The Heart of Ida

Every donation will help us continue our work to support Long Beach seniors in need with programs and services that sustain independence and connection within their community. 

This year, on September 24, 2026, our focus is simple: keeping Heart of Ida strong and steady so we can continue to be here for Long Beach seniors. Like many nonprofits, we are facing rising costs and reduced funding—but the needs of older adults in our community are greater than ever.

Your support keeps our #StayConnected initiatives alive, providing:

📖 Publishing and distributing the AgeWell Long Beach Senior Resource Guide to 5000+ seniors

📚 Sharing health education and addressing social determinants of health through our partnership with the CSULB School of Nursing.

🌟 Benefits Enrollment Support that assists seniors with applying for programs that save costs on Medicare, prescription, and food.  

💻 Providing one-on-one Tech Help to seniors 

☎️ Reaching over 2,500 of local seniors with our Stay Connected phone messages 

🤝 Managing the Long Beach Aging Services Collaborative to strengthen ties between local service providers 

🐶 Volunteer pet walks, 💌 Personal connections, 🧺 Seasonal Care Bags...and SO MUCH more!!! 

Heart of Ida was founded in 2008 by sisters Dina Berg and Keri Reich to honor their beloved grandmother, Ida. Inspired by Ida’s lifelong dedication to serving low-income, isolated older adults, they continued her legacy by creating Long Beach’s only nonprofit focused on supporting seniors. Today, Heart of Ida continues this mission with a compassionate, person-centered approach, partnering with volunteers, the city, and local organizations to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable older adults.

Testimonials

Barbara’s Story – Heart of Ida Provides Tech Help for Seniors

Overwhelmed by new devices, Barbara struggled to navigate her smartphone and work laptop. During weekly Wednesday sessions, a Heart of Ida intern patiently taught her how to organize email folders, manage contacts, and simplify her devices at her own pace. Today, she navigates technology with confidence and ease—empowered to handle everyday tasks independently.

Patience and encouragement turn complex technology into everyday independence

Your gift during Long Beach Gives helps us provide senior tech help with dignity and patience. 

Elias’s Story – Heart of Ida is a Lifeline to Seniors

After losing his wife , Elias needed help renewing his application for the Lifeline discounted phone service. He was proud of continuing his traditional ways of only having a landline and flip phone. Our BEC Counselor worked with Elias step by step until his benefits were submitted and approved for renewal. Navigating services can be frustrating to older adults without a trusted advocate. Elias later came back to the office just to say thank you and to let us know he will be telling his veteran friends to stop by. 

Connection is everything. Your gift during Long Beach Gives helps senior veterans like Elias Stay Connected to loved ones and their community.  

Danny’s Story– Resilience 

Danny was battling health conditions and found himself isolated in a local senior building until he came across our volunteer flyer in the elevator of his building. Danny has now volunteered for Heart of Ida for over 3 years and is considered a champion in his senior community, being the face of 2026 AgeWell Resource magazine guide : Thriving at every Age. Danny now volunteers every Monday during drop in support hours and sometimes even sings and plays the ukulele for us, embodying the true meaning meaning of finding purpose through service, wellness, and community 

Stories like Danny’s remind us why Heart of Ida exists—to offer dignity, warmth, and hope. Your gift during Long Beach Gives helps older adults like Danny Stay Connected and involved with our community.