We’re excited to introduce you to our July Volunteer of the Month, Mercer Lewis!

826NYC: How did you first get involved with 826NYC and why did you decide to volunteer?

I first got started in 2016 because a professor in my education minor had a volunteer requirement as part of the course. I had such a good experience and enjoyed working with the kids so much. Ten years later, I was working as a speech therapist in preschools and looking to work with older students again. I looked up 826NYC and signed up for Write After School right away!

826NYC: What’s your favorite part of 826NYC?

My favorite part of 826NYC is building relationships with the students. The students we work with are so funny and silly and it has been the highlight of my week to hear their ideas run wild. 826NYC is so special in the loving and supportive approach it takes to everyone, students and volunteers alike, that walk through those secret doors. 

826NYC: What’s your favorite part of Write After School?

My favorite part of Write After School is seeing students create works that they are really proud of. It’s magical to see them come up with a concept and see it all the way through to publication. 

826NYC: What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?

I’m a pretty busy bee! When I’m not at 826NYC or at work as an SLP, I’m working on my handmade jewelry business. Last year, I got to have my work featured on Dapper Q’s runway show at New York Fashion Week and I’m getting more pieces ready for this year’s upcoming show! I spend a lot of time in my community hosting collage art workshops and I also volunteer at my local zoo. Lastly, I’ve gotten into drag and have performed in and produced a few shows in Brooklyn. When I’m not doing any of that stuff, you can find me spending time with my fiancée, my friends, and my very lovely pets. 

826NYC: What advice would you give a new volunteer?

I would advise new volunteers to nurture their own inner children alongside the students. I’ve had great fun completing the exercises while the students are working and I feel like it helps me connect with them as they do the hard work of making stories. I also would emphasize how important it is to be a compassionate listener in their lives. Growing up is so hard and especially growing up in 2026. I have had so much of my worldview expanded through the students and their life stories, their book recommendations, and their perspectives.

826NYC: What are your superpowers?

My superpower is creation, whether that’s through physically making art or the act of creating myself.

Want to support our students this fall? Sign up for a volunteer orientation today!