826LA makes writing and homework less daunting, even fun, for kids, and while it isn't its mission, it makes working with kids less daunting, and definitely fun, for adults. For adults who want to work with kids (or think they might), there are volunteer opportunities of all sorts, at a variety of times throughout the week, and there is solid training to get started and plenty of support at each project. Most volunteers come in for after-school or evening tutoring for students in the community, but some go to nearby schools to help with writing projects, or assist with morning field trips to the center where each student in a class writes and publishes a book in a matter of hours. The center has a quirky atmosphere, which seems to bring out the best in students and volunteers alike. Personally, I have loved volunteering at high-need schools helping high school seniors write their college admissions essays. There is potential for tremendous impact on a student's life in even just 30 minutes of one-on-one discussion about this important piece of writing. I try to inspire the students I meet to push themselves as writers, and many of the stories they share are inspiring to me.

Thank goodness my husband and found Building Jewish Bridges when we were planning our wedding. We had no idea how to find a rabbi who would perform an interfaith wedding. Dawn not only gave us a list of names, but spoke with us at length beforehand to really understand what was important to us and to explain to us what is really a requirement for and what is a tradition in Jewish weddings. She made a very stressful situation for us a couple very manageable.