Bessie Morris Foundation


Special Message from the Founder I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for making the Prom Dreams Program a wonderful success. We had approximately 37 girls that applied this year from 15 different high schools in the Los Angeles area. We were only able to select seven of these young ladies: Tiffany Bell, Lauren Holmes, Krystal Huff, Theresa Shaw, Latricia Thomas, Josefa Torres and Dulce "Candy" Vargas. Also, we had six dresses that were given to young ladies at our adopted school (Jefferson High School). This would have not been possible without your support.
We are so proud of these amazing young ladies who managed to persevere as well as they have, given their situation and circumstances, it is to say the least. We applaud them for their hard work and motivation. It is my hope that having won something like this will serve as a self-validating reward in itself. We hope that these ladies will feel encouraged and motivated by the fact that the Bessie Morris Foundation recognizes and rewards them for all their work despite their hardships. We further hope that this will in some small way inspire these young ladies to go forward and have meaningful lives. I know from personal experience that an act of kindness goes a long way. Also, I am proud to announce this this year's recipients will be attending the following colleges: Theresa Shaw - Santa Monica College Krystal Huff - U.C. Riverside Lauren Holmes - Alcorn Candy Vargas - Cal State Long Beach Josefa Torres - Cerritos College Tiffany Bell - Cal State Northridge Latricia Thomas - Santa Monica City College -Ivory Freeman
Bessie Morris Bessie Morris was a single mother who raised 11 children. In addition she raised Ivory and five of her siblings until 1998, when she passed away. Bessie Morris was and continues to be an inspiration and blessing to Ivory. She taught her that if you work hard & believe in yourself, anything is possible. Ivory will be forever grateful for her love, her compassion, and her wisdom. Bessie Morris will be missed.
Ivory Freeman - Founder/CEO Ivory Freeman has over 16 years of experience in law enforcement with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Ivory grew up in South Central L.A. and has experienced many obstacles. The eldest of six children, she was raised by her grandmother, both of her parents mentally ill--- a consequence of drug use. As a result of her experiences, she has a passion and desire to educate and empower today’s young ladies. Ivory has a Master’s Degree in Negotiation and Conflict Management from Cal State, Dominguez Hills, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State, Long Beach.

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