Let's Help LB Seniors Stay Connected/AgeWell
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
The Heart of IdaWe support Long Beach seniors in need with programs and services that sustain independence
$464
raised by 5 people
$555 goal
New update
🎉 WE HIT $444! THANK YOU! Now stretching for $555! 💗✨
I am so deeply moved and grateful for everyone who donated, shared, and supported my Long Beach Gives page for Heart of Ida! Thanks to your amazing generosity, we officially reached our original goal of $444! 🥳
Because the need among our local older adults is so great, I am raising our goal to $555! 🚀
Why your support makes such a difference: Every dollar raised directly sustains Heart of Ida's vital, one-on-one services for low-income seniors in Long Beach, including:
📲 1-1 Technology Assistance: Patient guidance helping older adults use smartphones and computers to stay connected with family and telehealth.
🍲 Benefits Enrollment Services: Hands-on assistance connecting seniors to CalFresh nutrition benefits, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Savings Programs.
📞 Stay Connected Wellness Calls: Regular check-ins and resource updates that fight isolation and bring warmth to isolated older adults.
Together, we are ensuring our senior neighbors can age safely, with dignity, and with a caring community behind them.
Can you help us cross the finish line to $555? Every gift—no matter the size—makes a big impact!
Thank you for believing in Heart of Ida and empowering Long Beach seniors! 💖
My name is Ailene Bustos, Program Coordinator with The Heart of Ida. My journey with this amazing organization began in 2023 when I had the honor to complete my internship with them as a CSULB College Corps intern, assisting with their Stay Connected initiatives.
The Heart of Ida has provided me with the opportunity to grow as an individual, as a student, and as leader. But most importantly, The Heart of Ida has provided me with a better sense of community. I am so thankful to have been matched with such an impactful organization and team!
I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, and as a native of Long Beach and Spanish-speaker, it is especially rewarding to be making a difference in our older adult communities on a daily basis. As Administrator of the Long Beach Aging Services Collaborative as of February 2026, I have had the opportunity to truly understand the needs of our Long Beach aging population and professionals. We have so much work left to do to proactively embody the Long Beach Age-Friendly Action Plan alongside the 300+ network of aging professionals, service providers, and organizations that serve older adults in Long Beach, CA. I politely ask that you take the time to consider donating to my peer fundraiser.
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 Staff, Volunteers and Interns