Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated millions to nearly 80 California-based nonprofit organizations – and one of them is right here in the Central Valley.
The organization Scott donated to is called “Shine Together,” which helps young mothers break the cycle of generational poverty. They received $2 million from Scott.
MacKenzie Scott donates millions to nearly 80 organizations in California
Scott, who helped grow and establish Amazon alongside Jeff Bezos, pledged to donate half of her wealth, which Forbes estimates to be $365 billion.
Vanessa Padilla, an advocate for Shine Together, says was a teen parent herself and says being a part of this program had a positive impact on her.
“Coming into this program, I learned a lot about being more mindful of taking judgment,” Padilla said. “We talked about this in the group and said let’s not reciprocate what people are giving to you.”
The Fresno Regional Director of Shine Together, Sarah Villa, says the $2 million grant will help them develop strategic plans, increase invisibility and help them reach young parents.
Villa says the grant will help deepen the work and the capacity to support more young mothers in the Fresno community. It will also help them improve their health and wellness for themselves and their children.