With the help of her friends and family, Lindsey Armstrong started her very own 501 (c)(3) nonprofit in 2013 and called it The Family Kitchen. This Tennessee native, while both humble and generous, is only 17 years old.
Our Southeast Roadie team had the opportunity to meet with Lindsey while they held a screening at Bradley Central High School and they couldn’t believe all that her ample heart had accomplished so far. She told our team of her experience as a cross country runner, who saw the same woman every morning on her run.To Lindsey, seeing the woman became a part of her morning routine- until she eventually decided to sit down and learn more of her story.
Lindsey (middle) with our Southeast Roadies
After learning that the woman was homeless and relying solely on soup kitchens, Lindsey realized the growing rate of homeless population right in her hometown. Not able to shake the thought, Lindsey began having breakfast with the woman once a week.
She was able to provide breakfast to those who need it every Saturday because of the help of her mom. They began with 48 muffins- and quickly learned it’d take much more. Luckily, the entire community began to rally shortly after through donations, and volunteers and local churches began doing their part as well.
Lindsey says, “Every Saturday we provide lunch and breakfast, but we have had so much donated that we have started doing extra days in the week also.”
While Lindsey hopes to see an end to hunger in the homeless and needy community as well as a transition in living from the streets to housing, she knows that any substantial progress must begin on a smaller scale.
“I begin with the community I am surrounded with and seek to love on the people I am around. Then I try to learn their story and understand the thought process that goes along with their situation. I try to apply it to any injustice and seek the root of the issue.”
While her passion for Invisible Children still remains, Lindsey admits her biggest struggle during our #zeroLRA campaign is finding time between school, extra curriculars, and her own nonprofit. Her solution to prioritizing tasks is to be a Fourth Estate member and donate monthly.
She elaborates, “I love what Invisible Children is doing with my school and community, as well as the entire globe. Because of that, my goal is to continue with my monthly donation.”
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