EverythingLongBeach.com recently spoke with Lori Rae Martin, Creative Director of AudioGirl Ministries, via email. They talked about the inspirations and challenges of running a nonprofit organization in Long Beach.

How long has AudioGirl Ministries been around? Did it start in Long Beach?

AGM started in May of 2009 and started in Long Beach.

Read the rest of AudioGirl Ministries; A Bold and Active Voice For The Unborn

Heather, the crafty owner of Brianne's Basics, holds up the baskets her family donated to Operation Easter Basket.

EverythingLongBeach recently spoke with Heather, Crafter/Volunteer of Brianne’s Basics, via email. They talked about inspirations, challenges and what’s it’s like having running business with the main goal of giving profits away.

How long have you been in business?

I started my “business” about 10 years ago. It’s evolved quite a bit since then.

Describe Brianne’s Basisc:

Brianne’s Basics is all about heart. I sell handmade crafts and unique gifts: bookmarks, home decor, purses, wallets, jewelry, and more. I’ve recently started selling craft supplies as well. I donate 100% of our profits to various local organizations.

Why did you start Brianne’s Basics?

I started my business many years ago as a way for people to get unique handmade gifts. Handmade items add character to every occasion. The name actually came from my mom (Brianne is my middle name). I’ve been doing crafts since I was 5 years old. It’s a natural progression for me.

Read the rest of Brianne’s Basics: Business is part retail, part charity, all heart

How long has Food Finders, Inc. been around? Did it start in Long Beach?

Started 21 years ago in Seal Beach, by Arlene Mercer. It’s a multiregional food bank that serves L.A. and Orange counties, many agencies and shelters which are in Long Beach.

Describe Food Finders. What is your mission, who do you serve?

It’s a multiregional food bank that serves L.A. and Orange counties, many agencies and shelters which are in Long Beach. Our mission is to reduce hunger and food insecurity by delivering fresh, wholesome food to the needy and to serve as a resource to those in need by directing them to shelters and agencies that provide food and more.

How is Food Finders, Inc. different from similar nonprofits?

We are non-traditional as far as foodbanks, we don’t warehouse food but deliver same day from our pick up locations. As a nonprofit that has been well-established, we have a huge network of volunteers that keeps our organization running smoothly, headed by a small staff.

Read the rest of Food Finders: Making a difference in our own backyard

How long has GO-FAME been around? Did it start in Long Beach?

GO-FAME began in 2005 as an after school drama program at Minnie Gant Elementary School in Long Beach.  In October 2005 we produced Alice in Wonderland involving sixty students in grades 1-5.  Our most recent production was an original musical adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit in February 2010.  These performances have taken place at the University Theater at nearby Long Beach State University.  In addition to theatrical productions, we have offered after school classes such as Introduction to Drama, Animation and Ballet Folkorico.

Describe GO-FAME. Tell us a little about your nonprofit, your mission, the people you serve or your goals.

GO-FAME is a theatrical producing and training program for youth (ages 8-18).  Our goal is to work with the diverse youth population in the City of Long Beach and bring them together in this collaborative art form. Our students learn the confidence, camaraderie and focus necessary for theater and any future pursuits in life .

Read the rest of GO-FAME Instills Confidence and Focus In Budding Performers

Don Rodriguez, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and Mickey Mouse.

EverythingLongBeach.com recently spoke with Don Rodriguez, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, via email. They talked about the inspirations and challenges of running a nonprofit organization in Long Beach.

How long has Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach been around? Did it start in Long Beach?

Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach is beginning it’s 71st year of service to the community.  It was started as the Boys Club in 1939 by Carlton Wallace, Judge Fred Smith, and Maurice Bugbee on Carlton Wallace’s home in the Bixby Knolls area.

Tell us a little about your nonprofit, your mission, the people you serve or your goals.

Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where youth from ages 6 to 18 are encouraged to become responsible adults.  We serve 5,800 youth with after school programs in disadvantaged areas of Long Beach.  Eleven Clubs provide programs in Education and Career Preparation, Arts and Culture, Health and Life Skills, Character and Leadership, and Athletics, Fitness, and Social Recreation.

Read the rest of Nonprofit Spotlight: the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach

How long has Catalyst Community been around?

We incorporated in April 2006 here in Long Beach. After investing a year in 2008 for team building and organizational development, we became active and public with our current mission in January 2009.

Describe Catalyst Community. Tell us a little about your nonprofit, your mission, the people you serve or your goals.

Catalyst Community is a grassroots non-profit organization with a vision to see every area and region inspired with a greater sense of community, collaboration and citizenship through meaningful relationships.

Read the rest of Spotlight on Nonprofit: Catalyst Community

The Historical Society of Long Beach (HSLB) is making its one-of-a-kind museum space available as a venue for events.

At Bixby Knolls First Friday last week the beautiful space was showcased for the public with food, wine, live entertainment, and event décor – all from Long Beach vendors. Visitors had the chance to experience the event potential of the venue while learning about the unique opportunities available at the best kept secret in Long Beach.

Read the rest of HSLB opens up gallery space as event venue

How long has the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) been around? How long has it been in Long Beach?

The Muscular Dystrophy Association was established in 1950. The Southeast Los Angeles Chapter of the MDA Long Beach has been in the city of Long Beach for over 8 years.

Read the rest of Muscular Dystrophy Association

How long has girlfriends-Lbc., Inc. been around? Did it start in Long Beach?

girlfriends began its journey on November 16, 2006, in Long Beach. Meetings with the girls began in September of 2007. Meetings are held all over the Long Beach area at a variety of schools, also at El Dorado Park once a week.

Describe Girlfriends-Lbc., Inc.. Tell us a little about your nonprofit, your mission, the people you serve or your goals.

Whether you’re a young girl between the ages of 11 and 15 or a parent searching for wholesome resources you can trust and your daughter can rely on, you’ve come to the right place. You see, I started girlfriends two years ago when I realized the importance of positive role models and mentors in a young girl’s life. I have two daughters of my own and knew early on that I wanted to give them every opportunity to grow and mature into happy, healthy, ambitious adults.

Read the rest of Girlfriends-Lbc, Inc: Raising self-esteem in girls

How long has LLB Connected Corridor been around?

October 2007

Long Beach Community Foundation on behalf of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Citizenship and Civic Engagement National Initiative has funded the LLB Atlantic Corridor project, or as we more commonly call it the “Connected Corridor.”

Read the rest of Leadership Long Beach Connected Corridor

How long has the Church been in Long Beach?:
2 years

Describe your church:

Our Church community is passionate about strategic partnerships with local organizations and businesses for the betterment of the neighborhood. We currently have partnerships with both the 4th Street Business Association and Luther Burbank Elementary. We are passionate about doing events that matter to the inhabitants of Carroll Park.

Why did you start Origins CHURCH Long Beach?

We began our Church with the hope of renovating the general opinion of “the Church” in America. Our aim is be known for what we are FOR rather than what many are AGAINST. It is within this rubric that we find unity under common vision to see the neighborhood flourish and the Church represent the God we proclaim.

What makes Origins CHURCH Long Beach stand out?

Our ability to partner with organizations who differ from us for the benefit of the city is a distinctive.

What is the biggest success Origins CHURCH Long Beach has had?

Our greatest success has been throwing local parties in Carroll Park that family’s bring their children to. Simultaneously, we have partnered with several 4th Street businesses to promote them as well. We serve on the School Council at Luther Burbank as a supported of education in the city.

What is your favorite part of running the church?

Serving people.

What are the biggest challenges you face?

Overcoming the stereotype the Church often carries.

How is Origins CHURCH Long Beach involved with the community?

Locally through the 4th Street Business Association and Luther Burbank Elementary where we serve on the School Council and mentor students.

Do you have any future plans for Origins CHURCH Long Beach?

To continue doing what we are doing.

What is the best advice that you received and who did it come from?

Love God. Love people. —Luke’s Gospel Chapter 10 v.27

One Last Thing:

If you are searching to connect and to think strategically about the betterment of the 4th Street District, feel free to join in what is already ongoing.

The Details:

• Organization Name:  Origins CHURCH Long Beach
• Address:  370 Junipero Ave (We Gather at OSL Church)
• Phone Number: 407 810 9987
• Website: OriginsLBC.com