Project Six: A Day in the Life

In today’s world, it’s important that adolescents and young adults receive the care and support they deserve. Project Six, a residential and therapeutic program part of The Help Group, stands at the forefront of this mission. Located in the San Fernando Valley, Project Six aims to help young people gain the skills they need to reintegrate into their local school, community, and family home. The 24-hour program is designed to treat our residents who come to us with a variety of diagnoses and behaviors in a safe and structured environment. 

What Is Project Six?  

Project Six offers a warm atmosphere for those who call it home. From comfortable living spaces to personalized dorm-like bedrooms, each room is thoughtfully designed to ensure residents feel safe, secure, and valued. The co-ed program is eligible to those aged 12-17, plus non-minor dependents 18+. There is also a kitchen, pantry, study lounge, art room, music room, and large living area. 

Elin Bradley, the director of Therapeutic Schools and Residential Treatment at Project Six explains, “One of the unique aspects of Project Six is our educational program. Because we’re part of The Help Group, we have access to a diverse range of schools and programs for our residents.” The Help Group, a non-profit organization that serves children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse, trauma and emotional challenges, runs nine specialized day schools and a range of vocational programs. 

A Day in the Life of a Project Six Resident 

A typical day in the life of a Project Six Help Group student involves waking up and completing chores and room care between 7 am and 9 am. Afterwards, they attend school from 9 am to 3 pm. 

Between 3pm and 4pm is what Project Six calls “mind time!”— a time to relax upon returning home from school. A Town Hall group takes place afterwards. In Town Hall, students discuss their goals for the day and what they may need to do in the evening to achieve them. The evening groups teach the coping skills, social skills, life skills needed to be successful in reaching those goals. Depending on the day, the evening either consists of dinner and media time, or a dinner night out.

All in all, it is the belief of Project Six that young people need to have downtime but must also exercise their self-management and independence, while also exploring individual interests and hobbies. Project Six believes that collaboration between staff, residents, and their families is vital for creating a support system. The members of the Project Six community participate in several organized events to foster a sense of camaraderie, such as trips to the movie theater, sporting events, beach trips, and BBQs. Lastly, Project Six young people have the benefits of the Department of Rehabilitation and State Department of Education Workability programs to help prepare them for independence.

By embracing the values of compassion, dignity, and inclusivity, Project Six paves the way for a brighter future, empowering residents to thrive and live their lives to the fullest potential. 

To learn more about Project Six and its residential offerings, please contact Elin Bradley at [email protected]

Treatment Philosophy

Project Six/The Commons utilizes a relationship-based treatment model, with evidence- based practice at its core. Our treatment philosophy promotes progress by teaching our residents how to develop age-appropriate interpersonal skills which contributes to overall social-emotional, behavioral, and academic improvement. We provide a safe, structured, and caring environment that focuses on positive ways to engage in relationships. Our program is designed to assist adolescents to recognize and build upon their strengths while helping them control and eliminate negative behaviors that interfere with their ability to learn and lead a healthy, productive and satisfying life.

Resident Life

The Commons is located in the San Fernando Valley within Los Angeles County. Residents reside in a dorm-like setting, complete with an art and music studio, computer lab, fitness center, indoor basketball court and a large gymnasium.

Residents experience a nurturing environment where positive and constructive feedback is integrated into a structured daily schedule. The program encourages respect, personal and interpersonal development and fosters a sense of community and responsibility. Supported by a highly skilled, compassionate and caring clinical and behavioral staff, residents are encouraged to address their individual needs in a proactive and productive manner. Each resident has a personal advisor for additional guidance and support.

Meals are cooked fresh daily and served family style. Our chef and agency dietician ensure that food choices are healthy and varied. Specialized diets such as gluten free, kosher, or vegetarian options are available. Residents assist in meal preparation as part of their daily living skills program.

Our Story

Located in Los Angeles, Project Six’s therapeutic residential program assists adolescents in gaining the comprehensive skills necessary to successfully reintegrate into their local school, community, and family home. The program builds on The Help Group’s long history of providing residential treatment, special education, and therapeutic services.