About New Hope

Hope and healing, since 2000.

To help bereaved adults, children, and families find hope and healing through connection and support.

Since 2000, New Hope has served bereaved adults, children, and families across the Greater Long Beach area, with warm, community-based programs led by people who genuinely care and have experienced loss themselves.

Our vision

A community where bereaved children and families have strong support systems, and live healthy, flourishing lives after a loss.

We heal best in community, surrounded by people who understand.
Grief is as unique as the person you've lost. There's no timeline, and no wrong way.
The best support comes from people who have walked through grief themselves.
No one should be turned away for lack of funds.

Our values

Service

We use our gifts and talents to advance the genuine well-being of those we serve.

Connection

Relationships (with our community, partners, and each other) are our most valuable resource.

Compassion

We stand with others in their suffering so they can find hope and healing.

Our team

Sonya Lowe, MBA

Executive Director

Sonya brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership across organizational development, human resources, education, and community engagement. Her work is rooted in helping people navigate life’s challenges and in building programs that empower individuals and families to heal and thrive.

Jazmine “Jaz” Forsythe

Volunteer Coordinator

Kris Zerhuesen

Grief Group Facilitator & Program Manager

Kris Zerhusen is a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) with more than 20 years of experience in social services. Throughout her career, she has supported individuals and groups navigating mental health challenges, domestic trauma, grief, and loss, including mothers and children experiencing difficult life transitions.

Kris brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work. Her own grief journey following the loss of her mother and her beloved husband, Bob, after 27 years of marriage, has deepened her compassion for those experiencing profound loss. Through a thoughtful and creative approach, Kris provides a supportive space where individuals can express their emotions, process grief, and discover pathways toward healing and hope.

Payton Lowe

Volunteer & Corporate Outreach Manager

Payton Lowe is a dedicated community and healthcare professional with experience in volunteer engagement, corporate outreach, education, research, and community service. She brings a strong ability to build relationships, coordinate initiatives, and connect people and organizations with meaningful opportunities to make an impact.

At New Hope Grief Support Community, Payton focuses on expanding volunteer engagement and cultivating corporate and community partnerships. She is passionate about bringing people together, strengthening community connections, and creating opportunities that advance New Hope’s mission. Payton hold a Masters in BioMedical Science from Cal Baptist University.

Her work reflects New Hope’s commitment to Support. Heal. Connect. and ensuring that No One Has to Grieve Alone.

Erin Eng

Social Media Consultant

Erin Eng serves as the Social Media Engagement Consultant for New Hope Grief Support Community, where she helps create a compassionate and welcoming digital presence for individuals and families navigating grief and loss. Through thoughtful storytelling, meaningful engagement, and mission-driven communication, Erin connects the community with valuable resources, encouragement, and opportunities for support.

With a focus on authentic connection, Erin uses social media to extend New Hope’s reach, strengthen community relationships, and ensure that those experiencing grief feel seen, supported, and less alone. Her work reflects New Hope’s commitment to creating spaces of understanding, connection, and hope—both in the community and online.

Stephanie Lee

Director of Adminstration and Operations

Stephanie Lee is a seasoned Operations, Human Resources, and Administration professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting organizational effectiveness and workforce operations. Her expertise includes employee relations, payroll, benefits administration, onboarding, compliance, and administrative management. Known for her approachable leadership style, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills, Stephanie brings a people-centered approach to operations while creating efficient systems that support employees, strengthen teams, and help organizations thrive.

Board of Directors

Lindsay Gervacio

Board President

Richard Feinberg

Secretary

Daniel Smith

Board Member

Claudia Ontiveros

Board Member

Charity Navigator rated · 87 /100

501(c)(3) nonprofit · Tax ID 01-0635627 · Long Beach, CA

With gratitude

Our partners & funders

New Hope is powered by the generosity of donors, foundations, and community partners across Long Beach. With heartfelt thanks to those who make hope and healing possible.