Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, mom, writer and advocate, has made a generous gift to Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services, an organization that assures children become successful adults. Four Oaks and its affiliates serve more than 27,000 individuals annually, at more than 20 locations across the state of Iowa.
According to a release, the independent unrestricted gift will allow Four Oaks to, as Ms. Scott notes in her March 23 announcement, “[convert] the funds into meaningful services for others.” Ms. Scott explained, “Helping any of us can help us all…We are all human…Yet when we help one group, we often help them all.”
Founded in 1973, Four Oaks began as a group home for 10 young boys between the ages of 10 and 15 who had no other place to go. Since that time, Four Oaks has grown to become one of Iowa’s largest nonprofits addressing child welfare, juvenile justice and mental and behavioral health. Four Oaks now serves Iowa children of all ages and their families through holistic prevention, intervention and treatment programs and services.
Mary Beth O’Neill, Four Oaks president and CEO, said, “With Ms. Scott’s support, we are creating communities across the state that are committed to ensuring that our best asset, our children, can succeed. Together, we can Expect Success. We thank Ms. Scott for trusting and encouraging us to continue this important work.”
