Love Beyond Limits

Our organization is Love Beyond Limits. Since 2015 Love Beyond Limits has had its residence within the Long Beach Community Foundation Nonprofit Center. The heart of Love Beyond Limits is to provide enrichment and leadership development opportunities to youth in Long Beach, and the communities beyond. In our mentorship programs for young ladies and men between the ages of 13 and 17, we extend our programs to serve and empower the parents/caregivers as well. We understand that to ensure greater success as we reach the youth, we must include the entire family. Our goals are accomplished by building positive human characteristics through a series of on-going academic tutoring/counseling, sports and music programs, nature retreats, and self-esteem workshops. We have successfully held several fundraisers in the past 6 years that have continued to benefit numerous young people and families in Long Beach and neighboring communities.

Testimonials

"My name is Diana Reynoso. I'm 15 years old, and I'm from Compton, California. I attend 10th grade at Torrance High School. I joined 13 Stones when I was around twelve years old. I was in the sixth grade and middle school is a rough time all together so it really helped me through those three years. I learned about the importance of self-care, not just physically, but mentally, too. And thought the program is not faith-based, I was able to express my beliefs and just express myself in general.
Putting kids in a safe place like the one Maleka provides could really change the way they face the world. I really became a better version of myself. It took me a while to find confidence from my peers at LBL had made it easier. They were always patient, good listeners, and ready to guide us through our problems without judgment. Giving us healthy solutions and a support system. there was never a "dumb" question to ask or an uncomfortable topic. There wasn't that fear of judgment or rejection. We laughed and cried, learned from each other, and grew together. From creating vision boards to actually accomplishing those goals. We strengthened bonds with family, worked harder in school, and made improvements in our daily lives.
We built connections with people from everywhere. Whether it was at community events, within the opportunity to create friendships with kids my age from all over the world at a month-long leadership camp. I met more people at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Financial Literacy Life Vest Program, and got to see the smiles of children at the Ronald McDonald House. These experiences allowed me to be out of my comfort zone and be open to new people, cultures, and ideas."

"My name is Gabriel Reynoso, and I'm a Sophomore at Torrance High School. I have been attending Love Beyond Limits now for almost 5 years and the memories are unforgettable! Like being able to attend Villanova leadership Academy or when California Creations came and taught us how to make different dishes. LBL has taught me the importance of the 13 stones and how each stone ties into life. For example, the role of a mother to the role of a child or the child's respect for their parents or peers. Talking about these topics and having the opportunity for these experiences helped me over the years and I'm sure will help with the growth of other children."

LBL Summer Program 2023 Testimonials
In summer 2023, we proudly launched an interactive and educational youth program rooted in community values and youth empowerment. Each day was guided by our "13 Stones" curriculum, which we enriched with lessons in financial literacy, health and wellness, engaging, hands-on activities, to name a few.

Participants enjoyed unforgettable experiences like, go-karting, whale watching, and zip-lining- designed to build life skills, confidence, and social connection. Our goal was to provide a supportive environment where youth could grow, thrive, and carry these lessons into their futures.

Here are a few testimonials from youth participants of the program and some of their favorite experiences during their time:

"Fitness and financial literacy and football. And trustworthy staff. Have enjoyed 13 Stones. The ziplining was fun and whale watching. Also enjoyed volleyball and meditation room. Food [catering] was good. This program helped me overcome some things, and helped me be able to compliment someone" -A.H.

"I like the program and feel it is a safe space. I feel like I am better at public speaking, also learning about issues within the community such as the topic on unhoused residents. Every day of the program was not the same we learned something different" -S.W.

"A great program that allows people to learn, people here have been very cool. Fieldtrips have been cool, you are pushed out of your comfort zone. Overall a great program you experience things you may have never experienced" -L.P.