THE CENTERPIECE PROGRAM PROVIDES SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BOOK AND COMIC INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING BOOKSTORE AND COMIC SHOP OWNERS/OPERATORS, BOOKSELLERS, BOOK BUYERS, AND FORMER BORDERS EMPLOYEES AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED FINANCIAL NEED ARISING FROM SEVERE HARDSHIP AND/OR EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DISASTER RELIEF, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION, OR LOSS OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME SUCH AS DIVORCE OR SEPARATION, DEATH OF AN EMPLOYEE OR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER. ADDITIONALLY, THE BOOK INDUSTRY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION MADE AVAILABLE OTHER TOOLS TO HELP AFFECTED EMPLOYEES AND OWNERS BETTER MANAGE WITH ONGOING FINANCIAL CHALLENGES. THESE TOOLS INCLUDE HEALTH CARE RESOURCES DIRECTORIES, BUDGET PLANNING GUIDES AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TOOLS.