NOV 2024 - LBRA

Community Impact Stories

Long beach recovery act

Long beach recovery act

Long beach recovery act

Long beach recovery act

Basic Needs

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"I just want to thank you for helping me schedule my appointment and answering all my questions. I am so glad to call this number and be able to talk to a REAL Person, you made my LIFE EASIER."  - Older adult Long Beach resident

“Again, thank you for the help! I appreciate it! We don’t feel alone in this process. Thank you for going above and beyond in providing me information! It makes me feel reassured that we have someone to reach out to.”   - Long Beach resident who called on behalf of a family member

"In all my 88 years, talking to you today and getting the help I need has been the best birthday present!"  - Older adult Long Beach resident

The LB Resource Line is a hotline that supports anyone in Long Beach who needs help finding local, City and community resources. Call (562) 570-4246 to get connected.

lb resource line

"I feel like I have been calling all around town asking these questions and I can hardly ever get a real person on the phone. I'm just going to call this line from now on for everything!"  - Older adult Long Beach resident

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OLDER ADULTS SUPPORTS - CASE MANAGEMENT “I am so very thankful, I love you all. I was pleased that I spent some time here and was able to get connected to great benefits for both health and mood. All in all, thank you so much.” - Dmytro, 73

AGING SERVICES NETWORK COORDINATION “The Aging Services Collaborative is incredibly beneficial for our staff and, by extension, our clients. It’s a unique program in that most localities do not have a structured network of aging services providers to exchange resources and knowledge. The collaborative has helped to improve coordination between systems and keep us abreast of the support services available in the City that we can connect our aging clients to." - Miles McNeeley, Wise & Healthy Aging

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The Older Adult Case Management Program provides support to older adults in Long Beach through nursing and social work services, while also promoting the sustainability of the Long Beach Aging Services Collaborative. Additionally, the Older Adults - Health & Wellness Program offers evidence-based health and wellness programming to older adults at three senior centers in Long Beach to foster social connections.

older adult programs

OLDER ADULT - HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAMMING “I love this class and that it provides something different to me as a senior.” - McBride Park Participant

COMMUNITY NUTRITION SECURITY PROJECTS "Truly a blessing, fresh fruits and veggies. I need food because I am on a fixed income and it helps me save money from the grocery store for my family size of five." - Fonda "I come for food because of the needs at home. I like all the food that is provided because it is good quality. It's really good, thank you." - Jose "I am here to let you know that everything you give here has helped my family and myself. This doesn't just help me but a lot of people. This fresh food is very expensive in the store and what you give here helps us a lot. Thank you very much." - Hortencia

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NUTRITION SECURITY - HEALTHY MARKET PARTNERSHIPS & STORE CONVERSIONS "I am excited to join the Healthy Market Partnership program because I want to get my community connected to healthier food options and nutrition education to reduce the diseases associated with eating poorly." – Market Owner Juan

The Nutrition Security programs implement strategies that strengthen the food system to reduce nutrition insecurity by working with community organizations, learning institutions, local markets, and coordinating food distributions.

NUTRITION SECURITY INITIATIVES

NUTRITION SECURITY - EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION “No one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from or be forced to choose between feeding their families or paying for basic needs. We are thankful that we can work with our trusted community partners to distribute healthy food throughout Long Beach.” - Lara Turnbull, Former Manager in the LBDHHS Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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“[The participant] is an older low-income resident who made ends meet before the pandemic by collecting recyclables.  He was impacted by the pandemic during the stay-at-home order since he had to stay home because he is in the most vulnerable population for a COVID infection.  He came to our popups several times on foot from his home in the Washington School neighborhood.  He was denied two times due to a change in property ownership but was eventually helped by his landlord to apply and received a total of $12,675.02 to help pay for his past due rent and three months of future rent.” - Rental Assistance Case Manager

"[The participant] worked for an agency that assigned her work periodically.  When she got sick during the pandemic, she was laid off from the agency.  She applied for ERAP on May 19, 2021, through a City of Long Beach popup. (Participant) was paid in September 2021 and returned to the popup location with the check she had received.  She was on her way to the rental agency to pay her past due rent and to get a receipt for the past due rent payment.  She eventually recertified and received a total of $11,445 for help with past due rent.” - Rental Assistance Case Manager

The Emergency Rental Assistance program provides rental assistance to tenants who are impacted by COVID-19.

emergency rental assistance

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"Homeownership is a significant milestone and lifelong dream for many individuals and families and Long Beach is committed to making this more attainable for as many people as possible, this important Program offers an incredible opportunity, empowering first-time homebuyers to invest in their future and plant roots in our great city.” - Mayor Rex Richardson

The First Time Homebuyer program aims to empower first-time homebuyers by offering closing cost grants. Designed to support low and moderate-income families, this initiative is dedicated to facilitating homeownership and fostering the creation of multi-generational wealth.

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE

"I want to give my son a better place to live and myself. I've been renting for 16 years, and I believe it is time for me to go and look and try to be an owner." - Laura Belen Coronado (First Time Homebuyer Applicant)

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Early ChildHood Education & Childcare Supports

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION EDUCATOR TRAINING “This opportunity gave [me] the chance to learn more about my career and the work that I do every day with children. I always feel that when I am participating in trainings, I renew my spirit, my commitment, my respect for the children, the respect for my career and also I learn new information that I try to apply at my job... When professionals who are working in early education participate in this kind of events, they expand their knowledge. Then they will offer better benefits to their children and to the families with the ones they work." - Scholarship Recipient

EARLY CHILDHOOD EMERGENCY SUPPLIES “The distributions helped us in keeping our family child care programs open, clean, and safe for the children and families we serve. It helped us do our part in preventing children and staff from getting COVID-19. The diapers and wipes were very helpful, we were able to share many supplies with the families we serve.” - Emergency Supplies Beneficiary

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The program aims to provide basic health supplies to families and early childcare providers while also supporting the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Symposium through professional development and scholarships for in-home providers or students.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

“Oh wow, what a gift! I can’t wait to use this ($50 gift card).” - Kindergarten Teacher

“It is super kind of you (Department of Health & Human Services) to think about our families and teachers. Thank you.” - Principal

"What a special surprise for the teachers’ assistants. They will be so happy to receive this, thank you." - School Administrator

The City is partnering with the Long Beach Unified School District to gather information from parents on their children’s early development and experiences. This data will help collaborate on creating and implementing place-based services and opportunities for children and their families.

EARLY CHILDHOOD RESILIENCY Survey

“Thank you so much for the gift cards! Our teachers are so thankful.” - School Secretary

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The Parent Engagement and Early Literacy program enhances library services for young children's literacy development by providing bilingual Early Literacy Specialists who work with parents and caregivers. The program offers resources such as parent education workshops, early learning festivals, and kindergarten readiness programs, ensuring parents are empowered to make informed decisions and children are prepared for school. It complements the City's objective to expand pre-k access and works alongside other early childhood initiatives.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT & EARLY LITERACY PROGRAM

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“Staff is amazing and - they are just great with the kids, it’s been very important for me and my household and mainly for my son to be able to have that social interaction with other children. I didn’t want him to start isolating or feeling fearful. Being able to come to the parks on a regular basis and being consistent, it just really improved my son’s well-being and happiness. I’m just very grateful, I’m very happy, I’m very thankful, it’s just more than words can say how happy and grateful I am for the parks.” - Parent

“Throughout the Long Beach Parks Program, their guidance with the kid's, everything that they have taught our children, I honestly don’t know where my kids would be right now. You know childcare helps tremendously, and I am very appreciative of all the staff that is there - They’ve invited us with open arms, it’s like family. Without Long Beach Park Recs, it would be interesting, to say the least.” - Parent

The Parks, Recreation, and Marine Summer Day Camp Program provide youth ages 5-12 with a safe, fun, healthy, and positive atmosphere. Participants will enjoy recreational group activities in an indoor and outdoor setting. This program will fund scholarships to increase participation in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

SUMMER DAY CAMP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

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HOMELESSNESS

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“When I met Steven, he was living on the Riverbed and had been there long before I met him… I have to say Steven had many roadblocks that he had to jump over and at times his frustration showed but he continued to work toward a stable and safe environment indoors. We placed him our motel program where he thrived, we worked on collecting his documents and were able to provide him with an Emergency Housing Voucher. Today he showed up at the MSC to let me know that he has moved into his own apartment, to thank me and the MSC for guiding him in the right direction and for never giving up on him.” - Homeless Services Case Manager

“I met Clark back in 2021… Clark would come into the MSC regularly to shower…and soon he was assigned to me as his worker. Clark and I hit it off and he began to open to me about his story and his issues with substances. Clark declined shelter or any kind of shared housing. Then Clark disappeared for months, when he came back to the Multi-Service Center, Clark had given birth to a son, and said he desperately needed my help…While utilizing motel vouchers for several months since August 2022, Clark did everything he was ordered to do. Clark worked hard to get his baby back in his custody. Clark received his section 8 voucher; he has secured a safe apartment and is now a full-time mom.” - Homeless Services Case Manager

The Motel Vouchers Program provides safe sheltering to people experiencing homelessness. This will include providing motel vouchers to individuals and families while getting linked to other services, to ensure that they remain connected while working toward interim and permanent housing solutions over the next year.

MOTEL VOUCHERS

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"The Mobile Access Center first encountered this client at our Drake Chavez Soccer field location. Client is a 39 year old female veteran, with the collaboration between several multidisciplinary teams including the City of LB REACH team, Veteran Affairs client has been able to gain back their service connection income, off of the street and connected to shelter and matched to housing resources." - SL

This 23-year-old youth is chronically homeless and has experienced homelessness throughout his life. Through engaging with case management at the Mobile Access Center, this individual has been able to connect to youth service providers within Long Beach, such as Futures First and Youth Job Corps. The individual has been able to move into a transitional shelter and started working, and will continue to receive support from connections made through the Mobile Access Center. - ACC

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The Outreach and Case Management Program aims to provide individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with easier access to shelter, housing referrals, social services enrollment, and mental health support while minimizing interactions with law enforcement. Over the next three years, the program will actively connect homeless individuals with housing and support services through outreach, education, response efforts, engagement strategies, and identifying homeless gathering spots.

HOMELESS SERVICES OUTREACH & CASE MANAGEMENT

PHYSICAL & MENTALHEALTH EQUITY

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"According to client and provider satisfaction surveys, 97% of clients feel that the program offers services appropriate to their cultural beliefs and values, and 94% of providers get a feeling of accomplishment from their job." - Kevin Hatcher, Black Health Equity Coordinator, Program Manager for the Black Mental Health Program

"I believe that the people who need services the most should be the ones to get the first and the best service. It has been my privilege to serve and grow from what we have learned together." - Dr. Sandra Hardy, Clinical Psychologist, Center for Best Living Inc.

"It seems honestly like a dream from my experience!” - Black Mental Health Program Client

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The Black Mental Health: Health Equity Fund provides no-cost psycho therapy treatment to uninsured and underinsured Long Beach Black residents in need of mental health support.

“So far everything is going great for me, very happy I am a part of this.” - Black Mental Health Program Client

BLACK MENTAL HEALTH - HEALTH EQUITY FUND

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“...I thoroughly enjoyed last night’s topics and think it’s important to have representation like this in the schools...! " - Project Optimism’s Healing 4 Scholars Program, Parent Engagement Session Participant

“It was very powerful to have gender fluid youth speak directly to the group of teachers, parents, and social workers.” - CCEJ Building Bridges for Youth Leadership Program Participant

“...I visited the Earthlodge for the very first time. This event was titled Healing Through the New Year and the activity was a drumming circle...There were many people there, and everyone played an instrument...I could feel the vibrations of the drums throughout my entire body. I was moved deeply and felt light surrounding me...The medicine I received from the Earthlodge provided me with the exact healing necessary for the new year.” - Earthlodge Center for Transformation’s West Long Beach Community Wellness Collaborative Program Participant

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These projects represent investments in advancing health and wellness equity, with a focus on serving communities that have been most impacted by COVID-19. Funding has been awarded to local community-based organizations for 21 initiatives. Recent successes from a handful of these initiatives are highlighted below.

HEALTH EQUITY COMMUNITY PROJECTS

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Promotoras community health champions

This program is a best-practice effort where trusted voices from the community are educating and connecting those living in communities, to promote education and wellness opportunities. This program would train promotoras/community health workers and fund non-profit organizations to implement or expand programs.

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When asked what they enjoyed about the mental health resource fair, one community member answered: “Community oriented, and many choices to serve the community." - Feedback from vendor

TRAUMA INFORMED, MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES, AND RESPONSE

The Mental Health Matters awareness campaign aims to normalize and destigmatize mental health and improve access and connection to mental health supports in Long Beach.

“While working at the Mental Health Resource Fair, I was approached by a youth community member who was seeking Mental Health resources and information for a friend. The community member shared the mental health struggles their friend was experiencing and wanted to learn of local resources available to them. The youth community member was provided with swag bags and was encouraged to visit all the vendor booths at the fair and to check in at the registration booth once completed to ensure all questions and concerns were addressed. When the youth community member completed their visit of the fair, they expressed gratitude for the resources and information received. It was even noticeable on the individual's face. When they arrived, they appeared discouraged and frustrated; however, they left with a sense of hope and optimism.” - Staff interaction with community member, Joanna

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VIOLENCE PREVENTION & SAFE CITIES

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The 10-week Be S.A.F.E. program serves the neighborhoods of West, Central and North Long Beach by extending the regular supervised hours to keep locations open during the evening in the summer to help to reduce increase public safety.

be safe Program

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”The great success of this program is being able to nurture local youth interest in the aquatic field by giving them a chance to become certified free of charge and obtain employment. Also, as previously stated, having several employees express interest in furthering their aquatic careers by taking additional classes and seeking additional aquatic certifications.” - Pools of Hope

“I enjoyed being able to share the medicine that I have learned from my elders and ancestors with young people that are eager and hungry to receive the information. It was very well organized, intentional, caring and generated a beloved community through the virtual platforms. Greatly appreciate the opportunity and I would be happy to participate in the future!” - Earthlodge Center for Transformation

The Health Department has allocated funding specifically for youth development services focused on providing life coaching opportunities that increase youth resiliency and build youth’s social capital through project-based work experience opportunities, academic enrichment leadership programming, and/or service linkages between academic and occupational learning opportunities.

BUILDING YOUTH SOCIAL CAPITAL PROGRAM

“The peer support provided during Operation Emancipation OE was the most significant accomplishment of the program. One youth in the group was in crisis and the entire group surrounded them with an outpouring of love and support. Youth in the cohort entered the program without knowing each another, but left with new friendships.” - Right Way Foundation

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“I'm so glad your team exists“ - Community Member

“We would love a direct way to get to you guys, because we have situations like this around here all the time.” - Property / Community Manager

This program is a pilot for non-police crisis response team(s) focused on responding to non-violent, non-criminal, non-medical calls for services related to mental health crises with connections to services and resources.

COMMUNITY CRISIS RESPONSE PILOT

“It’s so nice someone cares“ - Community Member

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NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD “I enjoyed how we got the opportunity to show our neighborhoods by taking pictures of what we want to make better and what we enjoy. I wanted to spend more time learning about the camera and what other effects it has on the pictures I took. I want to learn how this step is connected to advocacy work in my neighborhood.” - Program Participant

This is a violence prevention neighborhood engagement program that took place during Summer 2022 to develop and implement community engagement events for youth living in communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence in Long Beach.

WESTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD "What I enjoyed most about the experience of the program was being able to connect with other youth who are doing the same type of work representing the community. The part that I most enjoyed was learning about photography and videography and I would like to be a part of programs like this in the future when they were available." - Program Participant

WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD "The highlight of my experience in the program was that I got to learn new things and meet lots of new people! Being a part of this project that stood out to me was that we got the opportunity to learn how to use a camera to take nice pictures of the community and what I learned from participating in this program was that if I just ask a little question I can build a bond with the people of the community even if that question is just as simple as “can I take a picture?” - Program Participant

MY HOOD, MY CITY - SUMMER NEIGHBORHOOD ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

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“While I was opposed to the idea of Teen Academy, I am truly grateful that I decided to enroll in the program. Teen Academy has helped me become more self-aware in the aspects of my goals, beliefs, and who I am as a person. Teen Academy has provided me with the resources and support to explore who I am as well as improve myself. I am extremely thankful for this academy.“ - Chimnazaekpere

“Even though I joined the Teen Academy a little late, I’ve still been able to pick up very useful knowledge that I can carry on into adulthood. For example, the guest speaker from the Self-Care and Mental Wellness workshop introduced me to new tips I can use when I’m feeling anxious.“ - Aalaysia

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine has developed a 9-month program offered during the school year to 100 teen residents of the City of Long Beach. This program will be primarily hosted throughout 6 teen centers within the City of Long Beach. This free program will provide teens with engagement opportunities and resources to ensure their wellness and future success.

TEEN ACADEMY

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​Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library​​ A "teen volunteer and two middle school boys joined for this program. They were shy at first but as we made the Guatemalan worry dolls, they got more talkative and comfortable. We all laughed while making the dolls as we trial and errored and also talked about their importance. They also told me about other things they do when they are anxious and stressed. They are really into Mr. Beast and spent a good amount of time telling me about his YouTube videos. It was their first time at a teen program and took flyers for the open mic night and the brochure, so I hope they join us again!"​." - LBRA Library Assistant G. Molina (Craft It Out: Guatemalan Worry Dolls - Muñequitas Quitapenas​​)

The Youth Academic Programming project significantly expands current library services and programming for teens in Long Beach and offers leadership development and mentorship opportunities for teens citywide. Programs include the Youth Poet Laureate program, Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Mathematics (STEAM) workshops such as computer coding, robotics, 3D design and printing, augmented and virtual reality, and video game development, mental health and wellness enrichment activities, and the expansion of Teen Advisory Groups (TAG) to multiple library locations.

YOUTH ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING

Burnett Neighborhood Library "Youth were into making the pens and then stayed longer to play some board games I put out for them! At the end, they all asked when we would have another program (: ”​ - LBRA Library Assistant D. Gomez (DIY Flower Pens​)

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YOUTH HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAMMING

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"From being a full-time worker, frontline, it has been extremely convenient to have come across the LB Parks Hubs Program! I’m a single mother and it’s so difficult to find a program that is 100% free and all about the children.” - Quinn (Mother of Participant)

“I love coming to the learning hub because the staff help us finish our homework and I like that the staff plan activities for us like trivia and dancing.” - Dev

The Community Learning Hubs program will offer spaces for youth enrolled in LBUSD Independent Study program to complete their curriculum, receive academic support and participate in a safe and enriching afterschool program. This program is for Long Beach youth in grades K-8 that also reside in areas where there are high concentrations of people experiencing the digital divide.

COMMUNITY LEARNING HUBS

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"After taking the workshop, it is beneficial because it lets me know that there is more stuff to do after basketball. There are other opportunities and goals in the future." - Program Participant

"We look at it as a job generator, training for those who want to get trained" - Leonardo Adams

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The goal of Hoops After Dark program is to engage participants in an organized game of basketball, encourages community support of each program participant and to develop a union between our community stakeholders including residents, to work together to provide a nurturing environment in which participants can flourish.

HOOPS AFTER DARK

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“I saw a picture of you with my kiddo and I melted in love, thanks for making this summer easier for me and happier for him. I used to be the one taking him and his friends to the beach, the pool, the park, etc. but I had to go back to work and that's when I found you guys... Thanks for the love, dedication, fun time, and patience to my boy.” - Parent of Mobile Recess Participant

“This summer the Mobile Recess Program was able to take the participants on Free Field Trips in and around Long Beach. At our first trip to the beach, one of our 5th graders expressed how much fun he was having at his first ever trip to the beach. We were so excited to be able to bring a variety of new experiences to our participants!” - Rhiannon Wilson (Mobile Recess Supervisor)

The Mobile Recess program will provide opportunities for youth in target neighborhoods to connect, learn, and play. This program is for Long Beach youth ages 5-12 that reside in neighborhoods with little to no access to recreation programs.

MOBILE RECESS

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The Virtual Recreation Program offers different options for youth to access recreational and enrichment programming regardless of zip code. This program is for Long Beach youth ages 5-12 that reside in areas with little to no options for recreation programming.

VIRTUAL RECREATION

"Thank you for continuing to provide activities on YouTube for the girls to participate in. I love being able to throw on a video that I know is kid-friendly when I am cooking or busy. It's even better that we get to see some of our favorite staff. The girls think you all are FAMOUS!!" - Parent of PRM YouTube watchers

“My students loved this! Amy, Ahjah and Dariana got 18 points! Julius, Luna, Lysander, and Maurice came in second place with 15 points! Thanks for all the fun, we love these for our Fun Fridays!” - Program Participant

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ARTS & CULTURE

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

"The Long Beach Recovery Act allowed International City Theatre to continue contributing to the cultural landscape of Long Beach through in-person productions and impactful educational programs reaching everyone from 4 to 104." - International City Theatre

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"It has allowed us to take our world class musicians into local schools and colleges and provide programming for the LBUSD's Harmony Project an after-school music education and mentoring program for traditionally underserved populations." - Matthew Faulkner

This program provides grants to assist arts and culture non-profit organizations and businesses, as well as individual artists. This program has been expanded from the CARES Act allocations in 2020 to capture the African American Cultural Center, Cambodian Cultural Center, and Latinx Cultural Center to facilitate the ongoing development of these efforts.

CREATIVE ECONOMY GRANT

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

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"The event did a great job of honoring different cultures in Long Beach and was very inclusive and welcoming" - Program Attendee

“I entered LBC not knowing anyone; and Sunset Boxing made me feel so welcomed, nourished, and alive. Such a safe, communal, and queer space.” - Program Participant

"We celebrated Filipino American History Month, Hispanic Heritage month, and Indigenous People at Casa Chaskis a local Peruvian restaurant. We wanted an event to bridge the diverse cultures that live on the Westside of Long Beach...The community was brought together and had the opportunity to witness and celebrate our youth's dance talents. It was also an opportunity for youth to further connect with our breakdancing and hip-hop community in Long Beach." - Event Organizer

The Cultural Event Grant Programs provides funding to cultural special events grants, neighborhood activation seed grants, business activation seed grants, and city-sponsored event direct relief grants.

cultural events grant program

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

"I would highly recommend BizCare. Reason being if you don't know about what's available, they will tell you. If BizCare wasn't there, I wouldn't have known. So I would highly recommend their services to other business owners. I've never had any delay in a response from them. I'm always informed on what's available for businesses here in downtown Long Beach. While going to the popups they are always friendly and they're very knowledgeable about what's available for the businesses." - Mabel's Gourmet Pralines

"Estoy agradecida, gracias a usted (BizCare) y su excelente servicio al cliente. Si no hubiera recibido asistencia con BizCare para solicitar subvenciones, no recibiría ningún recurso que me ayudara a mantenerme al día con el alquiler. Seguro que algunos de nosotros (dueños de negocios) conocemos recursos u oportunidades de subvenciones, pero no estamos seguros de cómo completar la solicitud, por lo que no recibiríamos ninguna ayuda." -Program Participant

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The BizCare program connects business owners to important resources and information, such as grants, loans, technical assistance, information on City policies, and more. The BizCare Program includes a hotline, pop-ups, outreach team, and Community-Based Organization (CBO) Partnerships Team.

BIZCARE PROGRAM

"Very friendly and QUICK service. ” - Anna

"Nosotros somos dueños denegocios por primera vez. Estamos agradecidos con Centro CHA por toda la ayuda de negocios y guianza que nos ha brindado. Durante las sesiones individuales tuvimos la oportunidad de aprender quées lo que nuestro negocio necesita para seguir teniendo éxito." "We are the owners of Tony's Kitchen. We are first time business owners. We are grateful to Centro CHA for all the business help and guidance it has given us. During the 1–1sessions, we had the opportunity to learn what our business needs to continue to be successful." - Neri Ursulo, owner of Tony's Kitchen

"As a new business owner, RightSource from the Navigators program has provided me with invaluable knowledge about business certifications, contracts, procurement and business planning. Through this program I have successfully secured city contracts for laundry service, as well as obtained various business certifications. I am truly grateful for this program and would recommend it to new and existing business owners." - Laundry Service Business Owner

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The Inclusive Business Navigators Program supports small business owners with financial, marketing, and technical assistance to overcome pandemic-related challenges. It achieves this by partnering with entrepreneur support organizations, increasing outreach, and providing access to grants, loans, marketing, and free technical support.

INCLUSIVE BUSINESS NAVIGATORS

BUSINESS Improvement grant Program

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Bixby Knolls Fridays' are an essential part of our business. In addition to bringing the community together for a fun, family-friendly outing. First Fridays' help us bring in a 400% increase revenue compared to the rest of the non First Fridays' of the month. -Cynthia Moore, Co-owner of Long Beach Clothing Co

The use of funds for local small businesses thru the Bixby Knolls business association has helped me during the slow season of winter, they were able to run an event which brought new customers who ended up becoming regulars at my business. They were able to purchase gift cards as giveaways which also brought in more customers. -Kat V, Koolberry

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The Business Improvement District Grant Program provides funding to non-profit business associations that contract with the City to managed BIDs. The program will enable BID associations to help small businesses survive and recover by connecting them to financial assistance, promoting businesses, marketing and maintaining clean and safe commercial districts.

business improvement district grant program

CUSTOMER ACTIVATION

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Shop Long Beach is a new program designed to promote and increase sales at local Long Beach small businesses. The program encourages consumers to shop and spend at small businesses throughout Long Beach. Consumers who spend at participating Shop Long Beach small businesses will earn reward points to spend at businesses such as La Guanaquita Salvadoran Restaurant, Ricardo’s Nursery and Dainty Disco Gift Shop.

CUSTOMER ACTIVATION

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

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DIGITAL INCLUSION

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

"Thank you for the help! Now I can communicate with my people in Nigeria!" - Program Participant

"Thank you so much for the indescribable gift. I will be able to keep up with my family, doctor, SSI and so much more." - Program Participant

"I'm starting a tech program at LBCC later this month, and I need a computer to complete the assignments and project. This is perfect timing!" - Program Participant

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The goal of these programs is to advance digital equity and inclusion for low-income residents, BIPOC residents, businesses, and non-profits. The Digital Inclusion Confidence Program provides in-person one-on-one computer literacy support services and digital inclusion navigation services through appointment sessions. The Free Internet Services and Computing Devices Program provides free mobile hotspots and Chromebooks to qualified residents, businesses, and non-profits who are disproportionately impacted by the digital divide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DIGITAL INCLUSION

"I feel like I learned something new today. I plan on using my devices for work, socials, creating content, and most importantly contacting my family." - Program Participant

"Please keep doing what you folks are doing. I hope you know the work you all do is important to me. God bless you." - Program Participant

"Wonderful service. She was very helpful, polite, and patient!" - Program Participant

"Very informative, now I can start doing personal research and check my emails." - Program Participant

DIGITAL INCLUSION COMMUNITY OUTREACH

"Today I learned to be more independent. I would like to thank the organization and the city for the opportunity to learn something new. I appreciate the knowledge and the patience that you have all provided me." - Program Participant

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The goal of the Digital Inclusion Community Outreach is to educate residents, businesses, and non-profits about free and low-cost digital inclusion resources through equity-centered and inclusive community outreach activities.

"I desire to better/enhance my technology skill sets [and] help LBC! I love my city and the people here. WE need this kind of help to be included on understanding technology and its useful benefits. TO BE A PART OF MAKING THINGS BETTER HERE." - V, LB Co-Lab Participant, Westside Neighborhood

"We live in the Willmore Neighborhood. We came to an agreement and chose Numina for this project. The proposal is to keep our streets safe. That we don't have to walk in fear that something could happen to us. This is the technology proposal that could help our city." - Valfre Alvarado, LB Co-Lab Participant, Willmore Neighborhood

LONG BEACH COLLABORATORY

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The Technology & Innovation Department's has implemented the Long Beach Collaboratory program to address community needs by deploying technology solutions and training programs. They identify pandemic-affected neighborhoods, form community groups, lead engagement for tech projects, and provide skill-building workshops. Their goal is to empower communities and enhance resilience through accessible technology solutions.

direct business supports

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

NONPROFIT RELIEF GRANT "The application process was simple and straightforward." - Long Beach Meditation

RESTAURANT, BREWERY AND BAR RELIEF GRANT “Proceso muy útil, y una gran ayuda, porque el costo de productos y payroll era demasiado" - Tacos La Pequeña

PERSONAL SERVICES & RELIEF GRANT “This grant is huge for us. It took many years to build what we had prior to the pandemic, so it will take a long time to build it back. This grant will be a great opportunity for us to meet our financial obligations and continue our recovery.” - The Belmont Athletic Club

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VIP PROGRAM “We faced an unfortunate incident where rocks were thrown at our establishement, shattering our windows.The cost of repairing windows can be quite expensive. However, thanks to the grant funding we received, we were able to cover the expenses, as well as invest in out products and serve our valued customers.” - BeMe Boutique

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Grants have helped local small businesses and nonprofits that have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 to recover and stabilize.

SMALL BUSINESS & nonprofit relief grant

LANGUAGE ACCESS

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Tagalog Contracted interpreters at Inauguration - view from inside interpreter booth

Juan Rosas (former Language Access Coordinator) gives a guest lecture to linguistics students at CSULB on language access

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At its core, language access ensures that community members of any language background can fully utilize and participate in city services, resources, and programs. In a City with over 50 languages spoken from around the world, our team makes it possible to serve this linguistically diverse community.

LANGUAGE ACCESS AND TRANSLATION

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

LONG TERM RECOVERY INVESTMENTS

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

..Both staff and students really enjoyed the experience...we'd love to send more students at the beginning of next school year. How often do Western States Regional Council of Carpenters provide the tours ?.. ..How many of our students would Western States Regional Council of Carpenters be willing to take? - Long Beach Unified School District

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The Long Beach Local Hire Program mandates local hiring for all contracts covered by the City-wide Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and encourages best-efforts local hiring for non-PLA projects with prevailing wages. This initiative showcases the city's dedication to using public funds to foster local economic growth and job opportunities.

LONG BEACH LOCAL HIRE

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

TRANSPORTATION

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The Micro-Shuttle Program provides on-demand free rides to anyone within two concentrated service areas in Southwest and Southeast, Long Beach. The program aims to encourage walkability, car-free trips, and circulation of people within dense commercial centers in the city.

Former Councilmember, Suzie Price, celebrates the launch of the Micro-Shuttle Program in the Belmont Shore Service Area along with representatives from Circuit, Belmont Shore Business Association, and members of the local neighborhood associations.

The Department of Public Works launched a Micro Transit Shuttle Program to boost tourism, businesses, and local revenue. This electric-powered shuttle service connects high-demand business corridors with underutilized parking areas, while improving visitor circulation in the Alamitos Bay-Belmont Shore and Downtown-Alamitos Beach neighborhoods.

MICRO TRANSIT SHUTTLE PROGRAM

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

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"I can barely afford to drive my car anymore!" - Program Participant

"City bikes, e-scooters, public transportation, skates are all my main form of transportation as a single female in the city." - Program Participant

"This program was used as a substitute for the Long Beach Transit system, for shorter errands, and to improve my health." - Program Participant

"I was interested in the program to exercise. This program has helped with my cardio training that has assisted with my injury recovery. I do not own a bicycle or have the funds to join a gym, so this program was helpful." - Program Participant

The Public Works Department launched Bike Share For All to provide residents with a one-year Long Beach Bike Share membership for $5 per year (standard annual plan is $120 per year). This program is for low-income residents for an initial 12-month period.

BIKE SHARE FOR ALL

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

WORKFORCE YOUTH PROGRAMS

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

"I learned that you might not have a linear path in your career, you can jump around until you find your true passion." - Program Participant

"I learned a ton about the different career paths that the professionals took to get them to the positions that they are at today. I learned how networking and reaching out for help are vital to have a successful career." - Program Participant

"I’ve almost fully confirmed that I want to go into the aerospace industry." - Program Participant

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY

This project is the first step in creating a streamlined, easy-to-navigate career pathway in aerospace engaging youth, employers, and educators as early as high school through teacher externships, work-based learning activities, internships, and in the long-term, employment places.

EXPLORING CAREERS IN SPACE BEACH

"I thought my grades were really hopeless and I’d fail to do what I wanted to do but now I think that I can accomplish what I want to." - Program Participant

“I enjoyed the networking the most for this specific internship. I was able to meet and create connections with so many incredible people throughout the city of Long Beach.“ - Program Participant

“This program has expanded my knowledge of how we can truly build and improve communities around us. Being here and helping out with in our office has allowed me to make a real difference for local people. This inspires me to move forward in this field.” - Program Participant

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The Long Beach College Promise Internship Program has prioritized the work training needs of seventy (70) Long Beach City College and Long Beach State students between the ages of 18 - 30 that live in communities most impacted by COVID-19. This program is rooted in best practices that outline the critical role experiential learning plays in young people's career outcomes, including improved academic performance and increased graduation and employment rates.

LONG BEACH COLLEGE PROMISE

“My experience here was amazing! Since September of 2022, I have learned so much from event planning to handling constituent casework to even understanding how laws are made from city officials. I recommend this internship to anyone who has an interest or love for City Council/Political Science. “ - Program Participant