Hello

Our  MISSION is to enrich children's lives through books & music.  Reading is critical to the academic, economic, and social success of  children. However, many children complete schooling without achieving  more than basic literacy. Reading achievement has consistently been a  robust predictor of future antisocial behavior. Children with reading  difficulties are considerably less likely to graduate high school, and  thus are at greater risk for unemployment, underemployment, and  incarceration.

We started with a used book shoppe to provide local community with  cultural clubs and reading opportunities, and to work with local  charities. After 2 years, we decided to take this concept and work more  closely with children missions, in order to benefit those who needs are  even more than those of the local community we catered. From that seed,  this foundation was formed.
 

Literacy  development is a process that begins in infancy and has a natural  hierarchy of progression. Literacy develops in parallel with language,  but in contrast to language, which is natural and inherent, reading is  acquired and must be taught. 

Researchers also have found a significant relationship between music  instruction and positive performances in such areas as: reading  comprehension, spelling, mathematics, listening skills, primary mental  abilities (verbal, perceptual, numeric, spatial) and motor skills.

Several studies by the American Association for the Advancement of  Science, which is based at Brown University, explored the effects of art  and music education on young children's learning. The conclusions of  these studies support the theory that music instruction can help build  intellectual and emotional skills, facilitate children's learning and  strengthen other academic areas, such as reading and math. Also, these  studies indicate that music can positively affect children and adults of  all ages.
 

Bookbumz  foundation seeks out needy communities to establish a kids  library/literacy or music program to give them a chance for a better  life ! 

2023 - Providing music lessons continued throughout the year : ) 

2022 - Supporting Meals on Wheels non profit organization to provide food to many who have had a more challenging time during pandemic. 

2019-2021

Throughout the pandemic, we continued to provide music lessons to kids via virtual devices, a bit more challenging, but the human connection was especially vital for young kids during isolation. 

2015-2018 :  Continued to provide music lessons via historical site venue in New England.  

SPRING 2014 : Centennial Hall, North Hampton, NH, USA
Bookbumz helped organize a Fundraiser for a historic building which is a  major venue in the community for conducting music lessons. The theme  was a barn dance complete with fiddle, ukelele, guitar, penny whistle  players from age 6 to 81. Bookbumz also sponsored two students to attend  this workshop. The event was a success and requests have been made for a  repeat.

SUMMER 2013 : Laura undertook intensive music training and followed the Suzuki program with Hartford University, CT, USA 

SPRING 2013: We regret to say our Mexico mission trip is coming to an  end, but mission is far from over. During our short season, we were able  to assist with reading programs, start up music classes, and help with  other children's needs in the area. We would like to think we had an  impact which will last. We want to thank all those who contributed,  whether it was time, financial aid, literature, instruments and  accommodations and last but not least "team spirit".   

WINTER  2012 : Amor en Accion
We have been attending this mission since December with several other  volunteer members. Recently we have been spending more time with  "biblioteca", a library event, where the mission aims to foster reading  and learning activities for kids of all ages. We have added a few  pictures of this event under "Photos". Some new projects are being  discussed. 
 

December 27, 2012: Christmas gifts for children
It has been a busy holiday season, with many missions fundraising to  provide toys for children in impoverished neighborhoods. We donated  books and coloring books with words to the following local missions;  Love in Action, DIF, and Tepehua Community. We wish everyone who  participated in helping the children enjoy christmas time - Feliz  Navidad ! December 14, 2012: Love in Action
 

In Chapala, Mexico, this orphanage is called, Amor en Accion, and helps  with needs of abused children. They have strived to build a foundation  which supports all the needs of growing child without a family home.  Their work has been supported by many, including government who works  hard to prevent child abuses. There are so many ways to get involved on  location or away. For more info try http://www.loveinactioncenter.org/

November 22, 2012: TEPEHUA
In the hills above Chapala, we volunteer at Centro Communitario in  village of Tepehua (pronounced te pe wa) , which serves up lunch meal  "comida" on Fridays for more than 100 local children and followed by  play time in open courtyard (see pics under photo section). Doctors also  volunteer and take office for half day to provide much needed medical  care services since families in this region are sometimes to remote to  access services. Tepehua is Chapala's poorest neighborhood and one of  the poorest in Jalisco 

November 7, 2012: Missions in Mexico
We have located missions in Jalisco, Mexico and looking forward to make contact and determine needs...wish us luck !

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