Shine Together

Shine Together was founded in 2011 as Teen Success, Inc. in response to the high rates of teen pregnancy and lack of programs laser focused on supporting young families to break the cycle of poverty.  What began as a weekly peer support group for young mothers has transformed into an evidenced-informed and research-based program providing comprehensive supports for both young mothers and their children, ensuring two generations thrive. 

Shine has supported over 1,600 families since our founding in 2011.  Shine’s staff is highly representative of the young women we support. 

Year after year, Shine makes a difference in the lives of young mothers by creating opportunities for economic mobility for themselves and their children.  Last year, the program achieved the following:

●      87% of active participants graduated high school or are on-track to graduate (nationwide, only about half of young women who gave birth as teens received a high school diploma)

●      53% of participants who have graduated from our high school component are enrolled in or have graduated from a post-secondary program (nationwide, less than 2% of teen mothers earn a college degree by age 30)

●      78% of participants’ children are meeting age-appropriate developmental milestones.

Shine Together believes that education is the key to maximizing each person’s potential and making communities strong.  Our programs provide young mothers with the support needed to: 

1. Complete high school and post-secondary education  
2. Develop the knowledge and skills to nurture their child’s positive development 
3. Enhance their financial literacy 
4. Improve health and wellness for themselves and their child 

We believe that teen pregnancy is both a symptom and a cause of poverty, and it creates significant barriers for young mothers to prosper.  Shine empowers young women who become mothers as teens to achieve their full potential in school and as parents, so that two generations thrive.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The young women we work with are strong and determined mothers and students who have often experienced trauma and are overcoming a myriad of barriers in addition to being a teen mother.  Young mothers (ages 13-25) participate in our programs through high school completion to enrollment in a postsecondary degree or certificate program that leads to a living wage. 

During this time, they receive comprehensive services through one-on-one coaching with an Advocate (staff who work directly with the mothers), peer learning groups, and community workshops.  Our Advocates ensure that each young mother is connected to a health clinic and/or doctor, and can access physical, reproductive, and mental health services as needed.

To support the health and wellness of young families, one-on-one coaching sessions also focus on healing trauma young mothers face, life skills development, and creating positive peer connections with other young mothers. Advocates also work with participants to identify barriers to continuing their education and connect them to services such as counseling, childcare, housing support, and transportation support. 

Shine uses Teen Talk, a comprehensive reproductive health curriculum grounded in research and best practice.  Other evidence-based practices the program utilizes include Positive Youth Development, Developmental Assets, Girls Circle, Partnering with Teen Parents, and PowerSource Parenting.

Core components:

·       One-on-one coaching

·       Peer learning groups 

·       Service navigation

All of Shine’s programs are designed to meet the various populations served and developmental stages in their lives.

Teen Success: Our youngest members benefit from our core program to get their bearings, finish their high school education, and understand the many opportunities that are available to them. 

Steps to Success: Young moms ages 19-25 who are determined to complete their high school/GED receive tools to navigate the obstacles before them while being supported as they work toward their educational goals.     

Bridge to the Future: Pursuing a post-secondary education requires dedication and resiliency—and is even more challenging for young mothers.  Shine supports participants of our Teen Success and Steps to Success programs to further their education with all the skills they need to pursue post-secondary education. 

“Not only does the program support moms but children too.  Through donations, two generations are able to thrive and receive help.” — Sofia Jaquez, Shine Ambassador, former Shine participant, Mission College graduate, and current student at University of California, Berkeley 

“I had the advantage of the lived experience, and being a young mom myself, there were teachable moments that I would share with them from my personal journey when there were absolutely no programs for myself.” — Sarah Villa, Fresno Regional Director.