Mary J. Blige starts foundation for women

YONKERS, N.Y. (AP) - May 9, 2008 Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute, who founded a youth-oriented brand consulting firm, say they're setting up the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now.

The foundation will concentrate first on the Yonkers, New York, area where the 37-year-old Blige grew up. The charity will fund scholarships, grants and programs that help women gain confidence and skills to succeed in their careers.

Blige and Stoute say they expect to expand to the New York metropolitan area and then the nation.