Binc Launches Mental Health Pilot Program
The number one thing respondents asked for in last year's Binc survey of bookstore and comic shop employees and owners in all 50 states was mental health therapy assistance. This mirrors information from the National Mental Health Institute, which reports one in five people are struggling with a mental health support need.
In response, Binc has launched a pilot program partnering with the online BetterHelp platform to provide up to 8 sessions with a certified and licensed professional mental health therapist at no cost to the bookstore or comic shop employee or owner. The online counseling and therapy services are provided through the participants’ choice of web-based interaction, via phone, or text communication, and are available nationwide.
After 8 sessions, should the participant want to continue, they could add additional sessions paying themselves at Binc’s non-profit discounted rate. Participating in BetterHelp is completely confidential.
Read more on Binc's blog at https://www.bincfoundation.org/acting-on-your-2021-survey-feedback/
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New Professional Development Programs Coming Soon
Also, as a result of the feedback from the Binc survey, the Foundation is developing a pilot program for professional development skills training that will begin later in 2022 and replace the higher education scholarship programs.
Survey feedback clarified the information Binc received from store owners and employees during 2020 and 2021: to survive and thrive during the pandemic bookstores and comic shops needed to adapt to new situations quickly.
To address the ongoing need for skills training, Binc’s pilot program will fund courses and certifications for employees and owners of bookstores and comic shops from accredited sources.
More details and a program roll-out are planned by Fall 2022.
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AdventureKEEN’s SHOP LOCAL, LIVE LOCAL Raises $10,381 for Binc
Thank you to AdventureKEEN and the 303 participating indie bookstores that raised $10,381 in this year's SHOP LOCAL, LIVE LOCAL campaign. Working with the 303 stores, AdventureKEEN has donated $10,381 to Binc, and an additional $10,381 to be divided among the participating stores.
Read more about the SHOP LOCAL, LIVE LOCAL campaign and this year's donation at https://adventurewithkeen.com/2022/03/shop-local-live-local-donates-money-to-binc-and-indie-bookstores
Bookstores interested in participating in SHOP LOCAL, LIVE LOCAL can learn more and sign up at https://adventurewithkeen.com/shoplocal
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 Binc Named Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits
Thank you to everyone who shared their story. Thanks to your reviews, which help other people who need our help find us, Binc has received a 2022 Top-Rated Award from Great Nonprofits.
Read the inspiring stories of people you’ve helped at https://greatnonprofits.org/org/book-industry-charitable-foundation
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Nominations Open for Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award
Shout-out your favorite comic shop by nominating them for the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award, which will be announced in July at San Diego Comic-Con. Nominations open until April 23. More information at https://mp3sandnpcs.com/home/nominate-your-favorite-comic-shops-for-2022-will-eisner-spirit-of-comics-retailer-award-right-now
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Kodansha x Humble Bundle Benefits Binc
Here's your chance to get a huge bundle of award-winning manga e-books, AND have your purchase benefit Binc. Kodansha's newest Humble Bundle is a fabulous way to have a library of manga at your fingertips. The bundle will be available until April 16th at 11 am Pacific.
Thanks, Kodansha!
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/awardwinning-manga-2022-kodansha-comics-books
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Reflections: Lessons From the Past Two Years
Two years ago, the news was overtaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing heartache and breathtaking change to the world. Businesses closed. People lost their jobs and paychecks. Hospitals operated at and even beyond their capacity. The news was filled with stories of confusion, worry, illness, uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. And, if you read about it in the news, Binc is there helping booksellers, comic shop employees, and store owners with unforeseen emergency financial needs.
You were there, too.
In the past two years over 2,800 individuals, families, and stores have received nearly $4.5 million dollars in financial assistance from Binc.
Read about what we've learned in the past two years, what we did, and with your help, what we continue to do.
https://www.bincfoundation.org/what-weve-learned-in-the-two-years-of-the-covid-19-pandemic
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You Reminded a Bookseller That They Are Not Alone
It starts with something small. A late payment. An unexpected expense. Then it snowballs and suddenly a bookseller is living in a dark and cold apartment with no heat, light, or running water.
This bookseller had been living without water and electricity for six months to keep current on their car payments and rent. They had been showering at the rec center, recharging their phone at work, and leaving their car at home as often as possible while they rode a bicycle to work to save on gasoline.
Read about how your support allowed them to get the water and electricity reconnected bringing light, warmth, and hope back into their home. And subscribe to our Monthly Stories to for more content like this.
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“It is a gross understatement for me to say that I didn’t know that kindness such as this actually exists. I will never forget the generosity you have shown me.”
—A bookseller you helped*
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*Quotes may be edited for length, clarity and to help preserve confidentiality.
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Get Tax Help
Need a hand with your tax return? Check out Tax-Aide, which provides IRS-certified volunteers who can help with federal and state tax returns for many filers. Tax-Aide is affiliated with AARP, but its services are not limited to AARP members, or restricted by age or income. Find out more, including in-person locations and online services at https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org
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Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
We love when you choose to celebrate your birthday or other special occasions with a fundraiser for Binc. The method that gets the most possible funds to Binc is to use GiveLively’s peer-to-peer fundraising. It’s fast, easy and secure.
Follow this link: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/book-industry-charitable-foundation/help-booksellers-bookstores-and-comic-retailers And click on the button "I want to fundraise for this.”
If you have questions please feel free to contact Jennifer@bincfoundation.org or Kathy@bincfoundation.org
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Binc is Here for You
If you are a bookstore employee, comic shop employee, or store owner who is facing an unexpected financial hardship, please contact us. Binc may be able to help.
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