In this episode, our guests Diana and Kryssie share the powerful stories of individuals who show up when it matters most—during crisis, loss, and trauma.

The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Long Beach is comprised of specially trained volunteers who respond alongside emergency personnel—police, firefighters, paramedics—to provide emotional support and practical help in some of life’s hardest moments.

Since 2021, TIP volunteers have provided care and support to Long Beach residents.

Resources:

Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Long Beach

Become a TIP Volunteer HERE

October 2025 Training Flyer

New Hope Grief Support Community

Pathways

Long Beach Trauma Recovery Center 

In this episode, we talk with Ryan, President of the Willmore City Community Association. Listen as we learn how Willmore City Community Association has adapted to the needs and priorities of its residents, and how effective partnerships and advocacy helps them address issues of inequity and neighborhood investment over time.

Willmore City Historic District is situated downtown, in west Long Beach -- just off the 710 freeway. Neighborhood boundaries include: 710 freeway to the west and 4th Street to the south, Cedar Street to the east, and Moro & 12th Streets to the north.

Resources:

Willmore City Community Association

Friends of the LA River

Long Beach Office of Sustainability

District 1 Councilwoman Mary Zendejas

Elevate '28

Long Beach Gives

Winter in Willmore

CSULB President Ambassadors

The Volunteer Center Impact Makers program

In this episode of Heart of the Neighborhood, we talk with Cinthya—a Long Beach resident and participant in the City of Long Beach Neighborhood Leadership Program—who’s on a mission to give back to the city she loves.

For over 30 years, the City of Long Beach Neighborhood Leadership Program (NLP) has assisted grassroots residents with the skills, knowledge and resources needed to make a difference in the quality of life in our community. 

The City of Long Beach Neighborhood Leadership program is offered by the City of Long Beach Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau and is a FREE, five (5) month multilingual program. 

NLP Brochure in English

NLP Brochure in Spanish

NLP Brochure in Khmer

NLP Brochure in Tagalog

Resources:

Westside Promise

Santa Fe Avenue Project - Elevate 28

Bembridge House

Drake Park

District 1 - Councilwoman Mary Zendejas

Gang Alternatives Program (GAP)

Car-Lite Long Beach 

Stay tuned for the Neighborhood Leadership event hosted by Cinthya's team on August 9th at Silverado Park ...

Meet Serbrina, the founder of Happy Lifts, a weight lifting program for women that contains more purpose and meaning than just building muscle in the gym. What started as a resident led initiative offering free weight lifting classes for women from her garage and in Rose Park, has flourished into a mission to get all shy girls into the gym.

Listen as Serbrina talks about the benefits of weightlifting for girls and women and the impact it has on defining your purpose, strength and mental health.

Instagram @happy.lifts

www.onlyhappylifts.com

Roses for Rose Park, Artist Cody Lusby

In this episode, we spotlight Dina Feldman, a social entrepreneur and community builder, and a shining example of how businesses can be a force for good. Dina is the visionary behind Feel Good Kitchen, a Certified Green kitchen that helps tenants who are starting and growing their food business with sustainable practices. 

From supporting neighborhood initiatives to launching innovative programs, Feel Good Kitchen is proof that business success and social impact go hand in hand. And remember, supporting businesses that give back helps create a stronger, more connected community. 

Resources:

Long Beach Fresh

Finding your Why - Simon Sinek

Tony Robbins - Author & Entrepreneur 

A Board Certified Behavioral Specialist helps individuals with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) improve their communication, socialization, and daily living skills through techniques like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). 

Feel Good Kitchen

Yvon Chouinard - Patagonia Founder

Craftsman Village Historic District

Colossus Bread

Office of Sustainability

Foam Free LB

MANEATINGPLANT

Salsas Chingona

Compound

Grow2Zero Farms

Sowing Seeds of Change

Follow Sowing Seeds of Change on Instagram

Food Finders 

Downtown Long Beach Alliance 

Mosaic Downtown Long Beach

Long Beach Gives, September 18th, 2025

In this episode, Cal State Long Beach President's Ambassadors Andres, Emily and Pranvat take us beyond the campus and into the community of Long Beach where the heart and soul of communities come alive. The President's Ambassadors talk about their volunteer experiences, the activities they love, and the many benefits they have gained from the program and their community work. 

We hope this episode sparks your curiosity to get out and explore Long Beach, and participate in the activities that bring about positive change.

Cal State Long Beach President's Ambassadors work collaboratively with the CSULB President to represent the school, its mission and goals. President's Ambassadors are volunteers who give their time, talent and enthusiasm freely for the advancement of California State University, Long Beach. 

Resources:

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

Cal State Long Beach College Corps 

Cal State Long Beach Associated Students Inc. 

Heart of Ida

Holiday Gift Bags with Heart of Ida and Rose Park Neighborhood Association

Community Ambassador program - Safe Passage Initiative

DAYS Long Beach

AOC7 Neighborhood Organization

Long Beach Forward

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Rose Park Neighborhood Association - Art in Rose Park

Local Restaurants:

CaliChilli

Flamin Curry

Chiang Rai

In this episode, Abigail, a Long Beach Poly High School sophomore gives listeners an insight into Gen Z volunteers. Abigail shares her motivation for volunteering, how she finds opportunities that align with the causes she supports, and highlights what makes volunteer activities meaningful and accessible. 

If you are a Gen Z looking to volunteer, a parent or guardian of a high schooler seeking opportunities, or an organization looking to recruit a younger generation of volunteers - this episode is for you! 

Resources:

The Volunteer Center Impact Makers program - A 12-week program (8 weeks for summer), participants learn about the issues facing our local community and the support resources that are in place to help address them. 

Food Finders

Aquarium of the Pacific 

Long Beach Office of Sustainability

Long Beach Recycles

Long Beach Transit

Long Beach Organics

The Book Truck

WomenShelter of Long Beach 

Are you seeking assistance with a home project, need tech help, or want to learn a new language? Are you interested in sharing your skills with others? 

Listen as we talk with CJ, a member and volunteer of The Long Beach Time Exchange to learn how to utilize the support and services of your neighbors, and how to contribute your time and skill set as a volunteer to help others.

The Long Beach Time Exchange 'is a group of volunteers coordinating a community network to facilitate the sharing of time and talents for the common good.'

Resources: 

Website for Long Beach Time Exchange 

Become a Long Beach Time Exchange Member HERE

Long Beach Time Exchange on Facebook

Fixit Clinic Events HERE - Bring your broken items to Long Beach’s Fixit Clinics to get help repairing them.

Algalita Marine Research and Education - Research and education to prevent plastic pollution

Bring Your Own Long Beach - Refill over Landfill

Long Beach Recycles - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Pedal Movement - Mobility Solutions for Everyone

Cozy up with us as we step inside the wonderful world of reading. In this light and fun episode we talk favorite books, community connection and soulful imagination with the founder of LB Bookworms, Martha Esquivas. Follow LB Bookworms for the next opportunity to attend a reading party or receive book recommendations from Martha on Instagram @LBBookworms!

Book Mentions:
The Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne
The Babysitter's Club by Ann M. Martin
A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
Identity by Milan Kundera
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Lost and Lassoed: A Rebel Blue Ranch Novel by Lyla Sage

Local Businesses:
Wicked Wolf
Cool Cat Collective
Tipped Ears - a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) rescue organization for cats
Art Theatre on 4th Street
Heartbound Book Shop - Anaheim, CA

Manhattan, New York Business
Book Club - East Village's Independent Book Store and Bar

Book Clubs:
Pa’lante Book Club - Community led Latine book club in Long Beach for the Latine & BIPOC community
Movies n' Books Club - A club for literature and films enthusiasts
Silent Book Club - Nationwide Group - find a chapter near you

Reading Resources:
Long Beach Public Library
Goodreads
Bookshop.org

In this episode, we talk with Susana Gonzalez Edmond, President of the Long Beach Council Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The Long Beach Council PTA is a group of volunteers who support the work of 34 PTA council units at schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. Their support includes tools for increasing PTA membership, developing and strengthening PTA leadership, and ensuring that families and communities are equipped to advocate on behalf of all children.

Listen as we learn more about the Council and the value that PTA's bring to LBUSD schools to bring additional programs and enrichment activities to children and youth.

Thinking about starting a PTA at your school? Want to get involved with your child's school? Access the resources below ...

Resources:
Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) - Application to volunteer in your child's classroom

Building Membership at your School

Reflections - National PTA Flagship Art Program