About Us
From Humble Beginnings to Lasting Community Impact
A Novel Idea is a youth-run social enterprise online bookstore based in Sacramento, California, dedicated to supporting transitional-aged youth through employment, leadership development, and housing stability.
Originally founded as Youth Simply Giving Back, A Novel Idea began when three youth participants in a Lutheran Social Services transitional housing program created a bookstore as a way to give back to their community while building job skills and independence. What started in a small apartment unit has grown into a social enterprise with a lasting local impact.
Today, A Novel Idea amplifies the voices, experiences, and leadership of the youth who run it. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our team members by creating a supportive, real-world work environment where they can develop career pathways, a strong work ethic, and essential leadership skills. Through hands-on employment and mentorship, our youth gain the tools they need to confidently enter the workforce and build sustainable, independent lives.
All proceeds from book sales directly support housing security, job readiness, and vocational training programs for our team members ensuring that every purchase helps create opportunity and stability for youth in our community.
From our beginnings in a small apartment unit to establishing a dedicated office and bookstore operation, A Novel Idea continues to grow with purpose. We are committed to expanding our impact while staying rooted in community, empowerment, and youth leadership.
Our Team
A Novel Idea is managed by Rebekah Marshall, Social Enterprise Manager, as part of the Lutheran Social Services youth vocational department. The program is overseen by Erika Rodriguez and supported by Melissa De La Cruz. Together, the vocational team works collaboratively to plant the seeds of long-term success for every young person we serve.
- Erika Rodriguez – Vocational Program Manager
- Melissa De La Cruz – Job Developer
- Rebekah Marshall – Social Enterprise Manager
For more information on LSS please visit https://www.lssnorcal.org/
Get Involved & Stay Connected
We invite you to be part of our journey and support youth-driven change:
Follow us on Instagram: @anovelidea.lss
Follow us on TikTok: @anovelidea_lss
Sign up for our monthly newsletter: ANI Newsletter -Get updates on youth impact stories, events, and ways to support our work.
Support our mission: Make a purchase, donate, partner with us, or spread the word.
Every follow, share, purchase, and donation helps create meaningful employment opportunities for youth and strengthens our community.
