Volunteers Sought for After-School Program

In homes throughout North Hollywood there are children from far away places with strange languages and foreign cultures.

Their families have moved to the United States for different reasons but they all have something in common--trying to assimilate into American culture.

Jewish Big Brothers and the Bureau of Jewish Education are trying to help some of those children with a new after-school mentoring program for Russian immigrant children.

The Homework After School Club sessions will be held on Mondays at Adat Ari El Temple in North Hollywood. Volunteers will review the students’ reading, writing and math homework and lend a helping hand when appropriate.

“It’s not tutoring,” said Brad Lemack, a spokesman for Jewish Big Brothers. “The volunteers will just be there to lend support. It can be hard for these kids, trying to learn the language. We want them to have someone on their side.”

Lemack said the organizations chose Russian immigrant children because they believe the children are a segment of the Los Angeles population that is often overlooked.

“You don’t hear much about the Russian community. There’s a definite need there,” he said.

Local schools have been contacted about the mentoring program and Lemack said he expects a good response.

The only concern, he said, is gettingvolunteers.

The organization is asking that anyone with a little extra free time on Mondays contact it about volunteering at the program.

“It’s a small commitment to make for having such a big impact on a child’s life,” Lemack said.

Volunteers do not have to speak Russian, he said.

For more information on the program and for volunteer opportunities, contact Jewish Big Brothers at (213) 761-8675, Ext. 28.