Betty Jean Brown Foundation was founded in Lafayette, California, on January 14, 2000, to provide shelter and education to street children in the country of Rwanda.  War, genocide, and economic strife led to over 200,000 children living on the streets, with no form of assistance. 

      By 2000, Betty Jean Brown Foundation, through support of many individuals and schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, raised enough funds to allow the establishment of the home; however, they were informed that the Rwandan government was not favorable of foreign organizations assisting their street children.

      The board of directors realized that the purpose of the organization would need to be changed.  In 2002, the purpose was amended “to educate youths through community service activities.”  The transition to an organization that educated through community service activities, or service learning, was an obvious choice for Betty Jean Brown Foundation; through volunteer service, fundraising, and advocating for the street children of Rwanda, countless Bay Area youths gained important leadership skills, and a passion for helping others.

      In order to allow more youths to gain the benefits of service learning, Betty Jean Brown Foundation decided to apply for its 501 (c) 3 status in 2003.  Not only would this status demonstrate the credibility and strength of the organization, it would also ensure that all donations made would be tax deductible, under the statutes of the law.  To the delight of the foundation, permanent 501 (c) 3 status was granted in 2008.

      In 2005, the board of directors voted to send Robert Brown, its Chief Executive Officer, to a Masters of Nonprofit Administration program, at the University of San Francisco.  In the meantime, Betty Jean Brown Foundation, has provided assistance to World Vision, Community Concern for Cats, Contra Costa Food Bank, Oakland Unified School District, Southwest Key, as well as other organizations.  Many of the volunteers of Betty Jean Brown Foundation have served as volunteers since 2000, and continue their service in their high schools and young adulthood.

      2008 marked the creation of a new strategic plan, and the addition of board members of varying skill sets, and a vision to “Transform Lamorinda youths into compassionate, capable, broad-minded future leaders.”

      The purpose of Betty Jean Brown Foundation is to educate youths through community service opportunities, and other enriching experiences.