vol. 27 // May 2022
A bookseller shared that they felt comfortable asking Binc for financial assistance for much-needed dental work because a coworker said Binc had helped them several years ago. Their coworker is a Helper.
A comic shop employee completed the Binc/BetterHelp (mental health service pilot program) Inquiry Form because the store owner had posted the information about this service in the store’s breakroom. They scanned the QR code and completed the form on their phone: no need to use the store’s computer. That store owner is a Helper.
A comic shop employee received the store’s weekly Wednesday shipment from Lunar Distributing and read the information about Binc that Lunar packed inside along with the invoice. When they needed help a few months later they remembered that flier and called Binc. Lunar Distributing is a Helper.
A bookstore manager attended a Regional Book Association forum and brought back Binc posters and bookmarks with QR codes that link directly to Binc’s assistance forms. They used the speaking points on the poster at the morning meeting, then contacted Binc themselves that same day. Both the Regional Association Executive Director and the store manager are Helpers.
“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred Rogers
Mr. Rogers gave great advice for people who are in stressful, frightening, and unexpected situations: Look for the helpers. He knew that asking for help when it’s needed, and giving help when we are able, makes the bad times better.
Binc Program Managers receive emails and calls for help every day. They are the voices that greet the bookstore and comic shop employees and owners struggling with unexpected stress, anxiety, and financial crisis.
You are the reason Binc’s Program Managers can answer these calls for help. You are an essential Helper.
Thank you for taking out the stress, uncertainty and fear when these book and comic employees face unexpected crises. Thank you for giving them the gift of help.
We couldn’t do it without you. You are our Helper; your donations and advocacy change lives.
- To donate, https://secure.donationpay.org/bincfoundation
- To download a poster for display in a bookstore or comic shop, https://www.bincfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Split-Poster-2022.png
- Bookstore and comic shop employees and owners: to access the inquiry form for financial assistance, https://www.bincfoundation.org/assistance/#assistance-form
- To find out more about the Binc/BetterHelp Mental Health pilot for bookstore and comic shop employees and owners, https://www.bincfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/One-Sheet-Mental-Health-Pilot-2.pdf
Confidentiality is a core component of any assistance Binc provides. Some events may have been compressed and details might be included from another story to protect the confidentiality and privacy of all those who receive assistance from Binc.
