Feuer Recognizes Dr. Barbara Firestone as Assembly District 42 Woman of the Year

SACRAMENTO, CA, Mar 24 (MARKET WIRE) --
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.

Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative nonprofit
organization of its kind in the U.S. serving children with autism,
learning disabilities and other special needs. The Help Group's
specialized education and therapy programs serve more than 5,000 children
and families each year. Through outreach, parent and professional
education efforts, The Help Group extends its reach to countless others
nationally and internationally. www.thehelpgroup.org

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