A Message From The President

“LBBF’s SHORTSTOP Programs have been making a difference in kids' lives since 1994. It is one of the best community organizations I have been involved with. After having helped (in a very minor way) with the creation of Shortstop, I did not actually join the Board of Directors for several more years. Since then however, I have been very actively involved and served as CFO for the past ten years. I also served as a Community Volunteer for many years.

“As a Community Volunteer, I have had the opportunity to talk to kids from all walks of life who had made one very wrong choice. As we know, teenagers are notoriously self centered and tend to think parents and teachers “don’t know anything.”  Many of the kids coming to Shortstop have problems with mental health and/or substance abuse, either personally or in their families. Our programs give them another perspective and help them see how their actions affect not only their futures but also their families and friends and help them learn how to make better choices.

“Although we charge a minimal amount for our programs, it is not enough to maintain the high quality of Shortstop, JEM and Family Counseling. We are helping to improve the lives of the kids who come to us and their families, which also helps to improve the community around us. I hope you will join our community of supporters so that together we can continue to make a difference for all of us.”

-Anne Johnson
Member, Board of Directors, 
Long Beach Bar Foundation and SHORTSTOP Youth Projects