Ten years ago, I moved to Long Beach with the expressed plan to work in LGBTQ+ Senior Services.  Elders Rising Org began with volunteer work at The Center, open meetings about affordable housing and a project focusing on Long Beach Elders who carved a remarkable path of safety and acceptance.

Seems life had very different plans as I was quickly drawn to teaching Buddhism and meditation and created The Lantern Initiative.  In the evenings, attending council meetings, I supported CLUE, Labor, the port workers and the housekeepers.  I did bring Pacific Shore NOW with me in the move.

I think when my next book is finished, I may return to Elders Rising and pick up where we left off.  We really have a good start.

Zoe Nicholson
February 2026