Sherman Oaks : Pavilion Dedicated at Children’s Center

The HELP Group, a local organization assisting abused and mentally disabled children, dedicated a new performing arts center at its main campus in Sherman Oaks this week.

An opening celebration was held Wednesday for the Steve Tisch Children’s Performing Arts Pavilion, which includes a stage, performance rooms and practice rooms to be used in therapeutic programs. The arts center is part of an expansion program to construct two new buildings at the site.

Martin Cooper, a spokesman for the charitable group, said the arts center will be used by children who live, study and receive therapy at HELP’s facility at 13130 Burbank Blvd.

“The opportunity for self-expression is an important part of helping children with special needs find fulfillment and happiness,” Cooper said.

The arts center was named in honor of Tisch, co-producer of “Forrest Gump” and other Hollywood successes, for his contributions to the organization’s expansion project.

The HELP Group is an umbrella organization combining the Los Angeles Center for Therapy and Education, the New School for Child Development, Project Six and Southern California Living Centers.

The consortium operates special education, therapeutic and residential programs for children who have been abused, neglected, are emotionally disturbed or mentally disabled. It also helps autistic children or those with learning disabilities.