Welcome to Shine Bay Area & Headquarters
Helping Young Bay Area Mothers & Their Families Shine Bright
Since its founding in 2011, Shine Together (previously Teen Success, Inc.) has been giving young moms in San Francisco and the Central Valley the tools and resources they need to thrive as students and parents. Headquartered in the Bay Area, the organization continues to go from strength to strength.
Shine supports young mothers and their families in four high poverty communities in the greater Bay Area and Central Valley, including San Jose, Fresno, Sacramento and Monterey County. The organization formally marked its transition into a new chapter with its rebranded Shine Together identity on March 31, 2022 after a decade of guiding and supporting young mothers and their children in the region.
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.
News
Shine Together Celebrating Young Moms at Its 11th Annual Luncheon
Every year, Shine Together provides scholarships to graduates of its Teen Success program in support of their post-secondary educational goals. Between 2022 and 2023, the organization awarded more than $39,000 in Educational Scholarships and direct support to young mothers participating in the program.
Events
- Back 2 School Event – 7/25 @ 1230pm-3pm
- Winter Wonderland/ Toys for Tots
- Galentine’s Day
- Mother’s Day
- Spring Event
- Fall Celebration
Special Programs
- Monthly Community Diaper Distribution
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.
Kathy Williams
Bay Area Regional Director
Kathy joined the team in January 2022 as the Bay Area Regional Director. Kathy is a passionate social worker who’s spent her whole career serving transitional age youth in academic, nonprofit, workforce, and social impact capacities. Kathy earned her B.A. in Sociology and Education at UCSC and her MSW at Columbia University, concentrating in Social Enterprise Administration. Kathy is working her way to become an LCSW to dismantle systems of oppression and to close the Opportunity Divide. In her free time, Kathy loves to work out, try new breweries, restaurants and throw pottery.
(408) 892-7203
Becky Herrera
Office Manager, San Jose
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.
Isabel Chavarria
Advocate, San Jose
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
Karolina Cabanillas
Advocate, San Jose
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, San Jose
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
Deja Smith-Robinson
Advocate, Bay Area
Hello, my name is Deja Smith-Robinson. I am 24 years old and have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, along with three Associate’s degrees in History, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. Though I graduated from San Jose State, I’m originally from Madera, CA. I come from a family where my mother was a teen mom, and I have seven siblings. I am proud to be the first in my family to attend and graduate from college.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, reading, meditating, cooking, watching anime, and spending time with loved ones. Before joining Shine, I worked with individuals with special needs, specifically those on the moderate to severe spectrum of autism. I’ve also worked as a caregiver for elderly adults and those on hospice care.
Helping others has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve dedicated my life to doing meaningful work that I love. Two quotes I live by are: “Failure is a bruise, not a tattoo,” and “I can do anything I put my mind to.” I look forward to making a difference here at Shine Together.
Maria Medrano
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.
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:
Our Partners
- Baby2Baby
- Bay Area Furniture Bank
- Bay Area Legal Link
- Bay Area Medical Academy
- Bella Vista Foundation
- Cake4Kids
- Child Care Careers
- Chortek Weisman
- City of San Jose BEST
- Department of Family and Children Services, Emergency Response Team
- Education Liaison, National Center for Youth Law
- Family Giving Tree
- First 5 Santa Clara
- Glikbarg Foundation
- HopSkipDrive
- Kaiser
- Nicholson Foundation
- Nurse Family Partnership SCC
- Old Navy
- Opportunity Youth Academy
- Project Glimmer
- San Jose Conservation Corps
- San Jose Job Corps
- Santa Clara Valley Medical NICU, HRIF Program
- SCC Board of Supervisor D1
- SCC Board of Supervisor D3
- SCC Board of Supervisor D4
- SCC Probation Department
- Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
- Seneca Family Agencies
- South County Youth Task Force
- Stanford Children’s Health
- Step Forward Foundation
- The Foundation for Hispanic Education
- Valley Health Center Sunnyvale
Our Sponsors
Our Donors
Regional Boundaries
All cities in Santa Clara County.
Shine Together Headquarters & Bay Area Office
Shine Together
Sobrato Center for Nonprofits
508 Valley Way
Milpitas, CA 95035
- Phone Numbers
- InfoBay@shinetogether.org
- Find us on Instagram:
- @shinetogetherorg/
- @shinetogether_fresno
- @shinetogether_sacramento
- @teensuccessmonterey
How to find us
Need more info? Get in touch with us!
Donate Now
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.