"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."

Hello May and Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!

It’s time for another nonprofit update! I mean, am I the only one who feels like these weeks and months just fly by?! Jeez…

I am so excited for May because we have so many fun things planned. HHB was actually represented yesterday at the 2nd Annual Art Inspired Healing Festival. This event was so dope, There were so many healing Black people in the building. From music, to art, to essential oils, to book donations, everybody was in the building to do their part to help heal the Black community. I love how it kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month. Of course, HHB was in the building, providing books and reading to the littles. It’s always so refreshing to me to see kids get excited for books. Special shout out to author and creator, Jae Chary, and founder of Queens Building Queens Mentoring Program, Nnena Oka, for donating! We’re forever grateful for the support.

As some of you know, in addition to my work with HHB, I serve as a Licensed Master Social Worker for a school district in Dallas County. In my role, I help provide

resources for students who are experiencing suicidal ideation and other mental health needs. Research has shown that Reading can reduce stress that causes many mental illnesses by 68%. So, what better way to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month than by giving a little free library to one of our campuses? I’m sooo excited for this. The campus has a small mindfulness area outside, and that’s where we plan to install the little free library. Pics coming soon!

So, as stated in our last update, HHBLD&C turned one in April. I am so excited because I hold our nonprofit near and dear to my heart. We have a celebratory benefit on the calendar. I don’t want to give too many details prematurely, but just know y’all are gonna like it! Please stay tuned!

We’re always accepting donations! Monetary or gently used books! If you’d like to get rid of some gently used books, please don’t hesitate to reach out; we’ll gladly accept! Thank y’all for the continued support.