Helping Hands Community Services provides culturally affirming, person-centered support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the broader South Los Angeles community — anchored in dignity, equity, and individualized care.
Helping Hands Community Services is a program of EZE Optimal Health Foundation, Inc. — a nonprofit organization serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the SCLARC catchment area and the broader South Los Angeles community.
We believe every person, regardless of ability or circumstance, deserves to live with dignity, purpose, and genuine community connection.
Helping Hands is pursuing SCLARC vendorization across three service categories. Each program is authorized through the regional center system and tailored to each client's Individual Program Plan (IPP).
Reliable, compassionate relief and personal care support for individuals with IDD and the families and caregivers who support them.
A structured, community-integrated day program supporting adults with IDD in building practical life skills, expanding independence, and engaging meaningfully in their community.
Person-centered support for adults with IDD who live or wish to live in their own homes and communities. SLS supports self-determination, autonomy, and full community participation.
Note on Service Authorization: All SCLARC services are authorized through the South Central Los Angeles Regional Center. Services are delivered in accordance with each consumer's IPP and California DDS regulations.
Beyond our SCLARC-vendored IDD services, Helping Hands operates a full suite of community support programs serving individuals and families across South Los Angeles.
Independent living preparation, personal development, daily living support, and life enrichment services for adults navigating the path toward greater self-sufficiency.
Supportive services for individuals transitioning out of institutional, foster care, or unstable living situations — bridging the gap toward independent living.
Accessible health education, wellness resources, and preventive care navigation for community members facing barriers to traditional healthcare settings.
A dual-track workforce and reentry program designed to open economic doors for individuals facing employment barriers.
Wraparound support for families navigating stress, instability, or crisis — providing resources, education, advocacy, and hands-on assistance to keep families together.
Access to emotional wellness support, counseling referrals, peer mentorship, and restorative services for individuals dealing with trauma, mental health challenges, and life transitions.
Youth development, mentorship, prevention programming, and community leadership opportunities building the next generation of empowered South LA community members.
Short-term intervention and stabilization support for individuals and families in immediate crisis — connecting people to emergency resources, safety planning, and follow-up services.
Practical resource navigation and benefits support — helping individuals and families access what they're entitled to and connect with available community services.
A future licensed Foster Family Agency providing recruitment, training, and wraparound support for foster and resource families — with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach.
As a consumer receiving services through the regional center system, you have important legal rights under California law and the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act.
Online:
www.dds.ca.gov/complaints
Phone:
(916) 654-1987
Mailing Address:
Department of Developmental Services
Consumer Rights & Advocacy Office
1600 9th Street, Room 240
Sacramento, CA 95814
In compliance with Welfare & Institutions Code Section 4704.6. Required disclosure to all consumers of regional center services in California.
SCLARC serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Central Los Angeles.
www.sclarc.org →Samadra founded Helping Hands Community Services driven by a deep personal commitment to health equity and community healing. Her background spans functional health coaching, phlebotomy, IDD direct support, and residential facility administration — uniquely positioned to lead person-centered IDD and community services in South Los Angeles.
Efrem serves as Treasurer of EZE Optimal Health Foundation, Inc., providing financial oversight and governance support to ensure responsible stewardship of the Foundation's resources.
Foundation Program Advisor, providing programmatic guidance and community insight to support the development and delivery of Helping Hands services.
In compliance with California DDS regulations and the Lanterman Act
In compliance with Welfare and Institutions Code Section 4704.6, consumers have the right to file a complaint with the California Department of Developmental Services.
Website: www.dds.ca.gov/complaints
Phone: (916) 654-1987
Address: 1600 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
All services are governed by the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Welfare & Institutions Code §4500 et seq.), which establishes the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities in California to receive services necessary to live more independent and productive lives.
Helping Hands Community Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. We comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
EZE Optimal Health Foundation, Inc. maintains HIPAA-compliant practices for the collection, storage, and use of all protected health information. A full Notice of Privacy Practices is available upon request. Contact us at the address or phone number below.
All Helping Hands staff are mandated reporters under California Penal Code §11166 and Welfare & Institutions Code §15630. Staff are required to report any known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of individuals with developmental disabilities to the appropriate authorities.
Helping Hands Community Services is required to report certain incidents involving consumers to DDS and the regional center in accordance with Title 17 regulations. Consumers and families have the right to be notified of incidents and to access incident reports related to their services.
Step 1 — Internal Complaint: Contact the Executive Director in writing or by phone.
Step 2 — Regional Center Complaint: Contact South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC) to request assistance or file a formal complaint.
Step 3 — DDS Complaint: File directly with the California Department of Developmental Services at www.dds.ca.gov/complaints or call (916) 654-1987.
Retaliation is strictly prohibited. Filing a complaint will not result in any adverse action or reduction in services.
Legal Name: EZE Optimal Health Foundation, Inc.
DBA: Helping Hands Community Services
Type: California Nonprofit Corporation
Address: 1704 W Manchester Ave, Suite 210A
Los Angeles, CA 90047
Phone: (323) 417-0637
Executive Director: Samadra Embry, FMCHC
SCLARC Catchment: South Central Los Angeles
Helping Hands Community Services operates in compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 17 (Developmental Disabilities), governing community-based services, and Title 22 (Community Care Licensing) as applicable. All services are provided in accordance with applicable regulations.
Helping Hands SCLARC services are provided through the regional center system. Here's how to get started:
Not sure if you qualify? Contact us directly and we'll help you understand your options and connect you with the right resources through SCLARC or our community programs.
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