About Community Heart

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Growing up in Los Angeles as a young African-American girl, I knew all too well what it felt like to go to bed hungry. My family, like so many others, struggled with food insecurity. I remember the nuns who would come to our home, bringing food that would sustain us for another day. Those simple acts of kindness taught me the profound difference a helping hand could make.

These memories are what inspired me to build a nonprofit that addresses food insecurity in the Inland Empire—a mission that has only grown in importance since the COVID-19 pandemic. We started a food pantry that now serves hundreds, providing not only essential nourishment but also hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. In addition to distributing food, we run programs that teach kids about self-worth, kindness, and resilience. Through affirmations and skill-building classes, we are building a foundation of confidence and pride in these young minds.

The kids’ enthusiasm is incredible. One child, after a session, proudly told his friend, “I learned that even if I’m poor, I’m still important.” Others love the affirmations, calling back later to say, “I love knowing I’m great!” We teach them that they matter, and it fills them with joy and pride. They go on to share this message with their friends and families, spreading positivity and self-worth.

Our hydroponic system has also been a huge hit. Kids love learning how to grow their own food, and they are thrilled to take home the produce they’ve helped cultivate. Johnny, one of our young participants, shared how he and his mom had their first homegrown salad together—lettuce and tomatoes he grew himself, with onions and bell peppers his mom added. “She was so happy,” he told us, beaming with pride. Moments like these show us just how much these programs mean to them and their families.

It was an incredible honor to meet Magic Johnson and share our story with him. As a leader who has spent decades empowering underserved communities, he truly understands the value of creating spaces where people feel supported, accepted, and inspired to grow. His legacy of giving back to communities in need is something we strive to follow. Knowing the difference he has made in countless lives, we hope he—and others like him who care deeply about community welfare—might consider helping us find a permanent space. We are so close to achieving something powerful, but we need a safe, stable home to make this vision sustainable.

Unfortunately, this journey has not been easy. Despite the positive impact we have made, many property owners are hesitant to rent to us, fearing that bringing people with “problems” into the neighborhood will eventually lead to issues. Even in our current location, we have faced resistance from neighbors who worry that our presence may attract more people with challenges, despite the fact that we have caused no issues. We explained our mission to the property manager upfront, and we have done nothing but bring positive change to the area. Yet the stigma remains.

Our ask is simple yet urgent: we need a freestanding building—a permanent home where we can expand our programs, continue feeding our community, and create a welcoming environment for those who need it most. With the right space, we could reach more children, more families, and more individuals seeking support and dignity. We believe that every person, regardless of their challenges, deserves a safe place where they are welcomed and respected.

If you, Magic, or anyone in your network could help us secure this space, it would be a lifeline for our organization and those we serve. With champions like you by our side, we can create lasting change, providing resources and compassion to those who need it most.

Thank you for believing in a future where no one has to feel ashamed or unwelcome for seeking support, and where communities stand together to uplift one another.-Theresa Jones Zarour

Starting as a direct care staff in 2009 and growing into my role as the Executive Program Director, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible evolution of Community Heart: Feed the Need. What started as a small initiative has blossomed into a powerful force for change, providing not just meals but hope, opportunity, and a sense of belonging to so many. Being part of this journey—watching lives transform and communities strengthen—has been an absolute honor. -Johnny Winsser

 My journey with Community Heart: Feed the Need began in 2022 as a Program Director, and from day one, I knew I was stepping into something far greater than just a job—it was a purpose, a calling. I have always been passionate about serving others, but being part of this nonprofit has given me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to make an impact.

Over the years, I have watched Community Heart: Feed the Need grow and evolve, touching more lives than I ever imagined. Being part of this journey has been both inspiring and humbling, and I have learned so much about the intricate work behind nonprofit operations—how every decision, every effort, and every person involved contributes to making a difference. It has challenged me, strengthened me, and made me better at what I do.

One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been working alongside our incredible founder and CEO, Theresa Jones. She is a visionary leader who has not only built an organization that changes lives but has also mentored and guided me in ways that have shaped my own leadership and passion for service. Watching her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to this mission has been a masterclass in what it truly means to lead with heart. She has taught me the importance of innovation, advocacy, and always putting the community first. I am grateful for her wisdom, guidance, and the countless lessons she has shared with me.

With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, I thought I had seen it all, but my time at Community Heart: Feed the Need has shown me that there is always more to learn, more to give, and more lives to touch. This experience has reaffirmed that giving back is not just an act of service—it’s a responsibility. I feel incredibly honored to play a role in bringing joy, hope, and nourishment to those who need it most.

This work isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. And I truly believe that this is my calling.

- La'Toria "Tori" Brown

From the early days of Excel Transportation, to the development of the day program, and now the expansion into multiple initiatives—including a nonprofit that started as Community Heart and blossomed into something much bigger—I have had the privilege of witnessing my mother, Theresa Jones Zarour, build something truly remarkable. I’ve watched her turn obstacles into opportunities, creating programs that empower, educate, and uplift individuals in our community. Her dedication has shown me the true meaning of service, resilience, and leadership.

Now, as I step into my own leadership role, I am honored to carry on that legacy through Flavor Lab—a program I now run, where community members come together to create healthy recipes using fresh hydroponic-grown produce. But Flavor Lab is more than just cooking—it’s about nourishing the body, mind, and soul. We teach people that the food they grow can fuel their health, but we also encourage self-love, confidence, and personal growth through daily affirmations. Before we begin, we take a moment to affirm our strength, creativity, and purpose, because food isn’t just about sustenance—it’s about empowerment.

I also lead summer programs for youth, where kids not only learn about sustainability, nutrition, and entrepreneurship, but also about believing in themselves. We teach them that they are capable of growing their own food, creating their own opportunities, and shaping their own futures. Seeing them light up when they cook something fresh with ingredients they’ve grown themselves is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Watching Community Heart evolve into a thriving nonprofit that changes lives has been a deeply personal and humbling experience. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about what we build, but about the lives we touch along the way. Now, through Flavor Lab, I am committed to continuing my mother’s mission—giving back, empowering others, and creating a future where food, health, and self-confidence go hand in hand.

This isn’t just a program—it’s a movement. And I’m honored to be part of it.- Jamie Zarour