Mary J. Blige has created a new charity initiative with marketing pioneer Steve Stoute which will draw on her story to inspire women from all walks of life.
The Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. (FFAWN) is intended to help women gain the confidence and skills they need to achieve success.
“Most of my life was centered around living for the moment,” Blige said. “I had very few resources and very little real life education to make good decisions. What I did have was a voice and that ultimately became my vehicle of growth. I, with Steve Stoute, created FFAWN because I believe every young woman, if given encouragement and a helping hand (a hand filled with resources), can reach her greatest potential. It is my great hope that FFAWN will be a vehicle to help other women reach greater heights despite their environment, despite low self esteem, despite their immediate circumstances.”
Initially, the center will focus on helping young, single mothers enhance their parenting skills, obtain educational and vocational support and access individualized programs designed to help them reach their goals and live better lives.
In addition, the organization will work with cosmetics company Carol’s Daughter to organize an educational series featuring inspirational speakers and business skills training, as well as with other partners to help fund scholarships for vocational training programs and educational degrees.
