OUR MISSION

About us

Christian Outreach in Action (COA) is a non-denominational non-profit organization whose mission is to Transform the lives of homeless and impoverished individuals in Long Beach and Greater Los Angeles since 1981 so they may reach and sustain self-sufficiency and independence.

Get Involved

our vision

Changing the lives of those in need

Releasing the stressors of food insecurity

Reducing the homeless count

Helping low-income individuals and families

become more self-sufficient

Helping vulnerable populations

reach their full potential

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59%
of Americans Find Themselves "One Paycheck Away" from Homelessness

64%
increase in homelessness in Long Beach
since 2020

82%
of the primary issues were found to be from rising housing costs

what we do

our story

For more than four decades, our presence has been a beacon of hope in the heart of our community, extending a helping hand to those facing economic hardships in Long Beach and Greater LA. Every day, we strive to make a difference by providing essentials like food, diapers, and more to anyone in need. In our journey, we stand as a lifeline for those experiencing tough times, including the homeless, seniors, struggling families, and individuals yearning for a glimmer of hope. We believe in the power of compassion and resilience, inspiring others to believe in brighter tomorrows. At the core of our mission lies a commitment to serve with love and empathy. We are the sole agency in Long Beach offering hot meals every single day, along with vital amenities like public restrooms and a five-day-a-week food bank. Our array of programs, from serving nutritious harty hot meals, distributing fresh produce, senior programs, to hosting legal clinics and providing essential items like clothing and furniture, aims to uplift spirits and restore dignity. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated donors and volunteers. It's their selflessness and generosity that fuels our efforts and enables us to touch countless lives. We are not government-funded, relying solely on the kindness of individuals like you. Whether it's a struggling senior, a single mother, or someone who has lost everything due to unforeseen circumstances like the pandemic, we are here to offer a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our community with compassion and dedication. Together, let us continue to be beacons of light, spreading kindness and inspiring change in the lives of those who need it most.

In the bustling city of Long Beach, there lived a man named Jack Jensen. Born and bred in the heart of the community, Jack possessed an unyielding determination to make a difference. He was a pretty normal guy, but he had a goal to become a millionaire by the time he was 30. He went to college while working at Edison and got his CPA while also making many wise investments in local commercial real estate. By the time he turned 30, Jack was certainly rich; however he was also an alcoholic and a drug addict. He woke up one morning and realized his life was not what he had imagined it to be. He was miserable, and went out on a search for answers. Jack's journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself drowning in the depths of addiction, his dreams overshadowed by despair. But even in his darkest moments, Jack refused to succumb to defeat. Seeking solace and guidance, he sought refuge at Christ Lutheran Church, where a simple yet profound message from the pastor ignited a spark within him: "Get out of yourself and do for others." Inspired by these words, Jack embarked on a transformative quest for meaning. From the refugee camps of Cambodia to the impoverished streets of Mexico, he dedicated himself to serving those in need, finding fulfillment in acts of compassion. Yet, amidst his global endeavors, Jack couldn't ignore the plight of the homeless in his own backyard. Driven by a desire to effect change closer to home, he turned his attention to the federal food bank in Long Beach. There, he lent his time and expertise, striving to alleviate the suffering of the marginalized. It was during his service at the food bank that Jack made a startling revelation – canned goods alone couldn't address the hunger faced by the homeless without access to a kitchen. Determined to bridge this gap, Jack embarked on a new mission. One fateful day, as he cruised the streets of Long Beach in his trusty Volkswagen van, Jack stumbled upon a beacon of hope – a kitchen for rent at 515 E. Third Street. With unwavering resolve, he seized the opportunity, transforming the space into a sanctuary of nourishment and compassion. Gathering volunteers from local churches, Jack breathed life into the kitchen, turning it into a hub of community support. Over the years, the kitchen became a symbol of hope, serving thousands of meals to those in need and fostering a sense of belonging among the marginalized. Today, Jack's legacy lives on, a testament to the power of one man's passion for service. Through his unwavering commitment and tireless dedication, he proved that a single act of kindness has the potential to ignite a ripple of change, shaping the fabric of a community for generations to come.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Introducing Our Board Members: The Driving Force Behind Our Vision.

President

Bill Saul

Bill is retired and the owner of seven local Chevrolet Auto Dealerships. He is a member of Grace First Presbyterian Church. He has held various positions within the Presbyterian Church.

Secretary

Rev. Dr. Robert S. Langworthy

Pastor Rob has led Covenant Presbyterian Church for the last 30 years. He is involved in numerous Long Beach community organizations and is a proud supporter of COA.

Member

Dr. Joseph Abe, dds

Dr. Abe, one ofour founding Boad Members, is a Cosmetic and Family Dentistry who runs his practice in Pasadena, CA.He is an active member of the community. For 80 years, Dr. Abe has been contributing to the world around him with his many activities, projects and accomplishments.

Member

Mike Ciminera

Mike is retired and previously served as Vice President at Northrop Grumman. He is a member of St. John Fisher Church. He leads his Sandwich Ministry group who provides dinner on the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Member

nicoleta simionescu

Nicoleta Simionescu is a distinguished member of the board of directors, bringing her expertise and leadership to Christian Outreach in Action (COA). With a 10+ year tenure on the board, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and success of the organization. As President of Allways Financial Services, Inc. a local Real Estate, Mortgage and Insurance Brokerage since 1994, Nicoleta possesses a wealth of knowledge in the insurance, real estate and lending fields making her an invaluable asset to the board. She has a proven track record of finding the best insurance coverage for the organization, demonstrating her commitment to reducing costs for the COA. She continues to contribute strategic insights and guidance that help steer the organization toward continued success.

With her deep understanding of non-profits and unwavering commitment to COA's mission and values, Nicoleta plays an instrumental role in advancing the board's objectives and ensuring the organization remains a pioneer in transforming the lives of homeless and impoverished individuals.

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Member

Andrew cohn

Andrew has been a Resident of Long Beach since 1987. He is a retired business owner of Duncan Bolt Co. and a member of Bayshore Community Congregational Church.

Member

Steve be cotte

Member

Bill lanting

Bill Lanting is a Long Beach-area native and CEO of District Capital, a commercial real estate lender. Previously, Bill also had a 35-year career in the hotel industry with firms including Wyndham Hotels, Radisson Hotels, and his own hotel management company.

Bill is a former Board Member of San Francisco-based LavaMae, a provider of mobile shower services to the homeless.

Member

C.J. NOrd

With over 25 years of distinguished leadership in the manufacturing sector, C.J. Nord is recognized for her supply chain acumen, visionary thinking, and steadfast commitment to ethical standards. Beyond her professional endeavors, C.J. exemplifies a deep commitment to education and community empowerment. C.J.'s professional expertise is underscored by her Lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager credentials from The Institute for Supply Management and her Certified Supply Chain Professional designation from The Association for Supply Chain Management. Her contributions to community service have been recognized with accolades such as the BRAVO award for bravery in community service as Neighborhood Watch Captain, and the "Woman of the Year" honor from the Women’s March Foundation for her efforts against racism.