CityHeART

The YOUConnect Program is a volunteer- and peer-run initiative designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of case management services offered by primary service providers across Long Beach. By directly supporting case managers, YOUConnect extends their bandwidth, ensures continuity of care, and deepens the impact of services provided to Veterans, seniors, and families with children experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness.

What YOUConnect Volunteers Do

YOUConnect volunteers play a vital role in extending the reach and impact of case management services throughout Long Beach. As a YOUConnect volunteer, you will:

1. Support Case Management Teams:

   • Assist case managers with administrative tasks, such as organizing files, updating client records, and scheduling appointments.

   • Help coordinate follow-up calls or check-ins with clients to ensure continuity of care.

2. Enhance Client Services:

   • Work directly with clients by helping them complete housing applications, navigate healthcare systems, or access community resources.

   • Provide empathetic and supportive listening to clients facing challenging circumstances.

3. Facilitate Wellness Activities:

   • Lead or assist with wellness-focused group activities, such as art therapy workshops, peer support groups, or light exercise sessions.

   • Help plan and coordinate events that promote healing and community engagement.

4. Bridge Gaps in Care:

   • Act as a liaison between clients and service providers to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.

   • Assist with connecting clients to critical resources, such as transportation or emergency assistance programs.

5. Offer Peer Support:

   • Share your lived experience (if applicable) to inspire and encourage clients navigating similar challenges.

   • Foster a sense of community and connection by building trust and understanding.

YOUConnect volunteers are the heart of this program, bringing compassion, creativity, and commitment to every interaction. By joining this team, you’ll not only make a meaningful difference in the lives of others but also become part of a dynamic, supportive community dedicated to creating lasting change.

CityHeART is assembling a dedicated team of volunteers to support those who have found temporary refuge in Long Beach. While the full scope of this effort is still taking shape, your help is urgently needed now to ensure we’re ready to act when the time comes.

What We’re Doing

In the immediate term, we are:

• Hosting training sessions to prepare volunteers to navigate resources and provide support.
• Assembling HeART Resource Bundles (care packages filled with essential items and information to make the transition from Long Beach to the next step in their journey smooth and supported).

Our volunteers will also play a vital role in helping displaced individuals connect to long-term support and resources, both here in Long Beach and as they transition to their next steps.

Who We’re Looking For

We need community members of all backgrounds, skill levels, and areas of expertise. Whether you’re an expert in resource navigation, a great organizer, or simply have a passion for helping others, your unique talents can make a difference.

Why Volunteer?

This is your chance to:

• Be part of a compassionate, action-driven community.
• Receive training and gain skills in resource connection and care coordination.
• Directly support individuals and families in crisis.

How to Get Involved

Even as plans are finalized, we’re building our team now. By joining today, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in training sessions.
• Help assemble and distribute HeART-to-Home Packages.
• Join resource navigation teams to prepare long-term support systems

Your commitment now ensures that we can act swiftly when families and individuals need us most.