Children's Book Author Gives Back in Jacksonville

Joan Green, a children’s author, felt the need to give. Once homeless, Ms. Green remembered lessons learned while growing up about the importance of learning to read and helping those who are in need of support. As a grandmother, Ms. Green was able to develop and write stories for her granddaughter, whom received great delight from Ms. Green reading purposefully-written stories containing lessons of conduct, while teaching reading skills.

Ms. Green contacted the Jacksonville Urban League Entrepreneurship Center for assistance with developing her books into a business for the purpose of generating funds to donate to supplement classroom resources in underserved areas. Over the past two months, Ms. Green has been receiving coaching and technical assistance from Thomas B. Waters, Entrepreneurship Center Director, on marketing and general business set-up. Joan said, "Thomas is assisting me with my business plan; incorporating my business; and advising me towards access to capital. His coaching and technical assistance services are free of cost to me."

Within the next couple of weeks, Ms. Green‘s business, “Teachers Are The Best”, will be incorporated and be able to partner with sponsors who can assist in purchasing books in bulk to donate to area schools. Funds generated will be utilized to pay overhead and supplement underserved classrooms.

In addition to services Ms. Green is receiving, she has been referred to a successful local non-profit that works with the school board in serving youth.  Ms. Green has also appeared on numerous television news and talk shows.

Watch below to see an interview featuring Ms. Green: