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New book series Young Change Makers shares stories of youngsters who are making a difference

Young Change Makers is a seven-book series featuring more than 80 trailblazing youth from around the world who are taking action to change their communities in positive ways. Author and educator Stacy Bauer wanted others to know the stories of ordinary kids who were doing extraordinary things, which was her inspiration for writing the series. “These are some absolutely incredible kids. From raising money to help the sick, to planting over a billion trees worldwide, these kids are so caring, inspiring, selfless, and kind,” Bauer says. “They are taking action to spread joy and love, and I am so excited to share their stories.” The youngsters showcased in the first book of the series – Young Change Makers: Making a Difference – range from a girl who collects donations for animals each year on her birthday to a boy who invented a device to alert parents if their children are left in a hot car. Bauer is a second-grade teacher who lives in a suburb of Minneapolis with her husband and two children. She has taught for 17 years, from kindergarten to eighth grade. She is the creator of the bestselling children’s book series Cami Kangaroo and Wyatt Too. There are currently eight picture and activity books in the series. In 2020, Bauer started her own publishing company, Hop Off the Press. Connect with Bauer on Facebook and Instagram, and visit her website, https://stacycbauer.com. Young Change Makers: Making a Difference is published through Hop Off the Press LLC and is available for order, along with the rest of the books in the series, at https://stacycbauer.com/ young-change-makers-29/.

Hibbett partners with United Ability for Summer Jobs Program Program benefits high school students with disabilities

Hibbett, the leading Birmingham-based premium footwear and athleisure retailer, announced a partnership with United Ability of Alabama to host a worksite for its six-week long, summer Job Exploration Training Services (JETS) program. The JETS summer program enabled 10 high school students with varying abilities to receive on-the-job training, mentoring and work experience, side-by-side with other Hibbett employees at the company’s distribution center in Birmingham. “We are so appreciative of the support Hibbett has shown United Ability’s Summer JETS Program,” says Katie Dumais, United Ability director of employment services. “Hibbett has proven itself to be a true leader in the community and we look forward to growing this partnership for years to come.” Harvey Knighten, Hibbett vice president of human resources, says the program allows a unique opportunity to students as they prepare to enter a competitive workforce “and in fact, we are hiring a couple of the students who were interested in permanent positions.” The company plans to participate again in summer 2022 and continues to strengthen the partnership. The United Ability JETS program, developed five years ago, is open to students at least 16 years old who are enrolled in a a greater Birmingham area high school and enrolled with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Students in the program receive a combination of work-based learning and on the job support as they receive mentoring and learn the skills needed to perform a variety of different jobs. All program participants are paid to work four hours per day, five days a week for the 6-week duration of the program. Photos courtesy of United Ability.

Hibbett also will participate in the first DisABILITY Hiring Expo, hosted by United Ability and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), from 2-4 p.m. on September 23 at United Ability’s LINCPoint Adult Program Building, \101 Oslo Circle, Birmingham.

Two Great New Books About Special Needs

Born to Sparkle: A Story About Achieving Your Dreams Author Megan Bomgaars, who has Down syndrome, is an activist, TV personality and entrepreneur. Her debut book arrives this fall. Inspired by her moving “Don’t Limit Me” speech, Born to Sparkle encourages young readers to dream big and work hard to make those big dreams come true. Her story reveals there are no limits and anything is possible if one follows their dreams and works hard. It’s about doing your very best to make dreams happen. Be brave. Study. Learn. Practice. Ask questions. Educators and parents will revel in this uplifting, inspiring picture book with a cast of stuffed animals leading by example at each turn of the page. Illustrated by Peter John Olczyk. Hardcover, $12.99; ISBN: 978-1-4867-2100-8/

Book of Hugs: A Story About Achieving Your Dreams Motivational speaker, disability advocate and restaurateur Tim Harris’ debut picture book, Book of Hugs, publishes this September. Inspired by Tim’s love of giving big bear hugs and his restaurant that offered up hugs on the menu, this charming how-to guide inspires readers with plenty of reasons to give someone a big hug! Colorful characters Teddy Bear Tim and his trio of energetic monkey friends share tips on delivering the very best hugs – no matter whether they are happy hugs, sad hugs, fast or slow hugs. Every type of hug is about sharing love. As the book says, “Love is the most important part!” Illustrated by Charlie Astrella. Hardcover $12.99; ISBN: 978-1486721047.

On the weekend of January 21-23, Tim Harris and his family are relaunching the Hug-a-thon. The goal is to get a million hugs and one million dollars in donations, all to benefit the Hearts of Joy International charity. Details to follow. This non-profit provides life-saving heart surgery for children born with Down syndrome. Learn more at Hearts of Joy International.

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