Our Origin Story

The Motivation

As Pastor Willie sat behind his desk, tending to his everyday pastoral duties, two little boys entered his office. Dressed in shorts and sandals with no shirts, it was obvious that they were in dire need of attention. “Pastor Willie, we haven't eaten in four days. Can you give us something to eat? We’ll even take dog food.”

With a genuine passion to help people, Willie Ulibarri was moved by these simple words to establish the foundation of Project Life Impact.

Early IMPACT

Incorporated in 2002, Project Life Impact set out on its journey to make a lasting IMPACT within the community. With a holistic approach of helping the whole family, PLI set up programs to tend to the homeless and hungry in the cities of Fontana, Rialto, and San Bernardino in California.

In 2006, PLI created its first After School Impact Program. Located at Celebration City Church in inner city San Bernardino, PLI was proud to have four volunteers and eight students in attendance on the very first day. As word spread of the work PLI was doing within the community the program continued to grow.

In July of ’06 PLI partnered with the San Bernardino City Unified School District to run the Creative Before & After School Program for Success (CAPS) at E. Neal Roberts Elementary. As of today, PLI serves approximately 700 students each school day and has over 50 employees on several campuses throughout San Bernardino County.

Our Hope

At PLI we believe that education does not begin at the schoolyard gate, but at birth and is fostered within the whole family unit. PLI is committed to serving the marginalized, diverse and often voiceless community of those who struggle to take care of themselves and their families. We care for the men, women, youth and children who are under-served, abused and alone. Many of the people we serve feel controlled by unhealthy habits, but at Project Life Impact they learn to redirect their life and make positive changes. Impacting communities, one life at a time, reminds each person they are valued and then healing can begin.