Fall/Winter 2024-25

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​Dear Friends of FirstServe,

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Since its inception in 2005, FirstServe

Community Services has reached out

in love and care for to people, 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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We’re thankful for the partnership of First Lutheran Church and School (FLCS) here in Torrance (www.flchurch.org). 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, in partnership with St. John Lutheran, Gardena.

• “First Kids” Creative Arts, 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 toward caring for elders and their families, people in grief and other difficult life situations, and for others in need.    

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The pandemic period has taught us a great deal about more effectively meeting people’s needs through virtual means. We offer caring programs through Zoom connections. These include:

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

• “Hope Circle” monthly support group meetings.

• “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 elders and their families, and to train volunteers in preparing and accompanying elders to medical appointments. We look forward to helping hundreds of families and individuals to better and more effectively engage the emotional, spiritual, health, legal, estate planning dimensions of aging, as well as addressing the ever-changing healthcare environment to assist 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

firstservesouthbay@gmail.com