Academic Excellence
Providing scholarships to stellar high school students has been a key mission for the Fresno Pearls and Ivy Foundation. Over the past 6 years, we have selected an average of 7 students (per year) for their academic excellence. To date, the Foundation has provided over $40,000 in scholarship funds to stellar students in Fresno and surrounding counties.
Our members are actively engaged in local school districts as Mentors at local schools, program leaders, and as participants in various events and conferences promoting higher education for all students.
Civic Engagement
The Fresno Pearls and Ivy Foundation has actively encouraged citizens to exercise their right to influence policy through voter registration drives and information booths during both local and national elections. We also involve our members in discussion and brainstorming of relevant ideas during organized watch parties for political events, such as candidate debates and state of the union addresses.
Our members participate in an annual event held over a 2-day period at the State Capital in Sacramento. This event offers our members the opportunity to directly engage and influence the decision makers throughout the state regarding issues of importance in our communities.
Economic Empowerment
Members of the Fresno Pearls and Ivy Foundation engage with the community, particularly the youth, in teaching sound economic practices. For the last five years, members have provided economic empowerment workshops to community members in Fresno County and surrounding communities, teaching them to earn, invest, and save as a means to financial independence. Workshops involving credit and home ownership have also been offered.
We also continue to support, publicize, and patronize, women-owned and minority businesses in the community -oftentimes using their services during our community service events.
Health and Wellness
Health promotion has been a long-standing commitment for the Fresno Pearls and Ivy Foundation. For the past years, we have collaborated with other organizations including participation in the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day Campaign. We have also supported the efforts of the National Alliance (NAMI) by increasing mental health awareness in the African American community by hosting informational workshops, and participation in the NAMI walk.
The Fresno Pearls and Ivy Foundation has partnered with local organizations and the Central California Food Bank to provide clothing for low-income and unhoused individuals in Fresno County. We also distribute canned goods and dry foods to needy families.
Environmental and Social Justice
Through our environmental efforts, the Fresno Pearls and ivy Foundation has joined Tree Fresno to plant trees at various sites in Fresno County in order to help create healthier communities. Our members also take ownership in our environmental practices by ensuring recycling and composting during our community events.