The Book Truck, which is exactly what it sounds like, is designed to ignite a love of reading in teenagers who are the most in need.

Throughout its history of providing creative art services and art therapy to individuals with disabilities, the nonprofit has moved nearly every decade, often due to climbing rent prices, each time having to navigate finding a safe location that is fully accessible.

With aging computers and little class time dedicated to technology or engineering topics, three local women recognized a change that had to be made—particularly getting more girls into STEM fields.

For the first time, this year’s ball will have a theme, “Wonderland,” with hopes to inspire creativity and added flair to the traditional black and white apparel, said executive director Carlos Torres.

The qualifications a nonprofit must meet to receive services from the center are simple: the project has to directly impact underserved communities in a positive and meaningful way.

For those in need of solace and a way to quiet their minds in turbulent times, entering a meditative space can be “like getting a cool glass of water on a hot day,” according to Travis Ott-Conn.

Although Long Beach Ballet’s productions are performed primarily by students, artistic director David Wilcox has developed them to a professional level.

Unite the People, an organization dedicated to fighting for the incarcerated, began from within Ceasar McDowell’s prison cell at San Quentin State Prison.

Since the organization’s 1991 founding, Rebuilding Together Long Beach has completed over 300 home repair and community revitalization projects, largely for elderly, disabled, and/or veteran community members.