Welcome to Shine Fresno
Helping Young Central Valley Mothers & Their Families Shine Bright
On May 31, 2023, Shine Together’s Fresno regional office formally celebrated its expansion into a dedicated space with an official ribbon cutting ceremony to mark this achievement.
Shine Together (formerly known as Teen Success) has had a strong presence supporting and empowering young mothers in the Fresno region since 2020, working to break the cycle of poverty there while helping show their strong and determined participants how they can build a better life for themselves and their families.
Fresno is one of four high poverty communities in the greater Bay Area and Central Valley served by Shine Together, which also has a presence in San Jose, Sacramento, and Monterey County.
The city’s teen birth rate of 16.3 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19 (as at 2021 estimates) is disproportionately high compared to the state of California (9.3 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19), even as overall teen birth rates have significantly declined in recent years.
As of 2024, 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.
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.
Vanessa Padilla, a teen parent and Shine Together Fresno Advocate about being a part of the Shine program and the positive impact it’s had on her.
“Coming into this program, I learned a lot about being more mindful of taking judgment. We talked about this in the group and said: let’s not reciprocate what people are giving to you.”
A Story of Resiliency: Vanessa’s Journey and Enduring Connection with Her Shine Advocate
When she was a teen mom, Vanessa Padilla felt judged by her school peers when she became pregnant at 14, and in turn she became judgmental toward others. Her early experiences with Shine Together changed all that.
News
MacKenzie Scott’s $2M nonprofit donation to help Fresno mothers
In March of 2023, Shine Together received a $2 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Foundation. Scott has donated millions to nearly 80 California-based nonprofit organizations in recent years.
Events
- Valentine’s Day
- Dr Seuss Early Literacy Reading Day
- Mother’s Day
- Spring Event
- Paint and Plant
- Back to School School supplies Backpack giveaway
- Spooky Oogie Bash
- End of Year celebration
- Graduation Dinner
- Winter Wonderland/ Toys for Tots
- California Young Parents Day
- Very Hungry Caterpillar Reading Fun Day
- Summer Fun Days
- Zoo Days
Special Programs
- Events and support for Alumni moms
- Food Distribution
Our Team
Meet the Fresno 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.
Vanessa Padilla
Advocate, Fresno
Hello my name is Vanessa Padilla but you can call me Ness/Nessa for short. I am 26 and was born and raised in Fresno, Ca. I have a Bachelors in Criminology-Corrections from Fresno State University. I myself was a apart of Teen Success back in 2012 when I was once a Teen Mom. I have an 11 year old son that means the entire world to me. My passion in life is just to simply help people in any way possible. Being able to be someone’s advocate and provide resources to those in need really drives me to be more involved and fully dedicated to my community. Having the opportunity to make a full circle in life by now being apart of this organization as an Advocate really means so much to me. Teen Success was a huge part of my life not only in helping me become the best mother I could possibly be but also shaping me into the person I am today. As much as I’m excited to be apart of this team and show what I have to offer I’m most excited to learn from the mothers I get to work with.
3 FUN FACTS ABOUT ME:
- DIE HARD 49ER FAN
- TRAIN IN JIU JITSU & MUAY THAI
- VERY FAMILY ORIENTED
Sonia Herrera
Advocate, Fresno County
My name is Sonia Herrera, and I joined the Shine Together family in May 2024. I feel extremely blessed and happy to work with an organization that empowers young mothers to become the best version of themselves alongside their children.
I bring over 15 years of experience helping families in rural communities and six years of experience advocating for and assisting survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Beyond my professional experience, I have also lived the journey of being a young mother.
I am a woman who believes in the power of pursuing dreams and goals. I have two beautiful daughters and an amazing son who inspire me every day to strive for more and continue my college education. Family is very important to me, and I cherish spending quality time with my loved ones and friends.
Three words that define me are kind, respectful, and grateful. I am a passionate individual with deep empathy, especially when it comes to helping others. It is both a privilege and an honor to serve as an advocate at Shine Together.
Rosita Figueroa
Advocate, Fresno County
Rosita was born and raised in Fresno California. She earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno in 2017. Rosita has over 6 years working with youth. She is passionate about creating change because of the lived experiences she has faced.
During her free time, you can find Rosita having fun with her niece and listening to true crime podcast.
(408) 685-7581
rosita@shinetogether.org
FAQS
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 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
- Fresno County Department of Social Services (Babies First, Nurse Family Partnership, CaLearn)
- The Children’s Movement
- Fresno Unified School District
- Planned Parenthood (sponsorship, condoms and educational information)
- Reading and Beyond (support for young fathers, Joven Noble and post-secondary support for moms)
- Maternal Wellness Coalition
- Fresno Council on Child Abuse Prevention
- CA Health Collaborative Maternal Wellness Coalition (MWC)
- Fresno County Nurse Family Partnership
- Centro La Familia Advocacy
Our Sponsors
- First 5 Fresno
- Planting Prosperity
- Westley Foundation
- Central California Food Bank (meal boxes and diapers)
- Baby 2 Baby (essential supplies, car seats, strollers, bassinets, playpens, clothes, etc)
- Project Glimmer (make up, lotions, self-care items)
- Cakes for Kids
- Council Member Miguel Arias (zoo tickets, $250 holiday wish list, certificates for graduates and $300 backpacks)
- Councilmember Nelson Esparza (feminine hygiene products)
- Senator Laphonza Butler (certificates for graduates)
- Embarc ($10,000 towards our office wishlist, sofas, fridge, blinds, rugs, etc)
Our Donors
- Costco
- Dutch Bros
- Olive Garden
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe’s
- Crumble Cookies
Regional Boundaries
Fresno Office
Shine Together
2909 Tulare St.
Fresno, CA 93721
- Phone numbers
- InfoFresno@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.