By Randy Gordon
On November 3rd, Precious Lamb Preschool will celebrate 20 years of making a difference in the lives of nearly 700 children and their families experiencing homelessness. The 20th Anniversary Gala will be held at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Long Beach. The event will honor both the founder of Precious Lamb, Sharalyn Shaw-Croft, and Grace Community Church of Seal Beach. Founding Pastor Don Shoemaker and past Board Chairs will also be recognized during this celebratory occasion to thank them for their dedication to this special organization.
Precious Lamb has been located in downtown Long Beach since opening its doors to students in 2002. After leasing space from the church since inception, the church recently sold its building to be developed into affordable housing. Precious Lamb (with the help of a top-notch, commercial real estate broker) secured a new location on a rare corner lot just a few blocks away near the Blue Line. Thanks to several very generous donors, the remodeled building and a new playground will be opened in the spring of 2023. More details about the new location will be unveiled at the Fall Gala on November 3rd.
The Mission
“Precious Lamb Preschool breaks the cycle of homelessness, one child at a time, through early education that promotes faith-building and school readiness to foster hopeful, healthy and permanent change.”
The Vision
Precious Lamb (PL) Preschool creates systemic and social change by interrupting the cycle of homelessness for young
children. The goal of PL is to develop school readiness through an emphasis on academic, social and emotional development
with a curriculum nuanced toward trauma. Children receive full day, year-round and high quality preschool education, while their parents pursue employment, education, counseling, and housing.
Impact
Since 2002, PL has served several hundred children ages 18 months to 5 years old, as many as 100 kids in one school year. 80 % of every dollar received is spent on programming. Each classroom has a uniquely low 1:4 teacher/child ratio which was designed to provide quality, trauma-informed education and care to each child.
PL partners with over 20 local shelters and programs, treating poverty, domestic violence, crisis pregnancy and substance abuse.
PL parents participate in programs or classes toward self-betterment while their children are enrolled in the school.
PL is the only faith-based preschool for children experiencing homelessness in Southern California.
It has been such a gift to serve on the board for 9 years. Most recently as the Board Chair of this wonderful organization for the past 2 years. I’d like to recognize the incredible board members I serve alongside whose support has allowed us to grow as we provide time and financial support to children and families experiencing homelessness.
Randy Gordon-Chair
President Emeritus
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Hans Stone-Vice-Chair
Co-Owner BluPrint Loans
Dr. Linda Perry
Board Secretary
Professor CSULB-Retired Public Admin LBUSD
Tony Gales
Board Treasurer
CPA, BMP LLP
Karen Cardenas
VP SBA Portfolio Banker, F&M Bank
Michael Tande
Co-President & COO McGuire Builders
Scott Bristol
Controller, Brascia Builders
John Howard
Owner/Store Operator of Chick-fil-A Long Beach Towne Center
Matt Cullen
Owner, Dion & Son’s
If you are interested in finding out more about this wonderful organization and attending its gala, please contact Development Director Alex Gray, at
agray@preciouslamb.org or call 562-243-1715 ext 13. Or visit the website: www.preciouslamb.org.
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