Inner City Ministries of Long Beach, California was started in 1967 by Fred and Mardella Newkirk. Their focus was to reach the hurting people of an area of the city that had long experienced poverty, drug addiction and gang violence. After they developed a connection with Quaker Meadow Camp, many young people of those streets were inspired to serve Christ and become leaders in the community. They started a Sunday evening church meeting, first providing a good meal. They have continued their mission, under the present leadership of Derek Brooks, an active community pastor associated with the Long Beach Friends Church, while the Newkirks are currently on a break. Complying carefully with Covid 19 restrictions, they are able to deliver spiritual nourishment from the parking lot of the church, and a Thursday morning breakfast and message, too. They work with a local multiple service center to assist with housing and employment needs. Pastor Brooks states that the spiritual guidance provided, and just taking the time to have conversation with people experiencing a time of even more isolation is of vital importance.