Partnership Opportunities

Would YOU like to get FREE books for YOUR organization or next Family Literacy Event? Let's make it happen!

Finding Funding:

Almost every state has a Humanities non-profit organization that tries to support “under-represented languages and populations” in their state. To find the Humanities organization in your state simply: google search (the name of your state) humanities. Reach out to your local branch and see what literacy events they are willing to support.

Other Literacy Grants are available from entities like

Walmart Foundation:
Local Community Grants (walmart.org) is a simple grant process that likes to support their local community.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation:
The foundation offers several grants. Schools must be within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store.

We hope to hear from you!

So fun to meet families and share books.
Watch as the child notices the
“I Love You” sign hidden
in Sweet Baby book illustration!

MEET THE TEAM:

Laura Blum: Founder/Chairperson is a Nationally Certified ASL interpreter with a degree in Family Science and an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University. Despite the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reporting that 1 in 5 children will have a language delay, all four of Laura’s children experienced language delays, necessitating early intervention services. Her passion for ASL and background in early childhood education inspires her to develop resources for families with children at risk for language delays.

Gina Freelove: Vice-Chair, is an organized self-starter and proactive Deaf Mentor. Growing up in a small town in Southern Utah, Gina faced challenges due to limited access to language and the absence of early intervention services. She believes these factors have adversely affected her family relationships, education, and career opportunities.

Gina is deeply committed to ensure a brighter future for the next generation of deaf children. Her professional background includes working as a paraeducator and teaching American Sign Language (ASL) classes for families. She finds joy in supporting families in their journey to develop language.

Brian Blum Treasurer for About Love and Language. He has a Bachelor’s degree from BYU in Accounting with a Master’s degree from the University of Utah and is a CPA. He is a (retired) hockey coach and enthusiast who enjoys time with family.

While we share information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institute of Health (NIH) and other reliable resources, no endorsement by FDA, CDC, NIH or other organizations is implied or expressed unless their official logo is displayed below.

Meet Our Deaf Artist:

Amanda Tolle: Sweet Baby

Amanda is a multimedia and digital artist. She has been an artist since she was a kid. “Artist have always amazed me! I have always loved to draw, paint, use clay, and try to create using different things!”
Amanda studied Graphic Design at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and graduated NTID in 2011.
You can follow her and see more of her creations at AJTolle Craft Studio on Facebook.
Larry Laskowski: Colorful Ocean & Wonderful Woods

Larry attended The Art Institute of Chicago for three years studying watercolor. He received degrees in Art and Psychology at Gallaudet University. He is a member and former president of Southern Utah Watercolor Society. To see more of his beautiful work, visit his studio at Blue-Raven-Studio.com
Stephanie Belshe: What Will Bear Wear? & Dog Days

Idea girl, artist, CDI, language coach, ASL instructor. Stephanie is married to a Marvel Comic Expert, and a mother to five caramel popcorn eating children, and two neurotic, but lovable dogs.
She graduated from University of Utah with Bachelors in Fine Arts, with emphasis in Illustration. She has always loved to draw, she grew up wanting to be an artist and has achieved that dream. She is excited to be a part of this experience illustrating children books, and hopes you will find joy in her illustrations.
Malvana Ramborger: 9 Curious Kittens Series

Malvana attended the Rochester Institute of Technology graduating with a degree in Graphic Art.
CarloJose Montero: Baby's Feelings Book

CarloJose not only illustrated Baby’s Feelings Book, but is also the Deaf Mentor signing this simple baby book packed with big feelings.
Benjamin Davis: Baby's Imagination

Ben Davis doesn’t let his Cerebal Palsy prevent him from creating amazing works of art. Benjamin has used art as means of expression since he was very young. He has always been interested in drawing, but through some very talented and encouraging high school teachers he started to learn how to paint. Benjamin has shown remarkable ability in any medium including acrylics, watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal and oil. Currently Ben is working on a second book: Goodnight, Farm! See more of his work at Benjamindavis.net.