By Zoe Perzo
More Than Words, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit bookstore, is dedicated to helping young adults take charge of their lives. Any youth “ages 16–24, who [is] in the foster care system, court-involved, homeless, out of school, parenting, or involved with the Department of Mental Health” is able to apply for a spot at More Than Words. There, they receive not only job training, but life training and support.
I talked to Director of Business Operations Kristin Carmichael to learn more about the nonprofit’s origins and growth.
“Our Founder and CEO, Jodi Rosenbaum, started MTW in 2004 with four young men from a Waltham group home, a 150 square foot office, a computer, and a pile of books found on the side of the road,” Carmichael told me. “Together they tested the theory that a serious business could function as an effective vehicle for disconnected youth to not only build valuable job skills, but increase their self-efficacy, agency, and sense of self-worth.”
It’s been nearly twenty years since Rosenbaum started More Than Words, and it has grown enormously.
“Today we run multiple business lines including online books sales, two retail locations, pre-loved clothing, a mobile bookstore, and an event space, and serve more than 300 young people each year,” said Carmichael.
Once an applicant is accepted, they help run every aspect of More Than Words. From processing materials, to helping customers, and even leading shifts — the kids do it all. While there are adults present, they act as support staff. The whole process is designed to help the young partners grow as professionals and individuals. As they work through the program, they have the opportunity to take on more responsibilities and advance from Associate, to Partner, to Senior Partner.
While there are plenty of repeat customers who are well aware of the store's mission, every day new people come in and discover the program. Whoever the customer, the youth are dedicated to maintaining the cozy bookstore vibe. They even take turns running the store playlist.
Aside from retail experience, MTW youth also get to develop their events management skills. They host author programs, workshops, run pop-ups in the community, and even rent out their event space for parties and weddings. Kasandra, a More Than Words Partner, revealed her favorite event: the quarterly Fill-a-Bag Sale.
“Every expansion we have is youth led,” explained Carmichael. “From the first store front to launching our events business, to pivoting to clothing e-commerce when COVID shut down our storefronts for over a year, has all been achieved by the youth running the businesses.”
The latest big project? The More Than Words mobile bookstore.
Claudia and Liz were the two partners (now graduated) who were part of the mobile bookstore project. Carmichael recounted how they gave feedback on the designs and visited the mobile retail manufacturer. The mobile bookstore officially launched last summer.
“Thanks to all of their hard work, the mobile bookstore has been popping up at community events, private parties, and festivals ever since!" said Carmichael.
But More Than Words doesn’t stop at employment. 
“More Than Words is more than a job,” explained Kasandra, “they help you with getting resources to overcome the struggles you face outside of work.”
More Than Words recognized that “even when young people do their part, they are too often undermined by systems outside our walls.” So they developed systems to help youth with court dates, housing, and advocacy.
The housing model is a particularly impressive achievement. More Than Words partners with other housing providers to offer dorm-style housing. This housing provides privacy and independence in a safe environment. And its effectiveness is undeniable.
“You can't do your job efficiently if you don't have stable housing.” Kasandra told me. “You don't sleep well, you can't focus on your job…it's too much pressure.”
Again, they don’t stop there. More Than Words is a truly comprehensive program. Once they provide a job and make sure a young person’s basic needs are met, they help them move forward. MTW helps their staff create a life plan and transition from MTW to the next step, whether that be further education, other jobs, or other independent goals.
Youth who graduate from More Than Words continue to receive support. The team periodically checks in on them, so there is no abrupt lack of help as they take the next step in their journey.
While I was thrilled by everything I learned about this nonprofit, I saw one undeniable sign of value and success. While many of their applicants are referred by an agency or other authority figure, the majority of referrals are More Than Words youth recommending the program to their peers.
“More Than Words has given me hope.” said Kasandra, “I feel hope, knowing I can face the responsibilities in the next chapter of my life."
In every aspect, this business truly is More Than Words. The next time you’re in Boston or Waltham, stop by and check them out!