We are proud to serve youth with special needs challenged with autism, cerebral palsy,

Down syndrome, and hearing and visual impairments.

We offer hands-on experience through our Happy Hat Programs to improve their communication and motor skills as they learn valuable aptitudes for successful employment. The Transition to Work Program addresses the lack of opportunities these special individuals have in our community by

raising their self-esteem and enhancing their independence. 

Alexis learning to glitter.  

Happy Hats for Kids founder Sheri admiring Alexis.

A great example of another success is Alexis, a very bright young man afflicted with Cerebral Palsy and challenged with severe physical limitations. Alexis quickly learned the process of preparing our gift packages and glittering embellishments for our Holiday Happy Hats. With the use of only one hand Alexis transfers the hats from the pressor into the basket on his wheelchair and delivers them to the assembly team. Alexis was appointed quality control foreman at Happy Hats for Kids to oversee and help other youths with disabilities to make sure their tasks were done properly. He is very proud of his accomplishments as are we.

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Nicholas Karimalis's and Chris Telkamp's story

 Nicholas works at TJ Max in Torrance, CA 

Chris works at Whole Foods in Torrance, CA

Nicholas Karimalis and Chris Telkamp began volunteering for Happy Hats for Kids in the fall of 2013.  

These two young men have gone on to successful employment after graduating from LACOE – Los Angeles County Office of Education.

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We are extremely proud to have been part of their journey in transitioning from work training to employment in our community.