Educate. Equip.
Empower. Elevate.
Empowering individuals and strengthening communities through education, health, and partnerships for a brighter future.
Sapphire & Pearls Foundation exists to provide community service and scholarships to individuals living in South Hampton Roads.
We equip, educate and empower residents by awarding scholarships, supporting expecting mothers, sharing health resources, tutoring K-12 students, and working alongside the community organizations already doing good work here.
About the foundation
Every mother deserves a healthy start.
We work to improve birth outcomes by removing the barriers to birth equity through innovative programming and social action.
- Educational programs for low-income pregnant mothers
- Incentives that reward prenatal care visits and healthy habits
- Connections to local clinics, doulas and support services
Tutoring that meets students where they are.
Tutoring, education and support services for at-risk K-12 students, led by caring volunteers from our membership and community.
- Reading, math and SOL preparation
- Homework help and study skills
- Mentoring toward college and career
Investing in the next generation of leaders.
We award scholarships and support individuals in South Hampton Roads in pursuit of higher education.
Events & gatherings
Your gift, put to work close to home.
Every dollar stays in South Hampton Roads. Choose an amount below to see how it can help.
Example impact for the demo. The board sets the final amounts.
Serve alongside us.
Members lead our programs, mentor students, volunteer at events and shape the foundation's future. You get a member portal with your dues, events, volunteer hours and documents in one place.
Partner with us.
We look for collaboration with existing community organizations and resources that share our goals. Clinics, schools, churches, businesses and nonprofits are welcome.
Rooted in service.
Polished by purpose.
Like a sapphire and a string of pearls, the best things are formed with patience, pressure and care.
Our purpose
Sapphire & Pearls Foundation, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our overall objective is to provide community service and scholarships to individuals living in South Hampton Roads.
Our specific objectives
- Equip, educate and empower residents in South Hampton Roads by awarding scholarships, conducting educational programs for low-income pregnant mothers, and providing information and services to address chronic health issues and diseases.
- Foster collaboration with existing community organizations and resources with shared goals and objectives.
- Improve birth outcomes by eradicating barriers to birth equity through innovative programming and social action.
- Promote prenatal care participation and healthy behaviors through two components: incentives and education.
- Provide tutoring, education and support services for K-12 at-risk students.
Scholarships, tutoring and prenatal education that open doors.
Resources, tools and connections families can use right away.
Helping residents advocate for their health, education and future.
Lifting the whole community through partnership and service.
Board of Directors
The volunteer leaders who guide Sapphire & Pearls Foundation.
OFFICERS
Melissa J. Barnes, Ed. D.
President
View profile →Melissa Mebane
Treasurer
View profile →Alisa Y. Mahaffey
Secretary
View profile →DIRECTORS
Marian V. Barnwell, CPA
Director
View profile →Sherri Clayborne
Director
View profile →Michelle Ellis Young
Director
View profile →Misti D. Goodson
Director
View profile →Michelle L.M. McIntosh
Director
View profile →Sharda Moses
Director
View profile →Carol R. Pickett
Director
View profile →Vikki Smith
Director
View profile →- A headshot of each officer and director. Each photo goes into the frame above that person's name
- A short bio for each person, 3–5 sentences. It shows when visitors tap a name or photo
- Founders: let us know who founded the foundation if you would like that noted
Five ways we serve.
Education, health and partnership: each program answers a real need in South Hampton Roads.
Apply for a scholarship.
For students in South Hampton Roads who are pursuing higher education.
Who can apply
- Residents of South Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach)
- Graduating high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners
- Additional criteria are set by the Scholarship Committee each year
Timeline sample
Scholarship applications
Our application will open here soon. To be notified when it opens, email us and tell us your name and the school you attend or plan to attend.
Email the Scholarship CommitteeJoin us.
Fundraisers, community programs and service days across South Hampton Roads.
Officers add and edit events from the back office, and they show up here right away.
Lend your gifts.
Become a member, volunteer your time, or partner your organization with ours.
Member benefits
- Your own member portal: dues, events, documents, volunteer hours
- Pay dues online with automatic reminders
- Lead a committee and shape our programs
- Service hours tracked for you, ready for letters and résumés
- Member-only meetings, trainings and events
Annual dues: set by the board
Give with purpose.
Your gift funds scholarships, healthy pregnancies and student success in South Hampton Roads.
Give online
Every gift funds scholarships, healthy pregnancies and student success in South Hampton Roads.
Online giving opens soon. In the meantime you can give by check (details here), or contact us about sponsorships.
Other ways to give
By check
Payable to Sapphire & Pearls Foundation, Inc.
1215 N. Military Hwy #249
Norfolk, VA 23502
Employer matching
Many employers double your gift. Ask HR for a matching form.
Sponsorships
Businesses can sponsor events and scholarships. Contact us.
Sapphire & Pearls Foundation, Inc. is organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN available on request.
We'd love to hear from you.
Reach us
Email
SapphireandPearls@gmail.com
Mailing address
Sapphire & Pearls Foundation, Inc.
1215 N. Military Hwy #249
Norfolk, VA 23502
Service area
Serving Southeast Virginia, focused on South Hampton Roads.