It has been one year since Dr. Tino Bernadett and his wife, Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett, through The Molina Foundation gifted a grant that provided 75,000 new children's books at a value of $655,000 to Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD).
The district and The Molina Foundation began distributing the books in November 2020 with a giveaway at Herrera Elementary. At that time, LBUSD Library Curriculum Leader Crystal Miranda said in a statement, "Especially in this time of distance learning and limited access to print materials, we truly appreciate The Molina Foundation's generous gift to our students. We are very grateful for these 75,000 brand-new books that will be put directly into students' hands."
Giving back to the community has always been a priority to Dr. Tino Bernadett. So is literacy. The Molina Foundation was formed in 2004 by Dr. Tino Bernadett and his wife, Dr. Martha Bernadett, M.D., MBA. She is the President and CEO, and he is Vice President and Treasurer. Together they lead this national nonprofit organization that aims to cut down on disparities in access to education and health.
Throughout its 17-year history, The Molina Foundation has worked with more than 2,500 organizations and schools, donating more than 7 million books and hosting workshops and programs for educators and families. They collaborate with community-based organizations, preschool programs, clinics, churches, schools, family service organizations, and civic organizations that serve low-income and at-risk families.