Carisa and John Zink, owners of Reno-based recruiting agency IT Avalon and founders of The Shirley Ann Foundation, Inc., recently donated $10,000 to local nonprofit STEP2 through their foundation.
The Shirley Ann Foundation is committed to empowering women and children within their community and providing an alliance with those who are fighting for a second chance, according to a Jan. 11 press release.
Raised by two strong and self-sacrificing women, the Zinks — who moved to Reno four months ago after relocating IT Avalon from the Silicon Valley — realize bravery is not always accessible and sometimes, strength wavers.
“The Shirley Ann Foundation is the cornerstone for mothers working to rebuild their lives and create a successful future for themselves and their children,” Carisa Zink said in a statement. “After touring STEP2 and learning more about their mission, John and I knew this organization was a perfect match for funding from our foundation.”
Based in Reno, STEP2 provides treatment programs for women in a safe environment while utilizing current addiction and mental health protocols.
“We believe that a woman should never have to choose between being a mom and receiving treatment,” Mari Hutchison, CEO of STEP2, said in a statement. “This generous donation will go directly to support women who are doing the hard work to break the cycle of addiction and violence in their families.”
