As the founder and CEO of Neighborhood Industries in Fresno, CA, Armour walks his talk.

The organization—which includes a thrift shop, recycling program and other initiatives—believes in “empowerment through employment.” Neighborhood Industries is helping to revitalize some of Fresno’s poorest neighborhoods by investing in residents, providing them with skills for navigating the modern workplace and achieving self-sufficiency.

Armour is proud of what he’s done and of his own resilience—but he’ll be the first to tell you it wasn’t an easy path. Being a stakeholder in his community is a role he values and one he wants to make more accessible to folks who have “survived something.”

He believes that if more people at decision-making tables knew what it was like “not to have boots or straps to pull themselves up with,” it would bring about important changes and ease the way for those to come.

"My entire career has been built on investing in resilience."

"I need to take care of the person who's literally right next to me and he belongs in this neighborhood just as much as I do. He's my neighbor. He may not have a roof over his head, but he's my neighbor."

Campaign:
The Fabric of California

More stories of belonging

Explore the campaign

The matter of Belonging is core to our theory of change as a health equity-minded foundation.

Our Focus Areas

FA Image

Health Systems

Health Systems

Learn how we are using the immense power in belonging to help build a healthier, more just California for All.

Learn More
FA Image

Justice Reinvestment

Justice Reinvestment

Re-imagining a criminal justice system that centers on prevention and healing.

Learn More
FA Image

Inclusive Communities

Inclusive Communities

Our communities and neighborhoods thrive when policies advance health and racial equity for all Californians.

Learn More
FA Image

Power Infrastructure

Power Infrastructure

Building Power in resilient communities across the state for a stronger California.

Learn More
FA Image

Schools

Schools

Academic achievement, inclusive learning environments, and health go hand in hand.

Learn More

Aligning Our Capital to Invest in Change

Learn how our investments align with our mission and values around the pursuit of health and racial equity as we seek to use people power to lift up communities.

Explore Our Impact Investing
Explore the campaign