Stories Week: The LEAB (Lived Experience Advisory Board)
At Kingdom Causes Bellflower (KCB), and in most other arenas, some of the most powerful change and strongest insight comes from those who’ve walked the path themselves. This “Stories” week, we’re shining a light on our Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB), a group of amazing neighbors who’ve experienced the life themselves, accepted help from KCB, and now dedicate themselves to being a light in our community. Their mission? To mobilize and provide transformative services so every neighbor has a place to live, work, and belong. (Sound familiar?)
The LEAB is more than a board.. This amazing group meets at KCB regularly, joins our street outreaches, volunteers their time, and they all give generously with whatever they’re able to. As our ED, Andrew, puts it, “All of these folks are some of the most generous I know. They don’t have a lot or make a lot, but they give a lot of what they do have without hesitation.”
(So.. what exactly is the LEAB?)
The LEAB is a participant-led group that brings the voices of those with lived experience to the forefront. Their goals are clear:
Advocate for participants and improvements across all KCB programs.
Engage with the community to gather feedback for KCB’s Board.
Foster a sense of community and peer support for all participants.
Through their time and work, they exist to make sure KCB’s services evolve to meet real needs, and that it always stays grounded in real stories.
(Sounds cool! But.. who’s on the LEAB team?)
Each member brings a unique aspect to the LEAB, but they’re each fueled by their own journey and a deep desire to give back. If I wrote out each of their amazing stories, you’d be reading for a long time, so instead, here’s a little peak into what makes each of them go.
Lena – 2 Years on LEAB
Lena is a single mom that was housed through KCB. She works tirelessly to create a better life for her family than the one she grew up with. Her drive to serve comes from gratitude: “I want to give back and help people the way that I was helped.”
Lena’s commitment shows in her presence at meetings and outreaches, where her empathy lights the way for others.
Araceli – 2 Years on LEAB
Araceli thrives on structure, systems, and data, and she uses her skills to keep KCB’s services informed and effective. She believes, “The more informed we are, the more we can help and represent the different community needs.”
Her analytical mind and heart for service make her a powerful advocate for Bellflower’s diverse community.
Ellen – 2 Years on LEAB
Ellen’s story is one of trust and transformation. After seven years of KCB’s persistent outreach on the streets, she took a chance, got housed, and became a cornerstone of our work. She even turned one of her two bedrooms into a clothing donation center for homeless neighbors. At a recent outreach, Ellen spotted a homeless couple with a dog and went out of her way to buy and deliver a big bag of dog food.
Her words capture her purpose: “I want to help make a difference and make my experience worth it.”
Jessica – 2 Years on LEAB
Jessica pushes past her comfort zone daily to serve neighbors in need, all while boasting one of the largest Minnie Mouse ear collections around.
Jessica’s courage and joy inspire everyone she meets. “I want to help people who need help to get to where I am today.”
Peter – 1 Year on LEAB
A veteran, Peter now serves his country by caring for those often overlooked. He walks over five miles a day for both health and outreach, connecting with neighbors in need. Peter’s selflessness is a testament to the LEAB’s heart.
His daily mission is clear: “I just want to help people in any way I can. I want my day to matter.”
The LEAB members show up for their people. They show up at KCB meetings, they hit the streets for outreaches, they donate what they can, and they pour their time and energy into building a stronger, more connected Bellflower. There’s action behind their words, and we’re so thankful to be a part of their journeys. Their lived experiences give them a unique lens to shape our services, and they help us remember that sometimes changes are not just effective but deeply human.
This “Stories” week, we celebrate Lena, Araceli, Ellen, Jessica, and Peter for their generosity, resilience, and commitment to their neighbors. They remind us that true community is built by those who give from the heart, no matter how much or how little they have.
Want to join us in supporting this work? Connect with KCB now to learn how you can get involved.
Until next time..