Shine Together Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Fresno Office
(Milpitas, CA) — Shine Together, Inc. formalized its new name and refined mission with a grand opening ceremony at its Fresno office on Tulare Street today. The ribbon-cutting event reaffirms the organization’s (formerly known as Teen Success) commitment and support of young mothers, from their teens through their early twenties, as they complete their high school education and pursue their postsecondary education.
“We’ve had a strong presence in Fresno since 2020, and have expanded to have our own dedicated space as we continue to support and empower the young mothers in this area,” said Sara Reyes, Executive Director of Shine Together. “The pandemic prevented us from celebrating this achievement earlier, but we are excited to formally mark our place here. As we enter this new chapter as Shine Together, we will continue to work on breaking the cycle of poverty while helping show young moms how they can build a better life for their families.”
Teen mothers are at high risk for not finishing high school or pursuing post-secondary education, and they are more likely to live in poverty. Since its founding in 2011, Shine Together has worked toward breaking this cycle of poverty by supporting young moms. Shine’s rebranding in 2022 clarified that its mission includes moms in their early twenties.
Fresno is one of four high poverty communities served by Shine Together, which also has a presence in San Jose, Sacramento, and Monterey County. The city’s teen birth rate of 19.4 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19 is disproportionately high compared to the state of California (11.4 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19), even as overall teen birth rates have significantly declined in recent years.
Shine Together’s Fresno organization supports 65 young mothers with their education pursuits while helping them develop their parenting skills, enhance their financial literacy, and improve the health and wellness of their families. Shine relies on partnerships within the community to provide supplies and peer support to participants. These partners include Fresno Unified School District, Fresno County’s Babies First Community Action Network, The Children’s Movement, Maternal Wellness Coaliton, Fresno Council on Child Abuse Prevention, CA Health Collaborative Maternal Wellness Coalition (MWC), Fresno County Nurse Family Partnership, and Centro La Familia Advocacy.
About Shine Together
Established in 2011, Shine Together is a nonprofit organization that supports and guides young mothers on a pathway to prosperity. Working toward breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty faced by young families, Shine helps young mothers advance their education, build life and career skills, and nurture their children’s positive development, through one-on-one coaching, peer learning groups, and community workshops. Formerly known as Teen Success, Inc., Shine rebranded in 2022 and has impacted the lives of over 1,600 young mothers and their children.
Shine Together Celebrating Young Moms at Its 11th Annual Luncheon
Shine Together Celebrating Young Moms at Its 11th Annual Luncheon
Shine has awarded more than $39,000 in Educational Scholarships
and direct support to young mothers since 2022
(Milpitas, CA) — Shine Together has awarded over $24,250 in scholarships to young mothers over the past year, as well as $14,761 of direct assistance, for a total impact of $39,511. During Shine’s 11th Annual Scholarship Luncheon, to be held on Thursday, May 18, at Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club, we will celebrate young moms accomplishing their goals in pursuit of a post-secondary education. Every year, Shine provides scholarships to graduates of its Teen Success program in support of their post-secondary educational goals.
“We look forward to honoring these inspiring, hardworking moms as they take the next step in their education journey,” said Sara Reyes, Executive Director of Shine Together. “Most of all, we want to celebrate them and all that they have achieved so far, against the odds. Some of the moms we work with will be the first in their families to attend college. It’s a very exciting milestone.”
Participants of Shine Together’s Teen Success program receive ongoing peer support as they finish their high school education while raising a young family. 87% of Shine participants have graduated from high school or are on track to do so, compared to only 38% of young mothers nationwide.
“Shine has been a huge help to me and my babies since the day I joined, whether it be providing support, helping with diapers, or making sure I’m keeping up with school,” said Shine participant Chyann Wilson. “Everyone at Shine is very friendly and welcoming and that’s what makes it perfect for the mothers that need help.”
About Shine Together
Established in 2011, Shine Together is a nonprofit organization that supports and guides young mothers on a pathway to prosperity. Working toward breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty faced by young families, Shine helps young mothers advance their education, build life and career skills, and nurture their children’s positive development, through one-on-one coaching, peer learning groups, and community workshops. Formerly known as Teen Success, Inc., Shine rebranded in 2022 and has impacted the lives of over 1,600 young mothers and their children. shinetogether.org
Fox40 News covers Mother support program changes name to Shine Together Inc.
Sacramento Valley Regional Director for Shine Together Inc. Niki Singleton discusses the reasons behind the program’s recent name change from Teen Success Inc.
In the News: ABC30 "Downtown Fresno organization aims to support young mothers"
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Little Sienna McCabe is your typical two-year-old according to her mother, 17-year-old Avana Tarr.
"When she was a newborn, it was way easier," Tarr said. "Now she's running everywhere, getting into things."
Which makes it difficult when mom is in the middle of her online classes.
Click here for the original article and video by reporter Dale Yurong
"My sister and my mom are helping me watch Sienna and Sienna's dad as well," Tarr said.
Avana has found support through Teen Success, Inc., a non-profit organization in downtown Fresno.
"I do one on one coaching with the moms so during the pandemic, I'm kind of the one when they need to vent, when they're talking about things that are tension-building in their households," says Sandra Alvarez.
Teen Success, Inc. also provides diapers, even food to young mothers.
"We're really focused on trying to mitigate barriers and help moms stay in school," Alvarez said.
Tarr took six months off from school after Sienna was born but felt she needed to go back.
"I think education is really important to have," Tarr said. "I want to have a career to raise my daughter."
Tarr will take her next step forward when she graduates this year from Clovis Adult School.