A WORD FROM DR. LASHARNDA BECKWITH, CEO

Iwas out running one morning recently, and as my feet pounded the pavement in the early morning hours, I noticed the sky was a beautiful red and blue color. I didn’t stop; I kept running, trying to get my workout done. However, I felt as though the red was getting redder and the blues bluer as I ran. I still would not stop (I needed to get done). At some point, though, I felt God had been trying to get my attention gently, but because I didn’t listen, it felt as though He yelled, “Stop and look!” So, I did. I stopped and looked at the sky with amazement. I then took out my iPhone and began taking pictures. I posted those pictures to social media, and apparently, more than 100 people felt the same about how beautiful they were. As I viewed those pictures, I was able to reflect on God’s goodness. What a wonderful life I have lived. I thank God every day for blessing my life as He has done, and I want to be and do all that God has called me to be and do.

What about you? Have you reflected lately? Have you thought about how each day you make a ripple effect into the lives of others? I have. Recently a person told me that I made a significant difference in her life years ago. She said that although college was accessible to her, it was just not something she had thought of pursuing until she met me. Today, she holds advanced degrees. As such, I began to think about several people I had encouraged to go to school so that they would have opportunities that may have evaded them otherwise. They did, and those doors opened. They don’t have to give me any credit; that’s not what I am looking for at all. But I will say it makes me feel good that this one person didn’t wait until it was time for my eulogy to let me see that I made a difference.

Board Of Directors

Terry Paulson, PhD Chair, Board of Directors

Andrew H. Mansmann, CPA Vice Chair, Board of Directors

Rick Davis Treasurer, Board of Directors

Tobi

D. Olusola, Pharm.D. Secretary, Board of Directors

Bruce Dannemeyer

Kyle Fryling

Stephen Helper

Rev. Nader Hanna

Athena Jones

Susan Kroeger

Chaplain (COL-Ret.) Scottie R. Lloyd

Rev. Sharon M. Ruff Richter

Victoria Villa, MSW

Bishop Brenda Bos, Southwest CA Synod, ELCA

Rev. Dr. Michael Gibson, Pacific Southwest Region, LCMS

Bishop David C. Nagler, Pacifica Synod, ELCA

Mission

Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping and empowering vulnerable people in Southern California.

Vision

Sharing the love of Christ, we seek to form a community where…

• the vulnerable are safer and stronger

• the dependent are self-sustaining

• the isolated dwell in community

• the weary are given hope.