HHBO ensure clarity and transparency for families?
HHBO is committed to clear and open communication with families. We provide detailed information about program goals, structure, and expectations so families understand how services support social, emotional, and executive-function development. We clearly explain how HHBO programs complement, rather than replace, school-based or clinical services, allowing families to make informed and confident decisions.
What are the benefits for children who participate in HHBO?
Children benefit by:
● Building meaningful peer relationships and friendships
● Strengthening social communication and interaction skills
● Increasing emotional regulation and coping abilities
● Developing executive-function skills such as planning, flexibility, and organization
● Gaining confidence in group and social settings
● Practicing skills that generalize to home, school, and community environments
What are the benefits for parents and families?
Parents benefit by:
● Knowing their child is supported in a structured, positive environment
● Seeing growth in social confidence and independence
● Receiving support that complements existing educational or clinical services
● Gaining insight into their child’s strengths and areas of growth
● Feeling connected to a community that understands developmental and social needs
Are parents involved?
Yes. HHBO values collaboration with families. Goals and areas of focus are shared with parents, and families are encouraged to provide input and feedback. This partnership helps support consistency across settings.
How long has HHBO been serving the community?
HHBO was founded in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience supporting children, families, and communities through socially focused, skill-building programming.
How do I learn more or enroll?
To learn more about current programs, schedules, or enrollment options, please visit the Contact page or reach out directly. We are happy to discuss whether HHBO is a good fit for your child and family.
Program Disclaimer
Helping Hands Behavioral Outreach (HHBO) provides educational and social skill-building programs designed to support social interaction, executive-function development, and community participation. HHBO programs are not psychotherapy, behavioral health treatment, or medical services and do not involve diagnosis or treatment of mental health or developmental conditions.
Participation in HHBO programs does not replace therapy or other clinical services and does not create a psychologist–patient or therapist–client relationship. HHBO programs are intended to complement, not substitute for, school-based or clinical care families may be receiving.