Bessie Morris Foundation













Join Mailing List Email Address:


Special Message from the Founder 2021-2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 Wow, What an Incredible Year Thank you to everyone, we did it again, another incredible year. This year was full of so many blessings beyond my imagination and so many great possibilities for the near future. I never know how many young women we will be able to sponsor each year with a prom scholarship. This is why I am so grateful to each and every one of you for your generosity and your moral support. Because of you, we were able to sponsor six amazing ladies. In addition, we were able to donate five fabulous dresses to our adopted school for the year of 2009, Gutierrez High School, in the Los Angeles downtown area.
The young ladies were invited to shop for their dream dresses, shoes and accessories at David's Bridal in the city of Torrance and each one was treated like a princess. Also, the young ladies were given vouchers for their hair, manicure, pedicure and prom pictures to complete their prom scholarship. In addition, the young ladies were all required to attend the Bessie Morris Foundation Essence of Elegance Etiquette Lunch at Universal City Walk. All six young ladies have attended their prom, knowing that this was only possible because of you and your generosity. On behalf of Shaunice, Anita, Akira, Yasmin, Jessica and Eclasia, we thank you with all of our hearts. At this time, they are now finalizing their plans for college. Please keep them in your prayers as they pursue their goals. I am proud to announce that this year's recipients will be attending the following colleges: Shaunice Faby - California State Los Angeles Anita Greaves - California State Dominguez Hills Akira Thomas - California State Los Angeles Yasmin Guzman - UC Santa Barbara Jessica De Luna - UC Santa Barbara Eclasia Wesley - Southwest Community College In addition to all of this, the Bessie Morris Foundation was honored by the firm of Hogan and Hartson and the Association of Corporate Counsel of Southern California on June 25, 2009 at their 2009 "Accolades: A Salute to Women Who Inspire Us" event. See the home page for additional information. Sincerely, 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.

home \| programs \| resources \| alumni & friends \| donations \| application \| about us \| contact us © 2006 Bessie Morris Foundation. All rights reserved. Web design by Aspire Web Studio