Inspiring Conversations with Courtney Lockridge of Impact LA, Inc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Lockridge

Hi Courtney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started with a deep-rooted passion for serving youth and underserved communities. As a California native, I found my calling while working in the nonprofit sector and engaging in community service programs. Over time, I developed a strong appreciation for addressing the critical needs of inner-city youth, particularly in areas like food security, education, and social development.

For seven years, I served as the Director of Nutrition Services, where I dedicated my career to ensuring students had access to nutritious meals after school. Every day, I worked to combat youth obesity and food scarcity, striving to make a difference one meal at a time. However, as time went on, I realized I wanted to do more—I wanted to create a lasting impact beyond just nutrition.

In 2017, alongside my best friend Emerita, I took a leap of faith and co-founded **Impact LA**, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources that promote a higher quality of life for individuals in underserved communities. We believed that every person, regardless of their environment, should have access to opportunities that allow them to reach their full potential.

Building Impact LA wasn’t easy. There were challenges—securing funding, building partnerships, and earning the trust of the communities we served. But through resilience, dedication, and the unwavering support of volunteers and community partners, we overcame those obstacles. Today, Impact LA runs various programs, from **food distribution and educational initiatives** to **fire relief aid and social-emotional development programs**. Seeing the direct impact of our work—whether it’s a child receiving their first backpack for school, a family enjoying a holiday meal, or a young person gaining access to opportunities they never imagined—fuels my commitment every day.

My story is one of **passion, perseverance, and purpose**. I want the world to know that change is possible when people come together with a shared vision. Impact LA is more than an organization; it’s a movement to uplift and empower communities. And this is just the beginning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building **Impact LA** from the ground up came with its fair share of challenges, but each obstacle only strengthened my commitment to the mission.

One of the biggest struggles was securing funding. As a nonprofit, financial resources are essential to running programs, providing meals, and expanding our reach. In the early days, we had to be incredibly resourceful—applying for grants, fundraising, and relying on community donations to keep things moving. It took time to build relationships with donors and partners who believed in our vision.

Another challenge was earning the trust of the communities we served. It’s not enough to just show up and offer resources; people need to know you’re in it for the long haul. We had to prove our dedication by consistently delivering on our promises, showing up even when things were tough, and genuinely listening to the needs of those we were helping.

Navigating logistics was another hurdle—coordinating meal distributions, organizing events, and managing volunteers all required careful planning and execution. There were moments of exhaustion and doubt, but having my best friend Emerita by my side made all the difference. We leaned on each other, problem-solved together, and never lost sight of why we started.

Through it all, I’ve learned that **perseverance, adaptability, and community support** are key. Challenges are inevitable, but when you stay focused on your purpose, you find a way forward. Looking back, every struggle was worth it because it brought us to where we are today—positively impacting lives, one step at a time.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Impact LA, Inc?
**Impact LA** is a nonprofit organization dedicated to **uplifting underserved communities** by providing essential resources, education, and support programs that empower individuals and families. Our mission is to create safe spaces, fight food insecurity, promote education, and offer social and emotional development opportunities to ensure everyone—regardless of their background—has the chance to thrive.

**What We Do & What We’re Known For**
At Impact LA, we take a **holistic approach** to community support. We don’t just focus on one area—we tackle multiple challenges affecting the well-being of individuals and families. Some of our core programs include:

– Food Assistance Programs** – We provide **free meals** year-round, including during summer, after-school hours, and at emergency shelters, ensuring no child or family goes hungry.
– Education & Expanded Learning** – We offer **backpacks, school supplies, and enrichment programs** that help students succeed beyond the classroom.
– Social & Emotional Development** – Our **camps and mentorship programs** help young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills.
– Disaster & Emergency Relief** – We provide **fire relief aid and emergency resources** to families affected by natural disasters in Los Angeles.
– Holiday Assistance Programs** – Events like our **Turkey Dinner Drive** ensure families have a warm meal and a reason to celebrate during the holidays.

**What Sets Us Apart**
We are **community-driven and deeply connected** to the people we serve. Unlike many large organizations, we take a personal, hands-on approach—ensuring that our programs address real, pressing needs. We’re not just providing temporary relief; we’re working toward **long-term impact and sustainability.**

Another thing that sets us apart is our **commitment to dignity and empowerment**. We don’t believe in just giving—we believe in **uplifting**. Whether it’s a meal, school supplies, or mentorship, we ensure that every resource we provide helps individuals move forward in their lives with confidence and opportunity.

**What We’re Most Proud Of**
I’m most proud of the real **impact** we’ve made. Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces when they receive a meal, hearing the gratitude from parents who no longer have to worry about school supplies, or watching a young person grow through our mentorship programs—these moments remind us why we do what we do.

**What We Want You to Know**
Impact LA is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a movement. We believe that **everyone deserves a chance at a better future,** and we’re committed to making that happen. Whether through food, education, or emotional support, we are here to create real change, one person at a time.

We welcome **volunteers, donors, and community partners** to join us in this mission. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable Los Angeles where **everyone has the resources they need to succeed.**

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ImpactLA.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weimpactla
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weimpactla