Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Farrell.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started Books For Better MN in March of 2020 at the beginning of Covid. I was home with my daughters and I wanted to do something to make a difference. The organization started as one single book shelf in the garage and has grown to a small book “shop” in the North Branch Outlet Mall. In January of 2023 our organization officially became a registered non-profit organization. When my oldest daughter was younger I was a single mom, we were on a tight budget and I couldn’t afford the luxuries like books from the book fair. This sparked my desire to help with youth development through literacy.
Alongside myself I have two fantastic board members Sarah and Jennifer who have been with me since the beginning and I am truly thankful to have them on this journey with me. In addition, my mom is my biggest supporter and our organization’s most active volunteer.
Our mission is simple, to help build youth literacy in the community by providing free books. Our organization gives the kids who need it, access to books of their own, at no cost to them. We believe that all youth deserve an equal opportunity at literary success and that begins with books in the home.
We host a variety of events throughout the year to get books into kids’ hands. You can also find us at various parks in the Chisago, Isanti, and Washington County area on Wednesday mornings in the Summer (June-August). All of our events are free and kids generally leave with a book in hand, every time. Not only do we host events, we partner with businesses and organizations in Minnesota to help get books into kids’ hands.
It is encouraged that if someone is in need of books that they reach out to us via email or Facebook to set up a time for them to pick out books or to request books be picked out for them. While our “shop” doesn’t have set hours, we run by appointment and we are flexible with our time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While it has been a mostly positive experience there are always hurdles to overcome. The biggest challenge we face is raising funds to continue our mission. Since registering as a non-profit organization it is easier to apply for grants and donations but it still proves to be difficult to raise funds, collect donations, and request sponsorship on a regular basis. That being said, I am truly thankful for all that the community does to help keep our mission alive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At this time I am self employed. I do contract work for the local school district and I also work for another non-profit organization as their scheduler in the Summer months.
Literacy and education is not in my professional background, which surprises a lot of people. I actually have a background in the medical field. I went to school and then worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for many years, from there I worked for a Medical Device company before becoming a stay at home mom for six years. During my time as a stay at home mom I started the organization that I operate full time in addition to my other contract jobs.
I am proud of my drive and motivation. My motivation is due to my passion for the organization. I am also proud of the example that I am setting for my daughters and I hope that they will follow in my foot steps to help where they can, when they can.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I hope I can inspire others to take a chance on their goals even if it seems scary or hard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.booksforbettermn.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nj.booksforbetter
