Open House and Ribbon Cutting

FOR RELEASE: August 12, 2022 MEDIA CONTACT: Lori J. Butler, CFRE /760-224-2074 (cell) PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: Available By Request Long Beach, – Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC), a leading provider of social services programs in Southern California will host a ribbon cutting and open house at their Long Beach/South Bay program office located in the City of Long Beach at 1611 Pine. The event will take place on Wednesday September 14 from 11:00 - Noon. The Chamber of Commerce of Long Beach will be present to lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The open house, entitled “A World of Services in Long Beach” will feature appetizers from around the world provided by LA Nonprofit & catering company, Flavors from Afar. Additionally, guests will enjoy tours, networking and prize drawings. The organization, which is licensed in 6 counties in Southern California, recently had upgrades made to the Long Beach site. These upgrades include new flooring of the main floor and the pantry, and the repaving of the parking lot. This site houses more than 30 staff members and serves as a site for more than 10 weekly volunteers. Some of the services provided from this location are case management, a food pantry, housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and more. “Now that we are remodeling and ramping back up in-person service following the pandemic crisis, there’s no better time to invite the public back to hear about the impact we have in our community,” shared Site Area Director Carla Kamar. Ms. Kamar is no stranger to solving some of the world’s toughest social challenges, as she worked at the United Nations for 25 years before coming on board at LSSSC to lead the Long Beach site. During COVID-19, she maintained the delivery of services into the community that kept families and individuals' physical, emotional and spiritual well-being at the forefront. To RSVP to the open house event or find out more about Lutheran Social Services Southern California visit: www.lsssc.org or call the Long Beach Office at (562) 599-1321 or email lbsbinfo@lsssc.org. ### About Lutheran Social Services of Southern California For 76 years, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping the most vulnerable families and individuals in Southern California. LSSSC is a social ministry organization with the Lutheran Services of America, one of the largest health and human service networks in America. Partners and funders include the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, and US Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services. The history of LSSSC dates back to 1944 when a handful of congregants from Lutheran churches in San Diego began providing services and resources to veterans returning home. This group joined with like-minded congregants in Los Angeles and formed Lutheran Social Services in 1946. Today, LSSSC employs almost 200 caring and dedicated staff that deliver more than 30 programs across six counties. Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping and empowering vulnerable people in Southern California.