| Our educational system is faced with fundamental changes during this pandemic which leave many concerns about how educators should proceed with classes when considering the emotional and physical health of children. First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise founded in 1992, works to address educational equity by providing brand new books to children in need along with other resources, such as classroom supplies and basic needs items, to ensure that access to these materials becomes less of a barrier in a child's educational journey. |
| A unique aspect of First Book's operation is the First Book Marketplace, a nonprofit e-commerce website that provides educators, librarians, program staff and others serving children in need with access to thousands of titles, books in bulk, computers, and free digital learning resources. Thanks to agreements with their partners in the publishing industry, First Book is able to make brand new, high-quality books and resources available to their membership for free and at low-cost. |
| Bethlehem Dammlash '06 joined First Book in 2013 and currently works as its Director of Member Services. Dammlash and her team provide assistance to members using the First Book Marketplace and also provides internal support on campaigns and initiatives that the organization is running. |
| "We work with Title I schools, Head Starts, food nutrition programs, Title VII recipients, folks working in communities that have clear economic need, or potentially… serving kids that have special needs," Dammlash said. "A lot of the kids that we serve receive their very first book through us, and the fact that it's brand new for folks who might not have everything brand new makes a difference. One of the initiatives I like the most about the organization is our Stories for All Project ™, which curates new, relevant books that are written by, illustrated by, and reflect people of color. We put those books in the hands of other kids so they can have a window into another person's life but can also have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in those stories." |
| In addition to increased efforts, there are more First Book-eligible organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some schools and communities shifted their focus toward assisting low-income communities through creating meal sites and feeding programs in their facilities, and now qualify for First Book's inventory as a way to offer more support to those kids and families during this challenging time. |
| When schools closed this past spring, First Book became busier than ever as people, foundations, corporations, and donors became even more committed to the mission of getting high-quality brand new books and educational resources to kids in need. |
| First Book switched to a remote working environment for its staff and has been able to continue working with its warehouse partners that process and ship deliveries for the First Book Marketplace site. |
| "At a time where there seems to be so much lack, there also seems to be so much giving," Dammlash said. "People are trying to make sure that we're able to do what we need to do for the more vulnerable communities out there, from education to food, to everything else, and the support is wonderful to see." |
| While First Book has been able to provide vulnerable communities with books and supplies during the pandemic, the increased emphasis on digital learning highlights another challenge for underserved communities. |
| "We have digital learning resources for our network, but not everyone has devices like computers or smartphones to access them. The pandemic showcases how harmful the digital divide can be for more vulnerable populations and communities when you don't have access to reliable networks like the internet or your own computer. We create opportunities to get that access for folks who do not traditionally have access to high-quality brand new books, to high-speed internet, or other items that you need in order to succeed and be connected in the world and learn on the same level as the people 15 minutes down the street from you. First Book cannot eliminate all disadvantages, but we provide access to books and other educational resources to help [bridge] those gaps." |
| Since her time in college, Dammlash knew that she wanted to dedicate her career to the nonprofit sector. The majority of her past work has been centered around youth with a focus on social justice issues, such as educational equity. |
| "It's always been rewarding for me, and any work that I've done in my career is the continuous striving towards a more equitable world for everybody and to create level playing fields for all people, regardless of where they start, and making sure that vulnerable communities have a chance," Dammlash explained. "Plus, the fact that I can do that work at an educational nonprofit that's focused on educational equity, read interesting books, hear stories of the impact that we make for kids along with working with great people; it all makes me grateful that First Book let me be a part of their mission every day for the past seven years." |
| For those who wish to assist First Book with their work and mission, visit their COVID-19 Action page where people can donate and find out more about their coronavirus relief efforts. Donations made through this page will be matched by Pizza Hut up to $500,000. |
| Additionally, check out their First Book Marketplace as well as their "At-Home Learning" platform to see what resources they help provide their members with. |
