Wellness Tip: Giving your time, energy and resources often gives us more than we expect. Whether you’re looking to volunteer or donate to allcove Beach Cities, or finding another incredible organization close to your heart, now is the best time to get involved.

Happy Holidays from allcove Beach Cities!

‘Tis the season for togetherness, gratitude and some extra time to (hopefully) slow down as 2024 draws to a close.

We know that the holidays aren’t always easy for everyone, and so while we wish you hope, joy, peace and connection in this season, we also want to remind you that we’re here if you need support.

naloxone + fentanyl testing strips available for free at allcove Beach Cities

stop by the front desk for more information

handmade holiday + clothing upcycle event

Thursday, December 19, 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Come join us at our Handmade Holiday event where you'll have the chance to make original, handcrafted gifts that your loved ones will cherish. We will provide all the supplies for homemade candles, jewelry and art pieces. Gift wrapping and homemade cards will also be available.

You can also upcycle your old clothes and catch some new magical threads, maybe even find something you can gift! Give away any old pieces taking up closet space and find a new thrifted favorite.

Download the January calendar

Now is the time to donate to allcove Beach Cities!

Disrupt the youth mental health crisis and donate to allcove Beach Cities.

For #GivingTuesday this year, we launched our new fundraising efforts! We’re asking supporters of youth mental health to help us sustain the work of caring for young people by donating to allcove Beach Cities – and doing so in a way that expands access and breaks down barriers.

Join our efforts by giving a one-time gift or becoming a monthly donor to support the center’s work and the young people in our community.

You can help reinvent the future of youth mental health by partnering with us.

“One of the biggest challenges for youth is finding people and places that truly understand what we are going through and allcove is that place, because everything within it has been created with youth input.”

- Alina, youth community member

Give Today

Q: Where are allcove participants and visitors coming from?

A: As of October 31, 2024, the number of enrolled participants at allcove Beach Cities is 1,112, and breaks down as follows: Redondo Beach (37.2%), Torrance (17.7%), Manhattan Beach (12.3%), Hermosa Beach (5.3%), Hawthorne (4.4%), Inglewood (2.8%), Rancho Palos Verdes (3.8%), Lawndale (1.7%), Gardena (1.3%), El Segundo (1.8%) and Palos Verdes Peninsula (2.0%). “Other” (4.9%) and five other cities at less than 1% each make up the remainder of enrolled participants.

There have been 9,439 visits by young people to allcove Beach Cities in the two years the center has been open.

A primary goal of bringing an allcove center to Redondo Beach was to make their services more accessible to young people in BCHD’s service area. With more than half of enrolled participants (54.8%) and visitors (54.5%) coming from the Beach Cities, it is clear that young people in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach are benefitting from the presence of allcove Beach Cities on the BCHD Campus. If allcove was not open to all young people in Service Planning Area 8 (South Bay), State or Federal Funds – now totaling $10.8 million – would not be available for this service and it would not exist here.

Q: Where is the location of the allcove Beach Cities building?

A: The first building in the Healthy Living Campus, allcove Beach Cities is planned for the SW corner of Beryl Street and Flagler Lane in Redondo Beach, on land owned by BCHD. allcove Beach Cities is currently operating in a temporary location on the 4th floor at the BCHD Health Center at 514 N. Prospect Avenue in Redondo Beach.

Like other BCHD programs, including the Center for Health & Fitness and AdventurePlex, allcove Beach Cities will occupy space at the BCHD-owned facility but is not a tenant. More than $10.8 million in state and federal grant funding has been awarded to BCHD for allcove Beach Cities' operating expenses and the construction of a permanent home for the youth center.

'Tis the Season for Giving – Holiday Helpers was a huge success!

Let the spirit of giving continue! We were honored to be a distribution site for Local Anchor’s Holiday Helpers initiative to support local families across the South Bay this holiday season! During the last few weeks, community members have donated gifts, compiled hygiene kits and gathered warm clothing to share with our neighbors here. The allcove Beach Cities Youth Advisory Group also got in on the fun wrapping gifts to share with families this holiday season.

Together, the effort was able to support nearly 60 South Bay families and nearly 60 unaccompanied minors this holiday.

Thank you to Laura and the team at Local Anchor for putting on this incredible set of events! Thank you to each and every community member that donated items, gave their time and shared in the holiday spirit with us. We are so grateful to be part of it.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy holiday!

Watch Video of Holiday Helpers

Meet the Clinical Coordinators, Kelsey & Lily

We are so excited for you to get to know both of our Clinical Coordinators, Kelsey & Lily! They’re available to help young people navigate our mental health services and work with those who are part of our Community Diversion program.

Name: Kelsey Ikemoto Hast

Pronouns: She/her

Favorite Vacation Spot: The Hawaiian Islands

Favorite Trait About Yourself: I appreciate my ability to adapt in various settings

One talent you have that no one would guess: I can eat endless amounts of pizza

What superpower would you have: Being able to communicate in any language

What made you want to get into this work: My family exposed me to volunteer work at a young age and it was always a meaningful and powerful experience. When I was determining my major during undergrad, an advisor recommended I take a handful of classes in areas of interest, and I'll never forget the first day of my social work class. The curriculum felt very close to my value system, and I became more and more eager to begin my career as a social worker.

What are you most excited about working at allcove Beach Cities: I have lived and traveled to different areas to work and volunteer as a social worker. I am so proud and honored to now work in an area I was born and raised.

Name: Lily

Pronouns: she/her/ella

Favorite Vacation Spot: Camping at Morro Bay or Big Sur, CA

Favorite Trait About Yourself: My friendly and empathetic personality.

One talent you have that no one would guess: I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.

What superpower would you have: Stopping time.

What made you want to get into this work: Growing up in a low-income household and neighborhood, I often wished there was an adult I could turn to for guidance. Now, as a therapist, I can support the young people I work with.

What are you most excited about working at allcove Beach Cities: I’m most excited about making a positive impact on the youth in the South Bay and giving back to my community.

allcove Beach Cities will also be closed for the holidays Nov. 28-30, Dec. 24-25, 30 and Jan. 1

Learn more about our peer support services

cove Happenings

If you’re catching up on homework, or just needing a break and a safe space to hang out, join us for events in the cove at allcove Beach Cities.

Click here to register for the events below

gender identity dialogue

Tuesday, January 7 and 21 from 5 – 6 p.m.

A closed circle space for trans, gender non-conforming and questioning youth to have a safe facilitated group conversation about their unique and shared experiences. An opportunity to meet and connect with other youth over gender identity.

paint & pause

Thursday, January 9, 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Hang out and paint in the cove! Join us for a calm afternoon of creativity and connection. No prior art experience required! All art supplies will be provided.

purpose workshop

Thursday, January 16, 5 – 6 p.m.

Join us for a Youth Purpose Workshop. Purpose is your reason for getting up each morning. Discover how to align your gifts, talents and interests to create purpose in daily life in our workshop.

clothing upcycle event

Thursday, January 23, 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Looking for some new threads to start the new year? Come join us to upcycle your old clothes and catch some new magical threads. Give away any old pieces taking up closet space and find a new thrifted favorite.

unplugged

Friday, January 31, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Local acoustic singer songwriter showcase! Perform in the classic unplugged atmosphere and share songs with each other. Experience live music from local youth musicians and find community. We are a judgment-free zone and safe space for you to perform or just come to show your support for others and watch.

Resources for Families

Click here to register for the events below

family support group

Wednesday, January 8 at 5:30 – 7 p.m.

514 N. Prospect Ave. Redondo Beach, CA 90277, Lower Level – Redondo Room

A group of families helping other families who live with mental health challenges by utilizing their collective lived experiences and learned wisdom.

virtual families connected parent chat

Tuesday, January 14 at 10 – 11 a.m.

Monthly support group open to all South Bay parents and caregivers that provides a supportive space to share parenting challenges and successes. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87374623578

family coaching

Family coaching is available for parents/caregivers on how to build a strong and lasting relationship with their young person. Call (310) 374-5706 to make an appointment.