We do five things and no more. The list has not changed in seven years because the need has not either. Each program is volunteer-led, no-cost to participants, and open to anyone in Los Angeles County regardless of church background.
An eight-week small-group study for adults new to the Christian faith or returning to it after time away. Structured around weekly conversation, not lecture.
Eight consecutive Sunday afternoons, 3:00-5:00 PM. Groups of six to ten participants meet in the fellowship hall of a partner parish or church. Each session opens with a shared meal, then moves into a structured conversation on the week's topic. No preparation is required between sessions.
Groups are co-led by two trained facilitators, usually one Foundations alumnus and one clergyperson from a partner church. Facilitators are not there to teach or convince; they hold space for conversation.
A guided weekend retreat and quarterly follow-up gatherings for married couples of any tenure, from newly married to decades in.
One weekend annually (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) at a small conference center in Malibu, followed by four quarterly follow-up gatherings, half-day sessions on Saturdays hosted at partner parishes.
Communication practices, forgiveness as a discipline (not a feeling), shared spiritual practice, and, for couples with children, the marriage-parenthood interaction. Twelve couples maximum per weekend to keep group conversation possible.
There is no cost to participate. The Foundation covers the facility fees; couples cover their own travel. Scholarships are available for travel where necessary.
A pastoral companionship group for adults navigating grief, divorce, retirement, unexpected illness, or any of the hard transitions life brings.
Small groups (five to eight participants) meet twice monthly for two hours, one Sunday afternoon and one Wednesday evening each month, at rotating partner locations. Groups run in six-month cycles, with participants free to continue for as many cycles as they need.
Life After is companionship, not clinical care. Our facilitators are trained lay leaders, not therapists. Where clinical care is appropriate, we refer to trusted local counselors. Many participants find that both, group companionship and one-on-one counseling, serve different needs.
Practical service to older adults and families in the Culver City to Mar Vista corridor. Not a program you enroll in, a service you can request or volunteer for.
We ask a minimum of two hours per month for at least six months. Background checks are required for driving and in-home service; the Foundation covers the cost.
A structured mentorship program pairing high-school-age young adults (ages 16-20) with vetted adult volunteers for weekly conversation and life coaching over a two-year commitment.
Mentors and mentees meet weekly, coffee, a meal, or a walk. Meetings are typically one hour. The program provides quarterly full-day retreats where all mentor-mentee pairs gather for shared activities and structured group time.
Applications from young adults are reviewed annually in July. Adult mentor applications are accepted year-round; all mentors undergo background checks (Foundation-paid), reference calls, and a two-day training weekend before pairing.
Since Youth Bridge began in 2018: 47 mentor-mentee pairs, 8 continuing beyond the two-year commitment, 3 mentees who returned as mentors as adults.