East Walnut Hills, Ohio – Jazmein Stanford, a single mother of three studying to become a registered nurse, credits Scholar House in East Walnut Hills for making her educational journey possible. The supportive environment at Scholar House has allowed Stanford and others like her to pursue their academic goals while navigating the challenges of single parenthood.
Stanford expressed her gratitude for the community of women at Scholar House who all share similar experiences as single parents striving for a better future through education. The program is part of Her Cincinnati, a local non-profit that recently received a generous $2 million grant from MacKenzie Scott, the philanthropist and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
In addition to Scholar House, Her Cincinnati oversees Anna Louise Inn, providing affordable housing and support services to single mothers and women pursuing higher education. The grant from MacKenzie Scott came as a surprise to President Beth Schwartz, nearly matching the organization’s entire annual budget of $2.7 million.
Schwartz highlighted the significance of the $2 million gift, emphasizing the impact it will have on the organization’s future initiatives to empower women and address barriers to their success. Alyssa Bell, a former Scholar House resident, shared her success story of obtaining a degree from Cincinnati State and securing a job at Procter & Gamble, thanks to the program’s transformative support for herself and her children.
The grant from MacKenzie Scott will enable Her Cincinnati to expand its programs, including Off The Streets, a facility offering shelter and recovery services for women affected by human trafficking. Another recipient of the $2 million grant, Women Helping Women, focuses on preventing domestic abuse and supporting survivors in rebuilding their lives after escaping situations of gender-based violence.
Overall, the generosity of MacKenzie Scott is fueling positive change in Greater Cincinnati, empowering women to overcome challenges, pursue education, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families. The impact of these grants extends beyond financial support, providing hope and opportunities for women to break barriers and thrive.