Press Release + Statements
Hope Amidst Loss: The Sawyer Family’s Journey After the Eaton Fire
When the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, it left behind a trail of devastation that changed lives overnight. Among those affected was the Sawyer family—Lydia and Tom, their 87-year-old uncle Richard Castañeda, and their three young grandchildren. Their home on Olive...
L.A. and Altadena Fire Victims’ Assistance Centers
Centers Offering FEMA, SBA, and Financial Resource Assistance In the wake of recent disasters, many individuals and families are struggling to access the resources they need to recover and rebuild. To address this urgent need, the Los Angeles Urban League, Martin...
Special Needs Network’s President and CEO Areva Martin Offers Support to Families with Disabilities Amid Devastating L.A. County Fires
As Los Angeles County faces one of the most destructive firestorms in recent memory, the Special Needs Network (SNN) is standing with families impacted by the devastation, particularly those in the disability community. With more than 1,000 homes and businesses...
Special Needs Network Launches Campaign to Save FAME Renaissance Building – A Pillar of Economic Justice for Black-Owned Businesses
Developer's Plan Threatens Eviction of All Tenants, Including Nonprofits Serving Underserved CommunitiesLos Angeles, CA - Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN) has announced an urgent campaign to purchase LA’s historic FAME Renaissance Building. The acquisition would...
Special Needs Network Awarded $11 Million to Expand C.O.R.E. Workforce Development Program
A Unique Initiative with Top Experts to Drive Equity in Developmental ServicesMEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELos Angeles, CA – The Special Needs Network (SNN) has received an additional $11 million from the California Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS)...
Civil Rights Attorney and Special Needs Network Founder & President Areva Martin Statement on the Passing of Sheila Jackson Lee
America’s leading civil rights attorney and Special Needs Network Founder and President Areva Martin issued the following statement on the passing of Sheila Jackson Lee, long-serving Democratic congresswoman and advocate: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of...
Special Needs Network Leads Groundbreaking Town Hall on Autism, Mental Health, and Policing
Los Angeles, CA - In an impactful and enlightening town hall at the annual Tools for Transformation Conference hosted by Special Needs Network (SNN) at California State University, Dominguez Hills, thought leaders, advocates, and community members gathered for a Town...
Civil Rights Advocate Areva Martin Calls for Urgent Reform and Compassionate Response Following the Fatal Shooting of Teen in Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - Following the heart-wrenching incident in Victorville, California, where a 17-year-old boy with mental health issues was shot and killed by sheriff's deputies, Areva Martin, a notable civil rights attorney and fervent advocate for mental health and...
Areva Martin Honors Rev. Dr. Cecil ‘Chip’ Murray: A Legacy of Inclusivity and Empowerment in Autism Advocacy
Los Angeles, CA - Civil rights attorney, commentator, and fervent advocate for autism awareness Areva Martin paid homage to the influential life and lasting legacy of Reverend Dr. Cecil 'Chip' Murray, an Advisory Board Member for Special Needs Network.. Martin, the...
Civil Rights Champion Areva Martin alongside Community Activists, Demand Full Transparency and Accountability in the Heart-Wrenching Shooting of Autistic Teen
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE NATIONAL RELEASE Los Angeles, CA - In light of the recent and tragic event in Apple Valley, California, where 15-year-old Ryan Gainer was fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy, Areva Martin, a prominent civil rights attorney and advocate, has...
Special Needs Network Secures Over $1 Million in Grant Funding for Groundbreaking Mental Health Initiative
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE NATIONAL RELEASE Los Angeles, CA - In a bold move to address the comorbid mental health issues that have long plagued youth, the Special Needs Network (SNN), a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to serving children with...
Special Needs Network Introduces Concierge Services, designed with your family in mind.
We understand that accessing intensive support services for autism can be challenging, especially in areas where such services are scarce. Our program offers a unique opportunity for families worldwide to spend a week at our center, receiving comprehensive,...
An Innovative Approach to Serving Children with Disabilities
ONE OF US IS A PARENT TO A CHILD WITH AUTISM, A LEADER IN ANTI-RACISM WORK, AND NEARLY 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DEVELOPING LEADING SERVICES FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN UNDERSERVED AND IGNORED. THE OTHER IS A PHYSICIAN...
Special Needs Network Hosts Thousands in the Park for the Holidays
In a dazzling display of holiday spirit, Special Needs Network (SNN) transformed Leimert Park Plaza into a winter wonderland for their annual Christmas giveaway. With over 2,200 enthusiastic participants, this event was a beacon of hope and joy for families and...
Special Needs Network’s Areva Martin Joins Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and St. John’s Community Health for a Grand Opening Celebration of the Jacqueline Avant Children & Family Center
Los Angeles, CA – Special Needs Network’s Areva Martin joined Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and St. John’s Community Health, along with multiple County departments and community members, on Wednesday, November 15, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of...
Xavier Stiles Joins Special Needs Network
Experienced Disability Advocate Spearheads New Initiatives, Enhancing CADD’s Community Impact
Stepping Up for a Cause: Sneaker Ball Shines Bright
Special Needs Network’s 17th Annual Evening Under the Stars goes beyond the glamorLos Angeles, CA - When it comes to making a difference, the Special Needs Network knows how to put their best foot forward, or should we say, their best sneaker! The 17th Annual Evening...
Areva Martin Honored with “Lending Your Voice” Award at All Ghouls Gala
Woodland Hills, CA – The 2nd Annual All Ghouls Gala, a star-studded Halloween event organized by Autism Care Today, celebrated the spirit of giving and advocacy on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at the Woodland Hills Country Club. The event featured a night of fun,...
Remembering Senator Dianne Feinstein: A Champion for Affordable Housing in LA
Dear Special Needs Network Community, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you who make up the incredible Special Needs Network family. Our journey together has been one of...
Special Needs Network Unveils First-Of-Its-Kind Integrated Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Introducing a Research-Informed National Model Designed to Feel Like Home Los Angeles, CA - In a landmark moment for the Watts/Willowbrook community, today Special Needs Network announced the official opening of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities...
18th ANNUAL BACK2SCHOOL COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCE FAIR
A Fun-Filled Day of Learning and Empowerment for Children and Families LOS ANGELES, CA – On Saturday, August 26, 2023, the Jane Addams Park in Lawndale, California, came alive with excitement as the 18th Annual Back2School Community Health Resource Fair unfolded. With...
Florida education standards about slavery are based on lies: SNN president, Areva Martin responds to Florida’s dangerous education standards on Black history
In the ongoing struggle for racial equality and educational integrity, the recent actions taken by the Florida Board of Education are deeply concerning, as a civil rights advocate, as an attorney, and as a Black mother. Approving a new set of standards that turn back...
Special Needs Network Camp JPAC Returns
First-of-its-kind Camp for Children with Special Needs Led by Counselors with Special Needs After scaling back due to the pandemic, Special Needs Network's Joe Patton Academy Camp (JPAC) is back bigger and more inclusive than ever before. This first-of-its-kind camp...
Statement from Areva Martin on Today’s SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "I am deeply troubled by today's Supreme Court ruling overturning the use of affirmative action in college admissions. This decision, and particularly the distorted view of the 14th Amendment presented by the conservative court,...
Honoring the True Legacy of Independence: Celebrating the Fourth of July
On behalf of the Special Needs Network, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones on the occasion of the Fourth of July, a day that holds deep historical significance in the United States. As we celebrate this day of independence, it is crucial to...
Special Needs Network Receives $60,000 Grant from QueensCare to Support Stepping Stones Program
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOS ANGELES, CA – Special Needs Network, Inc., a leading organization dedicated to serving children with developmental disabilities, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of $60,000.00 from the QueensCare...
Commemorating Juneteenth: Embracing Freedom, Unity, and Cultural Heritage
On behalf of the Special Needs Network, we are delighted to extend our warmest wishes to you on the momentous occasion of Juneteenth, a day that holds deep historical significance in the journey toward freedom and equality. Juneteenth, also recognized as Freedom Day...
The Special Report with Areva Martin Wins Telly Bronze and Silver Award
The Special Needs Network is excited to announce that "The Special Report With Areva Martin" was awarded Bronze and Silver Social Video Series awards for Public Service & Activism and Social Impact in the record breaking 44th Annual Telly Awards. The Telly Awards...
15th Annual Pink Pump Extravaganza: We’re Just Getting Started!
The vibrant Beverly Hills Hilton was abuzz with excitement as civil rights attorney and child advocate Areva Martin and Special Needs Network (SNN) presented the 15th Annual Pink Pump Affair, an annual signature charity event. The affair, held on Sunday, May 21,...
Tools for Transformation: Largest Special Needs Conference in Los Angeles Features Keynote by Congresswoman Val Demings
On April 22, 2023, former Congresswoman Val Demings delivered the keynote address for the 17th annual Tools for Transformation Conference at California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson. The conference, sponsored by civil rights attorney and child advocate...
Statement by Areva Martin, Esq. on the Passing of Harry Belafonte
Los Angeles, CA (April 25, 2023) – “While I am saddened by his passing, I’m grateful for a life well lived by the formidable Harry Belafonte – a true advocate for the civil rights movement and a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. What made Harry Belafonte so...
Civil Rights Attorney and Child Advocate Areva Martin and Special Needs Network Cites Importance of Its New Workforce Development Program as CDC Reports Increased Prevalence of Autism in Children of Color
LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the month of April puts a spotlight on Autism Acceptance Month, studies and research continue to show that children of color are most affected by the disorder, and less likely to get access to screenings, services and...
California State Leaders, Elected Officials and Dignitaries Join Launch of Special Needs Network’s New Workforce Development Program
LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dignitaries, elected officials, community leaders, child advocates, nationally-recognized experts on equity, child advocates and parents came out in full force on March 4, 2023 to show support for the launch of Special Needs...
New offices expand SNN’s reach
Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN) is thrilled to announce the opening of our two new offices—one in the historic West Adams District of Los Angeles, and one in Bakersfield, California. At a time when the services SNN offers are in greater demand than ever, we...
Statement from President Areva Martin on Autism Rates
The distressing new findings by Rutgers University researchers that autism rates have tripled over the past 16 years are made far grimmer by their conclusion that, once again, children in underserved communities are not getting the same access to resources as their...
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee: Areva Martin Testimony
I would like to thank the members of the IACC for allowing me to offer testimony today. I am speaking to you as the Founder and President of Special Needs Network, as a civil rights attorney, and as the mother to a child with an autism diagnosis. You are aware that...
Grant Awarded for Critical New Workforce Development Program to Benefit Children 0-3 Years Old
Grant Awarded for Critical New Workforce Development Program to Benefit Children 0-3 Years Old Los Angeles area nonprofit, Special Needs Network, to Receive $6.5M Los Angeles, CA (1/9/2023) — Using $6.5 million in one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, the...
SNN Calls for Resignations of Martinez, Cedillo, de León and Herrera
Leading child advocacy group cites damage of Council President’s racist, violent comments and colleagues’ complicity. Los Angeles, CA –Special Needs Network demanded the immediate resignation of Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez, Council Members...
President’s Statement on the overturning of Roe v Wade
The aftershocks of today’s SCOTUS opinion overturning Roe vs. Wade are already rippling across the country, as many states have trigger laws withdrawing the established right to abortion. This devastating decision is happening despite that documented fact that a...
President’s Statement on Texas School Mass Shooting
The numbers are impossible to fathom. Nineteen Texas school children and two teachers dead in yet another devastating act of unspeakable violence, just 10 days after the mass shooting targeting Black people shopping for groceries in Buffalo…
Autism Acceptance Month: Celebrate, Support, but Don’t Forget the Disparities
When my son Marty was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two, April was Autism Awareness Month and had been since the 1970s. Last year, it was changed to Autism Acceptance Month. The shift away from the term “awareness” and towards “acceptance” was an important step...
CDC Reports Shocking Increase in Autism Rates
Los Angeles, CA (12/15/2021) — Special Needs Network (SNN) is calling for urgent action in the wake of the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) shocking new report on autism prevalence among children. The CDC analyzed data from 2018 and found that an estimated one in 44...
Kevin Hart Picks Up Shopping Spree Tab for Special Needs Kids
One of Hollywood's biggest stars teamed up with America's largest brick-and-mortar retailer to spread joy this holiday season. Kevin Hart and Sam's Club are all in for a special L.A. nonprofit. Spirits were high at Sam's Club in Oxnard as ten families with children on...
A Model’s Story
By Sherna Foucher… Stephanie Nogueras“SNN and Camp JPAC give children with Autism and other developmental disabilities and their families hope for a brighter future. I am inspired and honored to be involved.” Our Pink Pump Affair cover model, Stephanie Nogueras, is a...
SNN celebrates milestone anniversary
With 500 guests in attendance, Special Needs Network successfully raised $350,000 to help build a specialized medical clinic that will serve South LA children with autism and other developmental disorders. Areva Martin (L), SNN co-founder, with LA Supervisor Mark...
Areva Martin receives key to the city of Lynwood
Award-winning civil rights attorney and nonprofit leader, Areva Martin receives key to city of Lynwood Lynwood, Calif. (12/10/15)— Edwin Hernandez, mayor of Lynwood, Calif., presented Areva Martin Esq., the president and co-founder of Special Needs Network (SNN),...
Los Angeles Summer Camp Hires Counselors on the Autism Spectrum to Work with Younger Kids
By Sentinel News ServicePublished August 3, 2016 All over Los Angeles this summer, high school and college students are earning money and gaining experience as camp counselors. When college student and Los Angeles resident Carter Theiro shows up for work each morning...
3 Tricks to Make a Daily ASD Routine Easier
By Dolores Santos… Kids on the autism spectrum prefer routine in their daily lives. Of course, each child on the autism spectrum is different, and their routines should be tailored to their specific needs and preferences as they may even follow them into...
It’s the perfect opportunity to spread joy
By D.L. Hughley Foundation… He still reigns as one of the Original Kings of Comedy. Whether his show is on the road, radio, film, or television, D. L. Hughley has established himself as a veteran entertainer, producer, and commentator. D. L. has been seen on major...
Superheroes Dazzle at the California African American Museum
The 13th annual Special Needs Network celebrated their Evening Under the Stars Superhero gala at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 20. The honorees were CEO, Scott B. Laurie (The Olson Company) who received the Corporate...
California nonprofit fills void for military special needs families
LOS ANGELES, CA (March 27, 2019) – After a military parent with a special needs child approached LA-based nonprofit, Special Needs Network (SNN), about the lack of resources and training available to military families, SNN...
How A Child with Special Needs Can Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
How A Child with Special Needs Can Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits If you are the parent or guardian of a child who is disabled, he or she might qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). To qualify for...
Special Needs Network’s Response to COVID-19, ABA Telehealth and Free Mental Health Resources for Families
Dear Special Needs Network Families and Friends, At the end of December 2019, the government in Wuhan, China, confirmed the detection of a new disease and treatment of a handful of cases. On January 11th, 2020, China reported its first death from the novel respiratory...
Special Needs Network Develops NEW Programs to Help People with Disabilities Navigate COVID-19 Crisis
SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK DEVELOPS NEW PROGRAMS TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES NAVIGATE THE COVID-19 CRISIS New Initiatives Include HIPPA-Compliant, Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy for Children April 27, 2020 (Los Angeles, CA) – The Special Needs Network, one...
SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK GOES VIRTUAL FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK GOES VIRTUAL FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH New Tele-Therapy Program Offers Virtual Consultations May 19, 2020 (Los Angeles, CA) – In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Special Needs Network, one of the nation’s...
Statement on the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Last Friday, the world lost one of the most iconic, inspirational, and motivational women we have ever known— Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A feverish defender of civil rights and a true visionary for gender equality, the late justice Ginsburg was a woman who was ahead...
The passing of iconic Civil Rights Leader Vernon Jordan
It is with great sadness that I and Special Needs Network mourn the loss of Vernon Jordan. For over fifty years, Jordan was a social justice pioneer focused on combating racial segregation and advancing civil rights legislation. A graduate of DePaul University and...
ELECTED OFFICIALS AND PROMINENT SOUTH LA NON-PROFIT LEADERS HOST #VaccinateSLA EVENT
Highlights of event The vaccination event was a super success! We had over 10 media outlets to cover the event including nation and Spanish media, The LA Times, Spectrum, KTLA, Fox LA, CBS, ABC, and others. Mayor Eric Garcetti, Sup Holly Mitchell, Councilmembers...
PRESIDENT BIDEN DECLARES JUNETEENTH A FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED HOLIDAY
As others have said, this legislation is an important step forward in acknowledging that for Black Americans, freedom did not come in 1776. It did not come in 1862, with the Emancipation Proclamation. It only came two years after the signing of the Emancipation...
Stop Racism
In the wake of the police and vigilante killings of unarmed African Americans—Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Elijah McClain to name a few—a recent Pew poll showed that approximately 67% of Americans now support Black Lives Matter, a movement that...