Many differences are being made by several programs within the California Families in Focus organization based in Long Beach.
The organization was not founded until April 2002 by Angel Macias and Robert Spiet, but the group originally started in 1999 as a community group.
When the group first started, they raised funding for awareness on community issues by putting together educational workshops, conferences, events for community organizations, empowerment retreats, business and schools.
The California Families in Focus organization has partnered with numerous community partners from all over California.
There are many programs available to people of all ages for self wellness or to serve the community if they wish to volunteer.
Diana Norman is a coordinator of the organization that mainly focuses on the program Familia y Fortazela, whose main priority is body, mind, and spirit.
“After COVID-19 a lot of people have dealt with many issues and this program allows them to balance their life again and try to get back to the way things were,” Norman said.
Meetings are frequently held and are focused on ways to improve one’s nutrition and recently, Familia y Fortazela helped someone in need of a wheelchair that couldn’t afford it due to financial insecurities.
Becoming an annual sponsor for this organization will result in donor benefits, such as invitations to the events and recognition from the senate and the city of Long Beach, as well as the organization.
They have a program called V.I.P which is a one-year after-school mentoring and tutoring program for teenagers.
They also have an annual Christmas event where they produce a Christmas party for women, children, men and LGBTQ community that deal with domestic violence, drug addiction. They also provide homeless shelters during the holidays.
‘I Matter 2’ Rainbow Family Festival is a one day multicultural music festival with a highlight on anti-bullying and suicide awareness for LGBTQ families and allies.
The Kimberly Maddox Youth Scholarship Program is for students or youth in general to participate in programs where they can receive a scholarship upon completion.
All of these programs are great outlets for students to find out what they’re interested in and what career paths are good for them. Students can figure out their interests while receiving help and support from scholarships and the community.
Michelle Flores, has been a volunteer for the organization for five years. She is also the first recipient of the scholarships provided.
Flores stated that students “can gain experience from volunteering, they can meet more people for work opportunities in the future and gain new skills and knowledge from all the events in programs that the organization provides.”