Our Impact
Making a Difference
We believe youth development programs do more than just change the lives of the kids – they also impact the community in positive ways. According to a review done by the U. S. Department of Human Services,. [1] ‘there is a clear link between the kind of society we aspire to be and the chances we offer to our next generation of voters, citizens, employees and parents,’ which put a particular emphasis on the benefit of programs offered to young people outside of school and within their communities.[2] Other studies in the US have shown how young people can be ‘active participants in solving problems and providing services at the community level’ and recognize young people as competent ‘community builders.’[3] Non-profit organizations offering youth development programs can positively impact the economy, increase community engagement and offer solutions for communities that other entities may not be able to provide.
At Better Bound, young people “DO THE WORK” to change their lives and their communities. This program is focused on actively conquering obstacles that are preventing our youth from reaching their full potential and teaching them the importance of community.
“When young people discover they can be agents of change, wonderful things happen.”
– Alma Powell
Projected growth based on current donations
2021 – 2025
Year-By-Year Sales Growth Predictions
With the help of concerned and caring community partners, volunteers, and donors we can reach and exceed our predictions and reach more young adults who are struggling, but willing to “Do The Work” to make valuable life changes. A paid starting wage of $9.50 /hour will give at-risk young adults a median income to sustain basic needs, while they work to overcome obstacles preventing them from achieving their full potential.
Every item donated and sold goes into program support and wages for young adults who are not looking for a handout, just an opportunity to survive while making valuable life changes.
Donations of your new and /or lightly used quality books, and clothing items not only give jobs and life skills to struggling youth; recycling decreases the waste on our planet.
1. Less clothing in landfills. Studies have shown that 60 percent of the clothes made worldwide are made from synthetic materials (e.g. polyester, nylon, acrylic) a.k.a. plastic. When thrown away, they often sit in landfills for hundreds of years. Buying secondhand means you are actively contributing to the decrease in worldwide textiles in the waste streams.
2. Fewer resources used and wasted. A pair of jeans took approximately 1,800 gallons of water to make and generated greenhouse gases equivalent to driving over 80 miles. Similar numbers apply to other articles of clothing. When you donate these items for resale, you contribute to reducing the carbon footprint.
3. Less pollution. About 90 percent of the cotton grown for textiles is genetically modified, which means it is heavily reliant on pesticides. In fact, almost 20 percent of the pesticide used worldwide is for use on cotton plants. These chemicals contaminate nearby water supplies and acidify the soil. The dyes used in the textile-making process also pollute water supplies. Simply switching to thrifting isn’t going to completely solve all of the world’s problems, but it is one way you can work to minimize our carbon footprints and make small steps towards a better future, while also investing in local communities and youth who need our help to reach their full potential.
Thank you for your donations that support our youth and for caring about the future of our environment.
Get Involved
We’re changing the world, by changing lives. So can you.
We welcome your skills, accountability, and belief in the potential of our youth to change the world.
Ways you can help at-risk youth!
Volunteer
Donate
Shop to Help
Better Bound Bookstore is a 501 (c) Non-Profit
We are a 501 (c3) Non-Profit and we sustain ourselves on donations, sales generated on our eBay store, and the support of volunteers and community partners – who make all the difference. Get involved and help us – empower youth to lead successful lives.
Because of you, we can help others.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement
At Better Bound Book Store & Youth Development, we celebrate diversity and foster inclusion. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our mission is to embrace all backgrounds and identities, ensuring that our community thrives through mutual understanding and support.