Community Action Partnership: Molina Foundation Book Fair Last May, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino partnered for the second year in a row with the Molina Foundation to present the 2019 Summer Book Fest and Resource Fair. CAPSBC held the first annual book fest the year before in 2018 to provide new books to hundreds of children across San Bernardino County as they kicked off their summer vacation. Studies show children who are exposed to many books from an early age have improved vocabulary, as well as increased awareness and comprehension. In addition, books expand their educational horizons and benefit them long into adulthood. No one knows about the value of early reading better than Dr. Faustino Bernadett and his wife Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett, M.D., MBA, who founded The Molina Foundation back in 2004. The goal of this national nonprofit organization is to reduce gaps in access to education and health. It has worked with more than 2,500 organizations and schools over its lifetime, donating more than 5.5 million books, as well as hosting workshops and programs for educators and families. The foundation works alongside community-based organizations and joins with preschool programs, clinics, churches, schools, family service organizations, and civic organizations that serve low-income and at-risk families. The Molina Foundation works hard to make sure a new generation of students has access to the books they need within their schools and after-school programs.
Book Fest: A Valuable Resource for the Community The Summer Book Fest 2019 and Resource Fair was an event that naturally followed the progression of Faustino “Tino” Bernadett’s outreach efforts. It was made possible by community support through sponsorships, donations, volunteers, and partner involvement. The event, designed to provide children with valuable books that will serve to advance their academic growth, also gives parents access to the resources they need to help their children achieve academic success.