Welcome to Shine Bay Area & Headquarters
Serving Santra Clara County
Young parents ages 13 to 25
Since its founding in 2011, Shine Together has been giving young moms in Santa Clara County and the Central Valley the tools and resources they need to thrive as students and parents. Headquartered at Educare Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA, the organization continues to go from strength to strength.
Shine supports young mothers and their families in two communities including Santa Clara County and Fresno County.
Shine San Jose Programs & Services
1399 Santee Drive , San Jose, Ca 95122
Hours of operation
9am-5pm
Drop in hours
Scheduled by Appointment
Coaching and Support Group Program
- 1:1 Coaching and Support
- Parenting Support Group
- Mommy and Me Classes
- Parenting Kits
- Educational Stipends for Post Secondary Enrolled Students
- Diaper Bank
- Shine Thrift Store
Young Parent Hub Program
- Drop in support (selected hours)
- Baby essentials and hygiene products
- Resource Wall
- Tech Lab
- Study Hour
- Social Hour
- Stay & Play
Drop off donations our accepted at our siteServices available in both English and Spanish
Shine South County Programs & Services (Gilroy, San Martin, Morgan Hill)
7365-7371 Monterey St, Gilroy, Ca 95020
Hours of operation
9am-5pm
Drop in hours
Scheduled by Appointment
Coaching and Support Group Program
- 1:1 Coaching Support
- 13-week Peer Support Learning Group Cohorts
- Mommy and me classes
- Parenting Kits
- Diaper bank
- Shine Thrift Store
Events
- Back 2 School Event – 7/25 @ 1230pm-3pm
- Winter Wonderland/ Toys for Tots
- Galentine’s Day
- Mother’s Day
- Spring Event
- Fall Celebration
Regional Boundaries
All cities in Santa Clara County.
Shine Together Headquarters & Bay Area Office
Shine Together, Inc.
Educare Silicon Valley
1399 Santee Drive
San Jose, CA 95122
- (408) 263-8330
- InfoBay@shinetogether.org
- Find us on Instagram:
- @shinetogetherorg/
- @shinetogether_fresno
How to find us
Shine Together’s mission is to create economic advancement for multiple generations, by partnering with young mothers to further their education, build life and career skills, and nurture their children’s development.
As at 2021, San Francisco County had a teen birth rate of 3.9 per 1,000 females ages 15-19; and Santa Clara County’s teen birth rate was 4.8 per 1,000 females in this age range. While these statistics both fall below the state of California’s overall teen birth rate of 9.3 births per 1,000 females (ages 15-19, as per 2021 statistics), Shine Together plays a crucial role in helping many young mothers in the region who are highly likely to drop out of high school, and are highly unlikely to go on to pursue post-secondary education. This is an especially important intervention because these young moms are more likely to live in poverty.
Since its founding in 2011, Shine Together has worked toward breaking this cycle of poverty by supporting hundreds of young moms in ways that really matter to them. Shine’s rebranding in 2022 clarified that — besides young teen moms — its mission also includes moms in their early twenties.
According to Sara Reyes, Shine Together’s Executive Director based at the Bay Area regional office, like all transitions, the organization had to navigate a few bumps along the way. But at the same time, it has also encountered many new and exciting opportunities.
Amongst other positive aspects of this evolution process, the rebrand helped to expand Shine’s program offerings to members based on their age and educational needs beyond high school. “This presented the opportunity to be innovative and creative-to meet all the needs of our participants,” says Reyes.
Looking ahead, Reyes and her team are excited to embark on a strategic planning process that will guide their efforts in responding to the evolving needs of Shine’s communities across its core regions that include the Bay Area, Sacramento and Fresno. This initiative will help Shine refine its approach to providing critical support for mothers and their children, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for their growth and well-being.
Shine is also committed to enhancing its partnerships and leveraging the momentum it has gained over the past few years. Reyes is enthusiastic about what lies ahead for Shine Together:
“With the support of our funders and community, we can create a transformative impact in the lives of the families we serve. Together, we are building a brighter future, one filled with hope and opportunities, she says”
Young mom of two daughters and Shine Together Bay Area Advocate Sofia Jaquez, about how the Shine program has a far-reaching positive impact.
“Not only does the program support moms but children too. Through donations, two generations are able to thrive and receive help.”
Meet Sofia Jaquez, a Shining Star
Busy undergrad, dedicated single mom of two, and aspiring law student Sofia Jaquez is an inspiration to many. Juggling motherhood, education, and community involvement, Sofia’s journey took a positive turn when she found support through Shine Together.
Now, as a Shine Ambassador, she’s giving back, empowering other young mothers to pursue their dreams. Sofia’s story highlights the transformative impact of Shine’s programs, which help young moms achieve remarkable success in education and beyond, creating brighter futures for themselves and their children.
Our Team
Meet the Bay Area Shine Team
Each and every member of the Shine team is dedicated to empowering young mothers and impacting multiple generations. Together, we bring decades of experience in youth and community services, social justice, and research and evaluation.
Isabel Chavarria
Regional Director, Bay Area
I joined the team in early September of 2022. I have experience serving numerous underserved populations from all ages and backgrounds; through my time working with non-profits from the past 6 years.
I was born and raised in the “Garlic Capital” of the world, Gilroy. Growing up I have always had the passion to support my communities and empower the youth. I believe our youth are tomorrows future and the only way to impact change is through education, support, and guidance. As a first-generation Latina, I was not guided a path, I believe it’s my responsibility now to pass down my expertise and knowledge to others to empower and assure them of their true potential.
I am currently pursuing my degree in Sociology, with the ambition to become a family and marriage therapist.
In my spare time I enjoy staying active by playing soccer, reading, baking, and traveling to new places.
(408) 593-0293
Becky Herrera
Office Manager, Bay Area
Born and raised in San Jose Ca
Becky was a teen mom herself that had to overcome obstacles of raising a child at such an early age. With the support of family she was able to graduate High school with her class and attend college.
Becky joined Shine in March 2022 & has worked with non profit organizations for 10 years helping and serving the Bay Area communities. She loves working with young moms & their babies.
On her free time she spends time with family and being outdoors.
Raquel Sierra
Bay Area Program Supervisor
As a young mother, I gained firsthand insight into many of the challenges that young parents face. That lived experience has shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for supporting, empowering, and advocating for young mothers and their families. It continues to inspire my commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and building supportive communities where young mothers can thrive.
For more than 18 years, I have worked in the nonprofit sector, serving youth and families through a variety of roles. Much of my career has been in education, where I supported students and families through expanded learning programs. I have also worked in a Family Resource Center, connecting families to vital resources and support, and in mobile mental health response, helping individuals and families navigate crises with compassion and care.
I am passionate about empowering young mothers by creating opportunities for them to build confidence, access resources, and achieve their personal, educational, and career goals. I believe every young mother deserves a strong support system, encouragement, and the opportunity to thrive for herself and her family. Outside of work, I am the proud mother of two daughters and enjoy spending my free time reading.
Karolina Cabanillas
Advocate, Bay Area
My name is Karolina Cabanillas and am a first-time mommy of a baby girl. I am Hispanic and the eldest of 4 children. My family and I are from Sinaloa, Mexico and are very proud of our roots. I am bilingual and love to help my community with any resources I might have.
I have been working with various non-profit organizations for over 8 years now. I have worked with K-12, migrant families and elderly people. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to help my community and our future generations. I am a firm believer that a strong community outweighs everything else. The sky is the limit and I wish to continue spreading that energy to the community.
I am very excited to see what the future holds here at Shine and am very excited to be a part of the journey as an advocate. I am motivated to make a positive impact and am looking forward to serving my community. My door will always be open so please don’t hesitate to reach out for anything.
Cecilia Moreno
Advocate, Bay Area
Cecilia Bueno Moreno (she/her). I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. I have a bachelor’s in Sociology from Stanislaus State. I joined Shine in December 2022. I’m happy to be part of the Shine team because I’ve always loved to help the community and empower others. By being an advocate, I can support young mothers to achieve their goals. In addition, I have six years of experience working with youth. You can find me spending time with my family in my free time. Family is important to me. Another hobby is trying new foods and being adventurous.
(408) 593-0294
Maria Rivera
Advocate, Bay Area
I joined Shine in July 2024, and I’m excited to share my knowledge, guidance, and resources with young mothers and their families. I have over five years of professional experience working with underserved, low-income populations of all ages. My passion for supporting these communities comes from volunteering with nonprofit organizations throughout high school and college.
Originally from Anaheim, CA, I moved to San Jose after high school to attend San Jose State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis on Community Focus and a minor in Sociology. I plan to pursue a Master’s in Social Work to further assist my community.
In my free time, you’ll find me at community gatherings, resource fairs, trying out new recipes, or re-watching my favorite shows and movies.
Keiry Favela Tizoc
Advocate, Bay Area
I joined Shine in April 2025, driven by a deep passion for helping others. Through Shine, I have the opportunity to support young mothers and their children—a cause that is close to my heart.
For the past seven years, I’ve worked closely with children, gaining valuable experience in child development. Most recently, I worked at a Child Development Center, where I supported children in reaching key developmental milestones, tracked their progress, and connected parents to helpful resources to support their growth.
As the eldest of six, I’ve had the privilege of helping raise my five younger brothers. Supporting my parents and guiding my siblings through their own milestones has been a meaningful part of my life and has fueled my desire to serve the broader community.
I’m currently pursuing a degree in psychology and am excited to apply my learning to uplift families at Shine. I can’t wait to continue advocating for young mothers and helping them thrive!
Denice Sanchez
Child Watch, Bay Area
My name is Denice Sanchez, and I joined the Shine Family in January 2024 as an intern. Shortly thereafter, I became a Child Watch member, and I have truly enjoyed every moment. Building connections with the moms and their young children in this environment brings me immense satisfaction. Each family has a unique background and experience, but I always find a way to relate to them and offer support.
My passion for helping others began in middle school when I started babysitting and volunteering at organizations such as Sacred Heart and Sunday Friends. Currently, I am attending Foothill College, working toward an associate degree as an EMT. Following that, I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, with a minor in business and marketing. I am passionate about meeting new people and embracing new opportunities as they arise.
A quote I live by is “YOLO” – You only live once. You never know what you can experience or achieve unless you take risks. It is a philosophy I encourage others to adopt as well.
Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to accomplish several milestones I am proud of. I have attended 12 different schools, from elementary through high school, and served as my school’s Vice President. I was honored to be crowned Prom Queen and was awarded the most scholarships. One of my most significant achievements, however, was earning the most community service hours, which reflects my commitment to giving back to my community.
Paola Yajaira Avila
Child Watch, Bay Area
Hello! My name is Paola Yajaira Avila, and I joined the Shine team earlier this year as an intern. As of August 2024, I am proud to be part of the Child Watch team. I’m currently studying Public Health at San Jose State University.
Born and raised in San Jose, I am the oldest of three sisters and come from a very close-knit family. Family is incredibly important to me, and I am passionate about working with children, learning from their unique personalities, and enjoying their company.
Outside of work and school, I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy going to the beach, discovering new places, and traveling to new destinations.
FAQS
Our staff is available to support members in both English and Spanish.
Yes, we serve all areas within Santa Clara County. Shine Together is currently piloting a Peer Support Learning Group for South County members to help reduce barriers to accessibility and transportation.
We are thrilled to hear you are interested in gifting your valuable time to our agency.
Please contact isabel@shinetogether.org for any updates or upcoming volunteer opportunities.
We greatly appreciate your generosity; we kindly ask that you donate gently used items and clothing. You can contact becky@shinetogether.org to co-ordinate donation drop offs or pick-ups.
Thank you for helping young mothers and their children reach their full potential through our Shine Together Programs!
Thanks to all our partners, sponsors and donors who believe in our cause and whose contributions help us empower young mothers and their families.
Shine relies on partnerships and relationships within the community to provide supplies and peer support to our participants. These allies include the following people, institutions and organizations:
Need more info? Get in touch with us!
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Help A Young Mom Shine Bright
We need your help to empower young moms and their children. Together, we can create economic advancement for families and communities, two generations at a time.