Laguna Beach Nonprofit Council Meets Again Tuesday, Sept 13th

The Laguna Beach Nonprofit Council meets this Tuesday, September 13th at the Susi Q. All involved as board members, staff, volunteers welcome to share updates. This volunteer council promotes collaboration, unity, and awareness.

Last meeting was focused on wellness partners who chose to services to support Laguna Beach nonprofits. These included: Morgyn Danae Wellness, whose dance studio is on Glenneyre, Dr. Veronica Nice, with a holistic approach to pain and chiropractic work, and local hypnotherapy practice Marilyn Wellness Studio which helps individuals release past trauma to focus on brighter futures.

As for some updates from our local charities, Laguna Beach Food Pantry has been serving 750 families weekly. With the costs of basic needs and food at all-time highs, the organization has an urgent need for empty egg cartons and paper bags. These may be delivered or shipped to 20652 Laguna Canyon Road.

The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach supported local nonprofit on July 29th by awarding $12,000 in grants to Just Gather, Laguna Beach Community Clinic, Laguna Beach Live!, Laguna Beach Seniors, Laguna Canyon Foundation, Laguna Food Pantry, LOCA Arts Education, and The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach.

Sara Gottshalk, recently appointed as Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Resource Coordinator, shared their work dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the 22,000 acres of wilderness that surround Laguna Beach.

The Ability Awareness Project, which prevents cyberbullying and promotes safe and healthy schools, is planning its annual Day of Kindness Event in partnership with the City of Laguna Beach on Saturday, November 12th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Cobblestone area of Main Beach will be filled with music, art, and family wellness activities, and finishes with Tibetan monks leading yoga. Families asked to save the date for this free community event with limited tickets available for the tented VIP happy hour 3-6 p.m.

School Power continues to help our student families thrive, continually assessing how to best serve the community in partnership with LBUSD. Their new Family Resource Center will ensure students have access to crisis support, financial assistance, tutoring, mental health support, and after-school programs. As well, it offers parent resources with opportunities to connect and educate families.

Sally’s Fund continues to serve our seniors with basic needs, deliveries, and assistance. Please follow Sally’s Fund on Instagram @SallysFundInc and Facebook.

The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (formerly BC Space upstairs at 235 Forest Avenue near Violet Boutique, Candy Baron) together Laguna's first-ever Juneteenth commemoration/celebration. The organization is now offering ballet and contemporary dance lessons as well as live performances during Art Walk.

Friendship Shelter played a role in the 17% reduction in homelessness countywide recently revealed by the Point In Time count. More details will be forthcoming from the multiple nonprofits that contributed to the count and are working on ending homelessness in OC. (Worth noting: according to the PIT Count, there are only 585 people experiencing homelessness in south OC.) A fall “Intersections” luncheon event is planned for November 1 at the Pacific Club. This event is instead of an annual gala. Friendship Shelter is hiring Site Coordinators to provide on-site supervision and support to clients and oversee the safety and security of facilities. Contact Office@friendshipshelter.org

Erin Slattery has been appointed CEO of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce. At the meeting, she spoke on the benefits of Chamber membership and the reduced fee nonprofit rate Registration is now open for the Chamber’s largest event the Taste of Laguna. All are welcome to join on October 13th at the Festival Grounds.

Just Gather, a new digital detox organization, recycles and repurposes assorted materials for art projects. Community request for: old magazines, greeting cards, craft items. To arrange to drop off/pick off email: hello@justgather.org

PUP Laguna Beach, the fundraising arm of Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, is dedicated to bridging the gap between City funding and the special needs of our animals. Currently, the organization requests potty pads and pet treats (not from China).

Catmosphere Laguna Foundation has been flourishing with many felines and adoption pop-up events and has donation requests for litter, cat toys, and food. Save the date for the next adoption event is October 8th at Gelson’s.

Design With Purpose has now created 16 well-spaces at schools, nonprofits, and hospitals with plans to build a local one in September. The Assistance League of Laguna Beach continues to put caring and commitment into action assisting several local organizations. They recently reopened after summer maintenance.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center has been making great strides in research, education, and conservation and plans for campus expansion. Their annual gala is on October 23rd at the Festival Grounds.

Laguna Art Museum kept summer fun with students taking over the galleries on Wednesdays for artful engagement. As well, the team is gearing up for Art & Nature the first weekend in November with indoor and outdoor components as well as a free family festival on November 6th.

The Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach's Night at the Ranch is features Common Sense on September 23rd.

Laguna Playhouse has been honoring thespian traditions for over 100 years with compelling performances as well as education. This fall includes a variety of entertainment to suit all tastes -visit https://lagunaplayhouse.com/ .

Extraordinary Lives Foundation is hosting a Comedy Gala at the Festival of the Arts on October 19th.

Lastly, our Susi Q. Community Center provides classes, support, and events to promote community and learning. Weekly updates are featured in Stu News. For any questions/shares about offerings or meeting requests, please email lbnpcouncil@gmail.com.