Young Storytellers Foundation
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
November 16, 2012
I started volunteering as a mentor for Young Storytellers in the spring of 2009 and had a blast. I loved my mentee, loved the program, loved seeing the joy and pride on the kids' faces when their scripts were acted out on stage by professional actors at the Big Show. I mentored for 3 semesters and then became a Head Mentor which I still am today. It's the highlight of my work week to go to the school and get to spend an hour with the mentors and the kids who are so excited and happy to be there that they can barely contain their enthusiam. It's one of the best programs ever created to promote literacy and self-esteem for grade school kids. I wish it had been around when I was 9 or 10 years old so I could have been a young storyteller myself. One of our writers in our session the other day told me he would remember this [YSF] and me for the rest of his life. There's no greater satisfaction than knowing you're making a positive impact on a kid's life.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 16, 2012
I have experienced all levels of this outstanding program and I must say that the lives being transformed are immeasurable! Freeing the creative mind is a gift that never stops giving. Arts Education brings communities together and this program sparks hope and joy in all who are involved!
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 16, 2012
I just finished acting in my first Big Show a few days ago, and I have to say - the kids and mentors are so inspiring! I fully support YSF, and I will continue to support it any way I can. It's amazing reading and performing scripts written by 5th graders! So imaginative, bold, and uninhibited!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 15, 2012
Young Storytellers is nothing if not addicting. The impact on our students is one thing, but the experience is beyond rewarding for those of us who volunteer. For the head mentors who teach the class, the mentors who guide the kids one-on-one and the actors who perform in the BIG Shows have all found it hard not to get sucked in and need more. We get to play once a week, and when our schools aren't in session, we miss it terribly.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 15, 2012
Having the opportunity to witness the impact this program has in a child's life is an invaluable gift. In my 8+ years I've been honored to be a part of Young Storytellers, I've seen countless numbers of children grow out of their shells and despite the adversities they may be facing, blossom into confident and happy children again. The role Young Storytellers and the mentors play will never be forgotten - by the children or the mentors. It creates a cycle of positivity and support for children who may be lacking in some form or another and the results last a lifetime. I am an avid fan of YSF and continue to support their dedication to enriching the lives of young children and exposing them to creative outlets that they may not have known were available. All children have a story to tell and deserve to be heard - YSF allows a child's story not only come to life, but inspires them to continue exercising their creative spirit long after their semester has finished.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 15, 2012
Wonderful program! Inspires so much creativity in children, and empowers them to use their unique voices!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 15, 2012
I have volunteered regularly throughout my life and have never felt more strongly about a program than I do about Young Storytellers. Not only does the program promote creative writing and give kids a place where they are consistently listened to and respected, but it gives so much back to the mentors at the same time. Each week I hear mentors exclaim how their weekly volunteering with YSF is the brightest spot in their week. Being able to teach the students how wonderful writing and the arts in general can be is so special, as is the bond that develops between the mentors and the kids over the course of the program. Seeing their faces absolutely light up when their scripts are performed at the Big Show is nothing short of amazing. I've seen the shyest of children absolutely blossom when they see their words acted out on stage by professional actors. Giving kids this amazing opportunity to participate in a program that allows their interests and talents to flourish is something I wish everyone could be part of.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 15, 2012
A great help to kids in Los Angeles lacking arts programming. An even better resource for those same kids finding their own often amazing and unique voice. It's an honor to have a small part in the work being done by YSF.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 15, 2012
When I moved to Los Angeles, it was for a very selfish reason, to pursue my dream. I soon realized, that for me to be able to do that, I had been lucky enough to have had a long history of education and encouragement. For me to feel good about what I am doing, I felt it important to find a way to give back and that is exactly what I am able to do with The Young Storytellers Foundation. I am able to be that support and education for a kid who may not be able to get it through the current LA school system. YSF is such a an amazing organization, the staff and all the volunteers are inspired. I feel so honored to get to spend that hour every week with these kids and see just how truly incredible an imagination can be. The constantly evolving curriculum and continuing training and education of the mentors will keep this organization around for a long time and thank goodness for that!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 15, 2012
It is amazing how in just a two month time period, I saw kids go from shy or uninterested to completely overjoyed with their writing. As a volunteer, I had the privilege of working with a young girl named Johadi. She started out shy and nervous, but then her voice grew stronger and stronger. Seeing her glowing face as she watched her story come to life during the Big Show was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I hope to continue working with Young Storytellers and helping more students find their creative voice and confidence.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews