FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
$100,000 Gift from Anand Legacy Foundation Strengthens Birth Equity Initiative at Bakersfield Recovery Services
BAKERSFIELD, CA February 23, 2026: Bakersfield Recovery Services (BRS) announced a transformative philanthropic investment from Ajay Anand and the Anand Legacy Foundation which will support mothers and newborns at the Lincoln Street Perinatal Recovery and Support for Mothers, commonly known as the Birth Equity House.
This landmark contribution of $100,000 represents a significant step toward breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and addiction by fostering long-term stability and opportunity for mothers in recovery and their newborn children. Through this investment, the first 100 eligible children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, whose mothers participated in the Lincoln Street Birth Equity House program, will receive a one-time $1,000 matchingcontributions from the Anand Legacy Foundation to their Trump Savings Accounts. This generousdona tion ensures that as mothers reunify with their children, their babies begin life with a meaningful financial foundation rooted in hope, dignity, and opportunity.
This contribution is part of the $500,000 commitment announced by the Anand Legacy Foundation on February 4, 2026 — a landmark investment dedicated to newborns of mothers enrolled in eligible rehabilitation programs across Kern County. Bakersfield Recovery Service (BRS) will be
the first rehabilitation program in Kern County to participate in this historic initiative — establishing what is poised to become a precedent-setting model for California and the nation.
This initiative, led by the Anand Legacy Foundation in Kern County, has the potential to influence
policy conversations across California and nation — demonstrating that when we invest early, we
change trajectories for families and communities alike.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Gilbert LaRoque, Executive Director, Bakersfield Recovery Services:
“This historic investment is not only game-changing it is life-changing. It will transform the futures of the women we serve as they reunify with their babies and move from survival to stability, and from poverty to prosperity. For the first time in Kern County, newborns of mothers in recovery will
begin life not only with care and support, but with early financial capital designed to foster longterm stability, dignity, and opportunity. By aligning recovery services with early economic empowerment, this initiative introduces a new framework — one that integrates compassion, accountability, and generational wealth-building.
Most importantly, it changes the trajectory for their children. We are deeply grateful to Ajay Anand and his family foundation, the Anand Legacy Foundation, for their continued commitment to our 82-bed facility and the Birth Equity House. At BRS, we create a space where women heal and
rebuild; this gift ensures that the hope cultivated here will last for generations.”
Ajay Anand, Founder, Anand Legacy Foundation:
“When a mother chooses recovery, she is making a courageous investment in her child’s future. Our responsibility as a community is to meet that courage with opportunity. By aligning maternal healing with early financial empowerment for their newborns, this initiative reinforces a powerful
belief – when we invest in a mother’s healing, we must also invest in her child’s future. Together, we are combining compassion with action to ensure at-risk children begin life with a foundation strong enough for them to thrive.”
“Invest America starts at birth. By giving newborns in recovery families early capital and stability,
we’re creating real ownership and real opportunity. What begins in Kern County, supporting
newborns in recovery and rehabilitation, can scale nationwide”
Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20)
“Trump Accounts were designed to give every American child a headstart on their path to achieving the American Dream – no matter where they were born or who they were born to,” said Congressman Fong. “It is my hope that the generosity demonstrated locally by the Anand Legacy Foundation will inspire additional contributions to these accounts, not just in our community, but also statewide and nationally from family, friends, churches, employers, and private foundations so that our children begin adulthood with a meaningful financial foundation. I look forward to seeing all of the ways this historic new savings tool will bring positive change and help the next generation achieve the American Dream.”
Matt Lira, Executive Director, Invest America Foundation:
“Trump Accounts serve as a powerful platform for business leaders, philanthropists, and families to directly support children in their communities. By investing in Kern County’s next generation, these accounts help strengthen families, expand opportunity, and build a more resilient future for
the entire community.”
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
About Trump Accounts
Trump Accounts are tax-deferred savings accounts for American children under 18 created by P.L. 119-21. Every eligible American child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will receive a Trump Account. Each account will receive an initial $1,000 government
deposit invested in a broad stock market index. Parents are allowed to contribute up to $5,000 per year, while employers may make an annual contribution of up to $2,500 – which will not be counted as part of the employee’s taxable income. Nonprofit organizations and local governments can also contribute to Trump Accounts of all children in a state or qualified geographic area. No money can be withdrawn before a child turns 18 years old.
About Bakersfield Recovery Services (BRS)
Bakersfield Recovery Services is a cornerstone of the Kern County recovery continuum, providing comprehensive residential treatment and supportive services for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. BRS is committed to offering structured, compassionate environments where people can reclaim their lives and build lasting stability. With a commitment to creating structured, compassionate environments, BRS helps people reclaim their lives and build lasting stability.
About the Birth Equity House (Lincoln Street)
The Lincoln Street Birth Equity House provides a specialized perinatal residential treatment program for pregnant and parenting women in recovery. The comprehensive program supports mothers through pregnancy, childbirth preparation, family reunification, and early parenting, while strengthening maternal-child bonds. Staffed in part by individuals with lived recovery experience, the program offers critical support—including hygiene essentials, transportation assistance, and emotional encouragement—so women can move beyond past challenges and focus on a
healthier future.
About the Anand Legacy Foundation
The Anand Legacy Foundation, led by Founder and CEO Ajay Anand, is a private public-benefit charitable foundation dedicated to advancing opportunity for at-risk youth and underserved communities. Through strategic investments in education, financial empowerment, and community-based initiatives, the Foundation works to cultivate future generations who will uplift their families and strengthen Kern County and communities beyond.
About The Invest America Act
America’s promise has always been that every person can make a living and move upward, no matter where they start. For too many families, that promise has felt distant. The Invest America Act was created to respond to that crisis of confidence with a straightforward idea that has big impact: personal, government-seeded investment accounts for every eligible child.
When a child can watch their savings grow over time, they see the future getting bigger, not smaller. That experience builds hope, habit, and a sense of ownership, laying a foundation for upward mobility.
This transformational policy was included in the 2025 tax legislation; with the backing of the U.S. Treasury and trusted providers, accounts are scheduled to open on July 4, 2026. Ongoing work focuses on ensuring straightforward enrollment, transparent rules, and access to low-cost
investment options for families
MEDIA CONTACTS
Michael Bowers
Director, Anand Legacy Foundation
661-348-5956
Gilbert LaRoque
Executive Director, Bakersfield Recovery Service
661-325-1817 | 531 Knotts St, Bakersfield, CA 93305
Matt Lira
Executive Director, Invest America
Email: matt@investamerica.org