(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.