Summer 2023

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Dear Friends of FirstServe,

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Welcome to our web presence, as we continue to offer hope, healing and support for our South Bay neighbors. Since its inception in 2005, FirstServe Community Services has reached out in love and care for people of every age and stage of life, offering a variety of local human service programs. Our watchword for all that we do is “inspiring people, transforming lives," and we welcome you to learn more about our various programs and initiatives to improve the lives of the many whom we serve each and every day.

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I’m very glad to report that we’ve returned to many of our in-person gatherings, and we’re thankful for the partnership of  First Lutheran Church and School (FLCS -- www.flchurch.org) on their campus in Torrance. As our partnership has developed during the Covid-19 Pandemic period, and to focus our organization in new and exciting ways, we have returned sponsorship of a number of programs to FLCS staff and volunteers. They are:

• “Monday Night Meals” food distribution program, also in partnership with St. John Lutheran Church in Gardena.

• “First Kids” Creative Arts programs, also in partnership with First Lutheran School. (www.flfalcons.org)

• “First Friends” Special needs adults program for differently abled persons.

We are thankful to the people of FLCS for leading these fine programs, helping FirstServe to better focus and direct our efforts for elders and their families, people in grief and other difficult life situations, and others in need.    

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In addition, the pandemic period taught us a great deal about more effectively meeting people’s needs through virtual means. I’m glad to report that we are now offering a number of programs through online Zoom connections. These include:

• “Prime Timers” weekly luncheon gatherings. (both in-person and through Zoom)

• “Hope Circle” support group meetings.

• A new program, “Hope Circle Dementia,” supporting people caring for loved ones with cognitive decline, Alzheimer's, and other neurological challenges.

 

I’m also glad to share that FirstServe has begun a brand new program, “Caring Companions,” offering education and assistance to families and volunteers in preparing and accompanying elders to medical appointments. This new program is being offered in partnership with UCLA and other healthcare organizations, and we look forward to helping hundreds of families and individuals to better and more effectively engage the emerging digital healthcare environment for the benefit of frail elders and those who care for them.

 

FirstServe relies on the generous partnership of allies and underwriters, and we are grateful to all who continue to remember us through gifts of support. Your sustaining partnership allows us to continue our mission of serving today, and as we expand our programs in the future.

Please accept my thanks for many ways you join us to inspire people and transform lives through the work of our organization. We are blessed to have you as partners!

With You in Hope and Service,

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Dr. William L. Hurst

Executive Director