Today for the Joy of Luck, we are focusing on a gift, something you do everyday that is an unforseen blessing in your life. For me, it comes in the form of my new part-time career as the programming director for Spells Writing Lab (which is currently a volunteer position, but I hope will contribute slightly to my income soon).

I got involved with Spells when a friend and a former co-worker joined together with other like-minded people to form a writing center in Philadelphia based on the 826Valencia model. Over lunch, they described their vision and invited me to become involved in whatever way I could—I was totally inspired by the meeting, and soon became part of the inner circle. Because of my flexible schedule (another lucky gift), I’ve been able to help out with programming, online communications, designing simple promo materials, recruiting and training volunteers, and planning events.

When the previous programming director resigned in the fall, I immediately offered to take her place, to keep some continuity in the position and because I relished the new challenge. So, here I am, a few months later, constantly learning on the job, but feeling like I’m making a real difference in these kids’ lives—they hate to be away from Spells just like I do. I couldn’t be more in love with the oasis that is the Village of Arts and Humanities campus where our lab is located. Hand-crafted outdoor artwork like this mosaic on the side of our building is something you don’t see every day, unless you’re working at Spells.

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I know I’ve been a bit quiet around here lately. That’s because I’ve been so busy in my new role as the programming director for Spells Writing Lab, an amazing non-profit in North Philadelphia that offers FREE after-school tutoring and weekend writing programs for school-age kids. I’ve been involved with Spells pretty much since it was founded in early 2009 as a programming volunteer, photographer, social media maven, board member, and webmaster. In my new role, I’m running our Monday–Thursday after-school tutoring program, coordinating writing workshops, overseeing volunteer recruitment, and occasionally acting as amateur plumber. Just call me a Liz-of-all-trades.

If you’d like to get a taste of how we get kids excited about writing, take a gander at this short film our tutoring kids wrote and performed last spring. I thought it was particularly appropriate now, since Super Horse is clearly being bullied by The Magician. She proves it really does get better, whether you’re a gay teen or a horse on a stick who wants to be a hero.

And be sure to hang around for the Easter egg after the credits!

SuperHorse from Spells Writing Lab on Vimeo.