Create Now, Inc.

I was introduced to Create Now when living in a juvenile institution in its first year, (under the guidance of its founder Jill Gurr), and it was a life-transforming experience... Thanks to the Hollywood mentors it provided me, (as well as Jill's personal involvement), I was able to write my way out of the system and into film school at the University of Southern California and beyond. I will forever be grateful to Create Now, and hope that it has everything it needs to keep lifting up today's youth, one child at a time. - Tasha Caufield

Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to work with Create Now to help create a workshop for kids interested in breaking into the animation industry. Brandon and his team were professional and encouraging, and the final result was wonderful. I would have loved to have had some of the insight and advice that Create Now is providing these future artists. They provide important information in a fun and creative way.

I had the privilege of working with Create Now through two programs during the 21-22 school year. One program offered students the opportunity to learn about careers in animation and create their own concept art. The other combined art, coding, and astronomy to teach students about dark matter. Both programs were well-organized, thoughtfully planned, and powerful for our students.

Create Now was an incredible partner, and we look forward to continuing to work with them!

Create Now is truly changing the lives of so many kids and young adults, giving them an opportunity to explore and exercise their creative artistry. I've personally have had the pleasure of working with Create Now and what they are doing for the kids in these underserved communities is truly inspiring and VERY MUCH NEEDED. Growing up I would see very talented kids end up going in the wrong direction simply because of the lack of resources and bad mentorship. Create Now seems to bridge that gap and be that creative sancturary so many kids would have loved to escape to. Watching their CEO Brandon Johnson not only teach but be an inspiration to all of the POC kids in the program is really uplifting, and gives me great hope for the future of all the kids and young adults in the program. If any of you ever get the opportunity to volunteer or work with Create Now I highly recommend you do so. Just seeing the look on some of these kids faces when they're given simple art supplies or finishing their first art piece is something you can't really put into words.

Thank you Create Now for being what I wish I had as a kid.

Create now has been one of the best experiences in my life! The opportunity to impact communities with the arts has been very rewarding. There work has made me more compassion, and more awareness for the issue that Plague our youth today.

An approach to inclusiveness and artistic expression that I haven’t seen before. It’s been an incredible thing to be see the incredible impact that CreateNow has made on so many children AND adults. Infinite possibilities for this company and it’s staff. Thank you for all you do!

I saw Create Now in action a few weeks ago at a job fair. I want to say that this is a group focused on its mission and I think it’s a great local organization for the LA community. Through the work they do, they expose children in LA to the arts and introduce them to new ways of expressing themselves and possible future career paths. I’m happy to support this group and hope to see it continue to grow in its reach.

Create Now is an organization that fills a need for students in the LA area. Schools do not always have the resources, time, or teachers to expose their students to the wide range of opportunities and joy that the arts can bring. Create Now works hard to fill that gap by providing valuable experiences in the arts (music, animation, painting, film, etc) to students who might otherwise not have the chance.

This charity truly helped spark my interest back into art in a different way than others. This one tackled the main question all cheaters have which is “how do I make a living?”. They brought in successful creators from all around to talk about their journey and even brought a successful alumni to talk about their journey. Not only that but they gave have us a real chance to present our artwork publicly! This program even gave me the opportunity to study at USC over the summer to further my art based learning (since I have an interest in architecture). Overall I believe this is a WELL needed program for kids all over who are interested in creation based paths. The people I met in this program are lifelong friends who I will cherish forever! I also almost forgot to mention their connection to internships, jobs, and paid opportunities for students!

I've had a blast volunteering for Create Now! The organizers make the events fun for both volunteers and attendees. I really love what they're doing as well as their mission to help at risk youth and young adults through the arts! With every $10,000 you have in “total family income,” a child is roughly 2% more likely have a creative job later in life. We need to close that gap and make jobs in the arts accessible to kids in all economic backgrounds! I'm so happy to have the opportunity to share my experience and how I broke into the world of kids animation with at risk youth. I will continue to work with them whenever they have opportunities available!!

The CEO, Brandon Johnson, is not only insanely creative and talented, his dedication towards the children shows through everything he does. This organization is constantly offering diverse community outreach programs and innovative extracurricular activities for the kids. We attended his Hoodlin art show and are now life-long Hoodlinigans!

I am Justus Kishoyian a special needs education teacher in Nairobi kenya. I was born on 12th February 1997 at the southern part of rift Valley Narok Masai Mara region. Being the fifth born in the family of Six. We grew together with other kids and at the age of seven i joined pre school in Narok and went through my primary education with a lot of challenges. I could walked 10 kms daily to school without shoes and at the age of 15 years i joined high school and later graduated. September 2016 i joined a teachers training college and later taught kids at interior parts of Narok where i discovered that most children who have special needs undergo a lot of challenges where i decided to join Kenya institute of special education through foundraisings and last year i graduated with a higher diploma in special needs education. I worked for children' in kariobangi slums of Nairobi when i was pursuing my higher diploma during weekends and free time. Earlier this year i decided to start an educational centre in Narok that will accomodate learners from disavantaged families. The kids benefit 2 meals a day and education.

When I met the founder of Create Now, Jill, I quickly recognized her enormous passion, enthusiasm and eagerness to help serve under privileged youths in a unique and creative way. It is no surprise that that passion trickles down into each and every aspect of Create Now. It has been a delight to work on a team full of positive attitudes and "can do" spirits. I am very excited to continue to see Create Now evolve and grow for years to come.

I was looking for ways to give back to the community when a friend introduced me to Jill, the founder of Create Now. Upon our first meeting, I immediately felt connected with her as she shared her passion about the programs offered as well as stories behind the non-profit she began almost 25 years ago. The enthusiasm behind the scenes continues with the Create Now team, as I have had the pleasure of working with wonderful humans with a common focus on empowering youth in underserved communities through the many exciting, creative programs provided. The biggest reward is seeing the smiles, laughter and love shine bright from the kids, young adults and others involved in the programs. I love being a part of this and am excited to continue working with Create Now.

I am so proud of the work Create Now does for at-risk youth through arts. The passion of the team is unmatched. Everyone who works or supports Create Now is absolutely committed to the mission. I've been a board member for years now and know the work we do for the community is meaningful.

Create Now is the incredible result of like-minded individuals with the biggest hearts for giving a chance to underserved communities of youth, a chance to experience art, and creativity. The world can be a pretty dark and cold place, but without access to the colorful and creative world, it's a darker one. Thank you Create Now, for all that you do!

Jill, the founder, is as passionate as it gets about bringing the arts to the most needy kids in LA. I’ve volunteered countless times and could not be more excited about their mission!

This nonprofit has done outstanding work within their community. The work that Create Now has done has benefited many young people in need and will continue to do so. Keep up the great work, it is inspiring to see people working for change.

I volunteered with Create Now’s marketing committee and it was a wonderful experience. Witnessing the dedication leadership has to offering engaging and fulfilling programs to the kids they serve, and seeing how well these programs are received is wonderful. The services Create Now provides helps kids in underserved communities unlock an endless amount of potential that can propel them the rest of their lives. The work they are doing is critically important and I encourage everyone to support.

I am very impressed with the CreateNow mission and how the organization contributes to the community. I appreciate their dedication to the youth and their commitment towards providing positive experiences. Please continue the outstanding work.

I met the team at Create Now back in 2017 while I was working in L.A. and their mission is as important now as it was then. They have the courage to make things better, to stand against what many would call fate and give kids a better future through the arts. When I collaborated with them, one sentence kept playing in my mind: this is worth doing. And in a world where you can't take anything for granted, knowing that Create Now is there to give kids a better chance, to show them new ways to express themselves... I think it makes a difference.

I love contributing to Create Now’s unique, important mission. Teaching children, especially those at risk, the power of art in its many forms can truly transform & set aflame young lives to both better themselves & the world. The quality & passion behind Create Now’s programs not only help expose the children to art, but also help them discover their own potential.

Penny Lane Centers and Create Now, have been in a partnership for several years.
Create Now, have brought wonderful workshops / classes to Penny Lane Centers.
Our clients have enjoyed; belly dance classes, digital media, virtual music workshop for pre-schoolers, creative writing class , just to name a few workshops/classes. Create Now donated art /crafts supplies to one of our Supportive Housing Program.
They always stay in touch with me, checking to see if I need any supplies or classes for the clients/tenants.
Create Now, you are wonderful and Penny Lane Centers, appreciate everything you have done for us.

As the Family Resource Center Coordinator at Aviva Family and Children's Services, I've had the opportunity to work with Create Now and see the amazing classes they provide to youth. Create Now has supported Aviva for several years with art classes and just recently with a creative writing class for young adults. Thank you for serving our clients and for the difference you are making in the community.

I started volunteering with CreateNow in May, 2019 and it has been and continues to be, an experience I will never regret. I edit videos made during workshops and classes. I get to see the instructors and the passion they have to share their talents with children who don't get a lot of exposure to positive creative channels. I get to see the children responding to the activities in a way that puts a smile on their face as they experience the joy of artistic expression. The CreateNow team is one I am very proud to be a part of and one that I hope to be involved with for many years to come.

Create Now has helped my community by providing great opportunities to learn not only about The Arts , but also fashion design , cooking classes and financial literacy . Keep up the good work.

Taelor B.

Create Now is a committed nonprofit that serves at risk youth . This organization has been a saving grace to the Imperial Courts Housing Development in Watts for many years. They have provided world class programs in arts , hosted amazing festivals , donated tickets to events that provided children exposure to Ballet, Theater , Plays and Museums . What I admire about Create Now is that they have developed a special relationship with the community and have been able to watch the children grow , and appreciate all forms of Art.

During COVID 19 when most agencies closed their doors , Create Now remained connected and dedicated to providing resources to the underserved community . They provided masks, hand sanitizer , diapers , milk, clothing , toys , books , virtual classes and most importantly large doses of HOPE to the families they service .
Create Now contacted families to see what they needed , and those needs were met beyond expectations .
Create Now is a great example of what service to community looks like . Brenijia a youth leader was recently interviewed by the New York Times , Te’yanah a first generation College Freshman was introduced to investing both young ladies had these opportunities , thanks to Create Now . Create Now is a solid organization that continuously pours into the lives of at risk youth and their families . Their work is amazing and life changing. Create Now .... Creates HOPE for youth that have been overlooked and under served .
Create Now has provided a life line of HOPE to the children of Watts ..


Kimberly Mckinney

Create Now has been an incredible organization to volunteer with. Their passion and their commitment to serving at-risk and high-risk youth has been demonstrated especially during the COVID pandemic. Even though we are unable to physically gather for their offerings, Create Now rapidly responded and began to offer virtual classes and workshops via Zoom. The difference that they make is palpable in these calls - the smiles and the excitement from the youth served is evident in every interaction and I am blessed to be able to provide my time to such an outstanding organization.

I look forward to continuing my time as a volunteer with Create Now and would strong encourage those who are able to contribute, whether that be through time, money, connections, or otherwise - I know for a fact that anything offered to Create Now will grow, and, in that growth, will serve the youth that they are out to impact.

I have been volunteering with Create Now for the past several months, helping out with social media. From the start I was very much intrigued by Create Now's mission. Having learned more about the arts workshops Create Now puts together and how impactful they, my admiration for this non-profit has grown and I'm honored to help spread the word about Create Now's dedication towards providing arts education and mentoring for underprivileged youth.

Create Now is a fantastic organization for connecting youth with educational opportunities to explore and learn the arts. I'm extremely grateful for the chance to share musical knowledge with young creatives, and provide some guidance for their artistic pursuits.

I had the great pleasure of volunteering to support Create Now. I have created a unique Empowerment Creative Writing course and Create Now found an organization that could benefit from something like this, especially during COVID19. I admire how they refuse to let a pandemic stand in the way of helping others. I look forward to working with them and their affiliates again.

After growing up in foster care, I felt compelled to give back. I started volunteering for Create Now by teaching abstract art at a runaway homeless shelter for teens ages 10-17 called Angel's Flight in Downtown Los Angeles. I was so inspired by the strength of the children, so amazed by their stride, so thankful they were willing to make art with me and so humbled just being there; it truly changed by life. After the program was completed, we took a 2 week break and started up again! It was such an honor to serve this demographic and I feel so blessed to be apart of such an incredible organization like Create Now!

I was a remote graphic design intern in the summer of 2020, and even though COVID-19 prevented me from meeting the staff in person, I felt like I really got to know the CEO, staff, and board members via e-mail and Zoom.

Volunteering for Create Now, I was pleasantly surprised to be able to contact the CEO, Jill Gurr, directly and frequently. She was responsive to emails and met with me on Zoom weekly to discuss tasks.

In response to COVID-19, Create Now is conducting virtual workshops. You may not see them as much on social media because they protect the identities of youths that they work with, but they are active. On top of providing virtual arts education, Create Now has donated masks, hand sanitizers, and diapers to a low-income area in Los Angeles and hosted a make-up drive for single mothers.

The CEO, staff, and board members are passionate about the arts and truly care about the children. If you would like to volunteer to teach underprivileged children creative or life skills, Create Now is a great place to start. They provide you with training, materials, and a mini celebration at the end of each workshop. Considering the real need for quality arts education and experiences in LA County and Southern California, I appreciate Create Now's involvement with both individual children and schools who would otherwise have little access to the arts.

If you prefer not to teach but would still like to contribute, Create Now can definitely use your skills. I had the opportunity to sit in on a couple of virtual marketing meetings and was impressed with the quality of volunteers. Create Now is not only a great organization to partner with, but it is also a great place to connect with likeminded, professional, and creative people.

Create Now has also received sponsorship or donations from well-known companies, as well as various grants. Check out the website to see the success stories of children whom Create Now has impacted. This organization is established and growing, and you can be part of the many good things they are doing!

My CreateNow experience was very positive. CreateNow helped match me with an amazing nonprofit organization in my community. I was able to serve children and families in my community while helping a nonprofit whose mission is near and dear to my heart to expand its program offerings. Thanks to CreateNow for bringing volunteers and nonprofits together and advancing the healing power of the arts!

I love Create Now! I taught at a charter elementary school for this organization. They were very helpful in getting me the supplies that I needed for teaching. There were considerate of my schedule, facilitated good communications with the school and were respectful of my creative process.

I have had the great privilege to know and work with Create Now's Executive Director, Jill Gurr for several years. She works tirelessly to serve the mission of Create Now and has inspired 1000's of youth through the power of the arts and creativity. Our company was fortunate to be able to sponsor and host a fulldome digital media lab that Create Now received funding for which allowed them to be able to offer the lab to a group of youth. They each created a fulldome show then presented it to an audience in a dome theater. The children would speak about their lives and how the dome show was designed to portray various aspects of their experiences. It was so powerful and I was deeply moved. Thank you to Create Now for the extraordinary work you do!

I came to Create Now as an Americorps VISTA last summer. It was my responsibility to manage volunteers for the organization. While choosing my future host site, I remember Create Now standing out to me. Among all of the other non-profits there was to choose from, Create Now was the one, I felt most inspired by and compelled to work for.

I think what really stood out to me most about Create Now was the heart and intention behind their great work. In a city like Los Angeles, there is a great need for supplemental education programs for disadvantaged youth, and this is especially true of art education.

Create Now partners with youth serving community agencies to provide customized art classes for young people facing challenges such as being homeless, having survived abuse, being in foster group homes, having involvement in the criminal justice system or otherwise living in poverty. Their programs are deeply impactful and provide students with healthy emotional outlets which can lead to healing, forgiveness, educational improvements, and in some cases even career opportunities.

After having spent one year there, I can say with conviction that Create Now and the work of their dedicated staff (Jill Gurr and Laura Kelly) makes Los Angeles a better place to live, and makes the world at large a brighter place. Their presence in the community is imperative and incredibly meaningful. The future of our youth depends heavily on well organized, reliable, thoughtful programming in the arts and I was honored to have been a part of their work in the small way I could have been.

Create Now is an incredible organization! I've been involved as an art mentor since March 2019 and my experience has been heart warming and fulfilling. The staff is well versed in the industry and very caring. I was paired with a shelter to lead art workshops that was a perfect fit for me. Since the Create Now staff was so diligent in what they do, I am able to teach these children about amazing artist and make a creative space for these awesome kids to be artistic and grow! Overall, I have had a wonderful experience and can't wait to continue volunteering with such a great non-profit!

I joined the Create Now team to help them pull together a wonderful community event, their annual Power of the Arts Summer Festival. I was shocked to learn they operate with such a small team of 3, yet still impact tens of thousands of at-risk youth. The work they do with such dedication makes a big difference. They deserve all the support they can get, and I wish them the very best moving forward.

As a Teaching Artist new to the Los Angeles area, I came across Create Now through a posting for educators and was fortunate enough to write curriculum and lead a class through one of their partner schools in Downtown LA. Laura and the Create Now staff were a pleasure to partner with and the impact they had on 3 classes of 5th graders without a regular Art Class was profound. These kids are hungry for opportunities to be creative and so often lack the resources. Create Now is a vital organization that has real impact with the youth of Los Angeles giving them access to arts and music programs that they would otherwise go without.

I was introduced to Create Now a little over a year ago. I've had the privilege of meeting and working with the dedicated and passionate people behind the organization. Their dedication to underprivileged children is inspirational and commendable. They are transforming kids' lives through the magic of the arts. Thousands of kids have had the opportunity to create music, attend concerts and performances, learn to play instruments and so much more. Jill and her team have opened up a whole new world to these kids and has given them hope, love and a safe place to explore and express themselves.

I came across CreateNow at a board matching event and quickly fell in love with the mission, how they were of service to the community and the founder Jill. After attending a few of their classes and events, I saw how they created an outlet for vulnerable youth and gave them a new outlook on what was possible in their lives. After being inspired, I decided to join the Board to use my skillsets to promote and amplify however I can.
It has been an amazing experience and educational experience!

I started volunteering at Create Now and my experience thus far has been awesome! I am helping plan their August event and the team here is so lovely to work with. I highly recommend this nonprofit to anyone seeking ways to brighten at-risk youths lives, the world needs more people like Create Now!

Great organization doing wonderful and under-appreciated work.

Create Now has provided great opportunities specifically with music programs in different areas of greater Los Angeles to those who cannot attain or have music as an option in their schools. I personally commend programs like Create Now being a music professional myself because at an early age I saw how music enriched my life and my education during my youth. It allowed me to embrace growth, as a independent and responsible individual as I completed my education. Most time students just want something to grasp their upmost attention and commitment as school testing and some subjects can be overwhelming and stressful. It is a wonderful and promising outlet to have the arts and music in schools. Thank you Create Now for giving me an opportunity to be an instructor for some of these future generations and helping them fill their lives with music in hopes that they continue on with it. You efforts and work is appreciated. Keep on striving!

Create Now fits a unique and critical niche in Los Angeles nonprofits. For one thing, it targets the hardest hit kids that can be particularly hard to reach in shelters, group-homes, incarceration units, etc. Then it provides workshops and training in the arts and creative fields which is of two-fold benefit. 1) The arts are valuable intrinsically for all, with countless studies showing the therapeutic value that the arts provide for self-esteem and success--especially for trauma-sufferers as most of these kids are. But also, 2) The creative industry is a vibrant and important part of Los Angeles's core economy. Since LA has dropped the arts requirement in public schools, these children have essentially lost access to major LA careers in entertainment, media, fashion.. even the tech industry requires creative thinkers. Create Now not only provide art and creativity training but pairs it with mentoring and job training, internship opportunities, etc. to specifically help guide youth into creative careers. Create Now staff and volunteers are passionate youth advocates and its been tirelessly serving the LA community for over 20 years.

Create Now does wonderful work in the community and has the children's best interest at heart always. Incredibly special. I work with Audiomachine, and we were looking for a nonprofit to help us launch a music program to teach underprivileged and foster youth how to write and record music. We found Create Now, and the work they were doing with the youth in the arts world was wonderful! Our program is now in full swing, and watching these kids create from their souls is truly beautiful. The team that has been created to facilitate is the dream team. Create Now is constantly expanding their programs and ideas, and continues to impact so many kiddos. It's wonderful to work with them and I cannot wait to see what the future holds!

I recently joined the Board of this amazing organization and am beyond impressed and inspired at how they are helping shape the lives of kids who really need it. One of the events I observed was a photography class for kids at a temporary homeless housing shelter, the kids were given cameras and we explored the neighborhood with them finding beauty in the everyday and helping them see the world through a different perspective. After taking pictures the kids also learned about photo shop. It was wonderful spending time with these kids and seeing their faces light up at things they see all the time, but now looked at differently because it was through a lens. This is just one of the dozens and dozens of programs Create Now does that helps kids see a new world and hopefully a positive future for themselves in it. I'm excited to continue working with Create Now and continuing to help as many kids as possible. Highly recommend volunteering, getting involved or donating to Create Now!

As a former foster youth, being a part-of Create Now's is definitely a dream come true for me. I recently attended their Power of the Arts Festival where Create Now featured many kids from foster group homes, detention facilities, and many neighbors from the low-income area nearby. It was truly a day of celebration and festivities as kids - who have endured so many difficulties at their age - danced, sang, and enjoyed the last few days of summer together with such joy in their eyes. There is such power in being able to laugh through the hardship, and Create Now provided an outlet for these kids to express themselves and be a kid again!

The kids served by Create Now often have no such celebrations or events to look forward to, and their caretakers are severely limited in their own resources to provide these types of adventures. So not only did this event serve the kids, but Create Now also gave the care providers a chance to a part of the kids' healing. With tons of opportunities of open-mic performances, I saw many parents and guardians alike encouraging their little ones to open up and take on the mic! For those of us previously in care, one of the biggest paths to healing was knowing that someone was cheering us on. I greatly appreciate the way Create Now values the child and promotes their holistic care, while inviting their mentor, parents/guardians, and caretaker as part of their healing. It truly speaks for the organization and their goal to provide each kid with their unique voice.

I am excited to continue supporting them as they grow, accomplish bigger things, and reach more kids!

Hello, my name is Tracy and I adore Create Now!!! I am a consultant and my first contact with Create Now was meeting the Founder, Jill who's passion is contagious. However, when I attended one of their signature events "The Power of the Arts," I saw first hand the amazing work. I got a chance to speak with the kids and hear their stories, fill their relief that Create Now gave them and see hope and transition in their eyes. This is the best program of it's kind in the Greater Los Angeles area. I am now a member of the board where I play a role in making sure Create Now can continue to help kids who lack the love and support of family and for most, sometimes a warm place to lay their heads.

Hello, I am Sarah and I am on the board of Create Now. I met Jill, the founder, a year go and her passion for the foster kids reflected in her speech and her vision. I gladly jumped on board and I feel the same and drive to help our youth in the county of Los Angeles. Jill has been working on changing the children's world by setting up so many events for the children to create all kind form of arts. This is a non-profit organization worth supporting. Thank you.

Create Now is one of the best-kept secret organizations in LA. I have seen first hand how Create Now has profoundly touched so many kids' lives by allowing them the freedom and safety to express themselves in ways that they never thought possible. Create Now provides opportunities for children who have largely been written off by society to discover and explore their own humanity and learn ways to make a positive impact to the world by telling their stories through the arts. These discoveries lead to hope - that hope leads to new paths and opportunities for these kids which in turn improves academic performance and reduces incarceration and homeless rates. I can't say enough positive things about this 20+ year old organization and I have dedicated myself to making sure that its mission can thrive and expand.

I am a USC student doing volunteer internship at Create Now. I do the research work , and i attend the internal meetings in the organisation. I can tell how passionate the board members and the people who voluntarily contribute their time and efforts to this organisation are. Particularly, the founder Ms. Jill Gurr is incredibly amazing. She wholeheartedly dedicates herself to Create Now , and you can tell how she desperately wants to let everyone help those foster kids in DTLA, who are very much underrepresented in media in LA and across the United States. It is really hard to imagine that even Los Angeles, a city of glamour, has so many at-risk kids who are abandoned by their parents and who can only sleep on the streets. This organisation makes me to realise this striking fact, and i am so touched to see that Create Now is working so hard to try to help those foster kids through arts education, arts activities and providing them with career opportunities. Jill works so hard and it seems that she never takes a rest. She also cares about our internship experience a lot. She said she hopes her interns to learn and to get some from the experience, so that after i go back to China, i can also apply what i learned to helping the foster kids in China as well. I am very touched by Jill and other members at Create Now, because they all firmly share the same goal and mission, and they spare no efforts to help it grow so that more and more at-risk kids at LA can be helped.

Create Now is simply amazing . They have exposed my youth to opportunities that have opened their minds and hearts to the Arts . My youth have had the opportunity to experience Ballet , attend beautiful museums, enjoy live theater, attend sporting events , and create their own art . This organization truly reduces risk factors and creates windows of hope for so many children. Exposing at risk youth to the Arts opens up so much opportunity for self expression and growth. I have witnessed my group blossom and learn to appreciate all forms of art. My group of awesome young people are currently taking keyboard, guitar and dance lessons all because of the commitment Create Now has to changing the lives of youth and exposing them to Art . For many Art is the one thing that gives them Hope . You have not attended a Party until you have attended a Power of the Arts Party , it is full of color ,energy, amazing talent and creativity . It is a festival of the Arts , that reminds young people that the world is bright and full of opportunity with their name on it . Create Now , is a great organization they do not get caught up in numbers or finances , they truly care about the young person , the whole person . They understand that for many at risk youth exposure to the Arts equals Hope and a bright future . If the world had more organizations like Create Now , we would have rainbows of Hope on a daily basis.

I've volunteered and taught creative writing through Create Now many times over the last six years. I'm always blown away by their reach and the breadth of the programming they offer -- from publishing to filmmaking to art and dance. Really amazing.
Their programs are well-planned with tangible goals and results. And, for volunteers, the time commitment can be as little as one evening. That's great for their volunteers who are usually busy in their own creative careers.

I have been with Create Now for over three years, most recently joining the Special Event/Fundraising Committee. I first started out as a volunteer at the many open house events Create Now hosts. I was blown away when kids opened up on their own about their lives, family situations etc. The safe environment established by Create Now allows for the children to feel comfortable and share their story on their own terms. In one instance a teenager had written a script about his experience being torn away from his parents and siblings to be placed in foster care. I since have been working with him to develop the script, but more so as a mentor. He and I still meet once to twice a month and recently his eldest brother, who he now lives with, personally gave me a call to thank me for all that I am doing. He told me that the time I spend with his brother is more helpful than any therapy or program out there.

Create Now is a charity that focuses on helping the forgotten youth of the underprivileged - IE foster care children. There are many charities that help underprivileged youth in Los Angeles, but foster care children are many times overlooked by such charities. Create Now focuses on these children, all the while still including any underprivileged youth that comes their way.

Create Now is special because they do not force anything or have an agenda other than helping show children that they are creative, special and can do anything they want to do - especially in the arts.

Hi, my name is Fernando and I help with Create Now as one of the videographers.
My experience from the beginning to today at Create Now, with Jill and all of the wonderful awe-inspiring kids in the program, has been incredible. This has been like a great family looking out for all of their children wanting nothing but the best future for them all. They make a difference by exposing them to Science,math,the arts, and music to start.

Through filming and talking with the kids, I know first hand they are very grateful and appreciative for everyone and any opportunity through Create Now and the generous donors. We all know there are several nonProfits, but Create Now is genuinely here for the kids and their better tomorrow. Everyone one here is amazing and I encourage people to ask when the next open house is to stop by and experience it yourself.

Create Now's Cultural Journeys program is giving great opportunities for families in need to attend concerts and events for free. I personally helped volunteer with one program organizing tickets for the Ringling Bros Circus and was able to see firsthand the joy that these families were able to experience by watching the show. Hopefully more children can become involved in the program!

I am involved with createnow mainly in the capacity of a teacher, and I can say firsthand that it has made a positive impact on the lives of many, many kids.

The programs that I am involved in are geared towards disadvantaged youths/families that have "fallen through the cracks". We provided an outlet for the youths to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment through creative expression such as dance, music and drama.

A lot of the kids had never been part of any organized programs before and to see them grow as individuals and find their unique voices not only as performers but as people was inspiring.

We put together programs and shows under strict deadlines, time crunches, and limited budgets (often having to "improvise" to find space/materials) but managed to make it work.

The results are programs that we stand behind fully and completely, with the proof being the positive impact we have on many families lives.

Createnow is an organization I am proud to be a part of and hope to be for many years to come!

-Josh Ssettuba

I have witnessed numerous Create Now programs with the children. I have seen hundreds of children smile, participate, become fulfilled and enriched.

I have seen kids sing, dance, play guitar. Kids who would never have the opportunity to otherwise. And the little ones, the prekinder, rocking to a steady beat and learning to read through music! Simply outstanding.

Create Now has provided invaluable help and support to children and youth that are in real need. Since I met Jill and had the opportunity to learn more about the organization I felt a special desired to help in any way I could. Its mission and the outreach is remarkable and makes me feel proud to have the privilege to serve in such a great organization.

Create Now is one of LA's best kept secrets. It has served countless numbers of underprivileged and at-risk youth in the Greater LA community for 20 years and has CHANGED LIVES through the arts.

Create now has a great team of people who genuinely care for the children's needs and aspirations. Their team of people are there to make certain the children receive the best opportunities to make theirs lives enriched in so many different areas. Often times in life we have obstacles that only the reach out of others can help us to conquer...this is what Create now is about.

Create Now and Jill Gurr are so inspirational and really have been a positive influence on me and the work they do is so heartwarming and I feel makes such a difference in these people's lives who need this type of assistance. I believe in this company and it's truly an honor to help out in any way I can. Keep up the amazing work!

Create Now... And the FUTURE WINS! Create Now is all about the future. The future of arts, the future of kids, the future of everyone it touches. The way Create Now wraps its arms around and touches other organizations is unparalleled! As a nurse educator, I promote caring, compassion, and communication with and to my students. Create Now promotes caring, compassion, and communication with and between EVERYONE! The work Create Now performs is essential to making this country and its people caring, engaged, and content.

Create Now!

I've watched Jill Gurr's CREATE NOW grow from a good idea into an organization that has positively touched the lives of tens of thousands of young people. Over the years I've accompanied her to some of the arts events the kids attend and have seen how inspiring they are and how they motivate these young people. So many of the youth who have experienced the arts mentoring offered by Create Now have continued with their creative endeavors and have stories of success in their various fields. Create Now makes a wide-reaching positive contribution to both youth and to the arts in general by bringing in new talent.

As soon as I first learned about Create Now, I was so impressed at how much this non-profit helps kids overcome adversity. Kids in tough circumstances are given the chance to discover new interests and passions in the arts that they otherwise likely wouldn't have the chance to learn about. This has so many positive effects and the numerous success stories that have come out of Create Now's programs prove that again and again. It's an incredible organization.

I'm so impressed with this organization's work that I joined the Board of Directors! I've met a number of young adults whose lives were positively impacted by Create Now, in some cases many years ago. Executive Director Jill Gurr has worked diligently to make a difference in the lives of at-risk kids over the past 19 years since she founded Create Now. These "forgotten children" are in foster homes, runaway shelters, inner-city schools, institutions and more. Create Now gets them out to paint murals, take guitar lessons or digital media workshops, create fashion shows, attend concerts at Disney Hall, Cirque performances and more.

The Board is now growing the organization to expand on Jill's important work. Create Now is only filling a small fraction of the need in the greater LA area, which has the largest number of homeless and institutionalized children of any city in the US. Create Now is giving these children love and attention at a critical time in their lives. Kudos to Create Now!

Super Happy with the Support & Love that has been shown and displayed with the Create Now Organization Staff. I came to this organization with just an idea and we were able to make my Idea an Actual REALITY.

This was truly exciting and I'm happy to go forth with Create Now In the near future.

I volunteered at an Open House for Create Now and can honestly say this organization is filled with some of the most refreshing, welcoming, and genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. From the directors, to the mentors, to the volunteers and most importantly, the kids, this organization truly shows what it means to come together as a community and make a difference.

Working with people as passionate as the ones I met at CreateNow it's plain to see why the kids who came out were so engaged and thrilled. People here generally care and the facilities are not only great, but they have the kind of equipment that will help these kids achieve their dreams. I would volunteer here again, without a doubt!

I've only helped briefly at Create Now, but already I can sense how incredible an environment it is. I helped at an open house- a hub for people to come in and make art, regardless of background. The people that came during the day that I volunteered left with smiles on their faces. Some asked whether or not they could pursue additional lessons in arts they had only just started that day, and others were thrilled to be there- you could tell that passion for art had been instilled in them, and they seemed extremely appreciative of the experience. Overall, I think this is an incredible charity and organization and I look forward to helping in the future.

Create Now is an organization that is changing lives right here in Los Angeles by bringing the most under-served communities of young people in direct contact with the thriving arts and creative industries that make Southern California famous. In a time of declining arts budgets in public education, Create Now mobilizes volunteers from the arts community to mentor and educate those young people that can benefit most from a creative outlet. Seeimg first hand the level of engagement and interest that arts programming and hands on learning can bring is both heartwarming and a reminder of how important the right mentors can be in each of our lives.

Great to see the students' creativity come to life!

Hi my name is Guardian Barnes and I'm in foster care I had it rough for example I've been raped and beaten up by a lot of people.but over the years I learned that you have too trust in yourself, reason why i say that is because when I was younger I blamed everything on me and later on in life I realized that it's not my fault it's the other people's fault

Guardian

I've volunteered at two Create Now events in the last few months, one Fashion workshop at the LA Housing Center and one Video Development at their open house. Both events were fantastic.

The kids, boys and girls alike, visibility enjoyed the safe place and opportunity to express themselves creatively, some for the first time. Some of them had profound experiences. One foster teen participant said we had made her dream come true! These foster and homeless kids crave for an opportunity to be and express themselves and Create Now provides a place to do it.

What impressed me as well was the quality of the programs offered and the knowledgable and dedicated staff and mentors.

Donate! Get involved!

I first worked with Create Now when we were looking for a worthy organization to benefit from an Art Show that we were organizing as a tribute to my friend, Melissa Rourke who died of cancer in 2012. She was an artist who always dreamed of making a difference in the world, and when I found Create Now I was ecstatic to find an organization that provides arts mentoring, education and support to the very children that Melissa always wanted to help. Jill, Linda, and the rest of the Create Now team were very helpful in giving us ideas to make the art show more successful and help create more awareness about the needs of these children. I had such a positive experience that I have continued to stay in touch and volunteer in other ways I can with the organization.

Create Now is an amazing organization that's filling a much needed void in the Los Angeles community. Through mentorship and arts education, thousands of kids are getting the motivation, inspiration, and confidence to thrive in any field, especially the arts. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Jill, the Executive Director, and volunteering on behalf of the organization. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to get involved and make a true and positive impact on a child's life as well as the greater community.

Create Now is an amazing organization that makes a direct impact in the lives of those who need it the most. I have been able to witness firsthand how passionate Jill and everyone involved in the organization is in bringing creative arts mentoring and opportunities to at-risk youth. Art truly does heal and Create Now does everything they can to make a difference.

When I moved to Los Angeles I started spending time learning about the local education system and the limited programs in creative arts within schools as well as the gap in the system for at-risk youth. In the large city of LA, at-risk includes 30,000 kids. Creative arts are an area of not just education but of self expression, helping with communication, critical thinking, empathy, positive association and confidence which are lacking in the lives of at-risk youth. Create Now aims to address this through several incredibly successful programs. The 12-week programs from creative writing to dancing to guitar lessons have proven very impactful and positive. Jill Gurr has countless stories of these youth coming back to thank Create Now for the long-term impact their experience had and how the programs had a ripple effect on their lives and making positive decisions in school, work, family and choosing to contribute to their communities as well. It has been a wonderful experience having involvement with Create Now and working with the other Board Members on expanding the reach of the programs and ensuring its future success!

When I decided to volunteer, I researched high and low looking for an organization with a long history of using the arts to help youth. Once I found Create Now, I knew I had found the perfect organization to volunteer for. I met with Jill Gurr, the Executive Director, and I was moved by her passion, drive and commitment. To meet someone, who after serving the youth of Los Angeles for 18 years, can still make a significant impact, is inspiring. I am a firm believer in art as a therapeutic form of expression, and Jill has created so many programs and resources for our youth to heal, think creatively and make their lives better.

I have been Chairman of the Board, on the board, organized benefits and performed in benefits- all for Create Now. But most importantly, I've worked one on one in my studio and at every detention camp in the LA area with the kids- those kids whose eyes light up when they get a glimpse of the possibility of their potential and who they can be because of artistic influence. I've watched the transformation first hand, mentoring kids whose lives change in a moment, affected by the love, motivation and impact of adults and role models who provide a vehicle of transcendence for them beyond what they have known into what they now know can exist for them. This is what the artistic mentoring and programs can continue to do, but only with your continued support of Create Now...

With major budget cuts to social services and education, art was the first to get cut. People need to understand how art and creative thinking empowers all youth and Create Now does an exceptional job with very limited resources to engage at-risk youth that have no outlets to feel empowered and to fully express themselves. Creative skills are a must in our competitive world and the programs at Create Now are addressing multiple needs and gaps, primarily with underrepresented youth.

Jill as the ED has been its driving force and it's a labor of love for her because she truly understands how this impacts our community and has experienced the transformation in our youth's lives.

When you hear about the transformational work that Create Now does with youth at need through creative arts, you want to help. It's amazing to hear all the stories from Jill Gurr about the lives they've transformed. In a time when we are losing our arts due to budget cuts, Create Now provides the most innovative and hands on workshop to our community.

Today I led my first "singing" workshop at Los Angeles Family Housing, with the help of Create Now. The program was a huge success, and I went home feeling very accomplished. This summer I was inspired to volunteer, and to use my talents in order to enlighten those who are less fortunate than me. Within one week of contacting Create Now, I was in touch with Jill, and she set me up with LA Family Housing to lead this 6-week singing workshop. I am so grateful for this opportunity! I can't wait to go back next week and see the kids, who I already feel a special bond with! I love that I am making a difference.

The decision to join the board of Create Now was not made over night. I researched many nonprofits and paid close attention to their leadership team, their mission and vision, their operations, and the impact they have had on their communities. Create Now won my heart. I am proud to help such a great organization reach out to the needy youth and offer them something that is often neglected by everyone who tries to help a needy person; art!.

Create Now has recently donated a very large number of books to children in a lovely event at the park in Los Angeles. Create Now also runs the Promise Neighborhood program where it provides art classes and workshops.

I am very glad I invested my money and time in such a great organization and I encourage everyone to take a closer look at what Create Now does and help in any way possible.

Create Now understands the at-risk youth population and knows how to make a positive impact on their lives. With so many children served each year by their thoughtful programming, it's truly worth investing your time and money into this organization. I confidently place many of Create Now's artist mentors in the programs at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. The youth we serve are some of the most challenged youth in Southern California. The Create Now artists work patiently with our youth and meet their individual needs on a consistent basis. The artists are truly skilled professional teaching artists and they bring so much passion and excitement every time they are here. We are so grateful for Create Now's continued partnership!!!

Create Now fills a massively important role needed in our community to help kids, teenagers, and young adults find doorways and pathways to an expressive and healing life through the arts. It's really wonderful to see these young people find an avenue of support for enjoyment, inspiration, and stimulation to their minds and hearts!

I've been involved with Create Now! since 2005. I'm proof that this organization is of great benefit to those who seek the help of the folks who work here. As a former at-risk youth, I was offered the chance to change my life via music. I was introduced to a couple of mentors' and was given my very own Alto Saxophone. Recently, Create Now's founder got word that my horn was currently out of commission, and she was kind enough to present me with a brad new one so I can continue to practice toward my goal: to be come an international Jazz musician. Thanks Create Now! for being there every step of the way and supporting me in every way possible!

I had the pleasure of volunteering at a Create Now event while on vacation and can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my entire trip. While not professionally involved in the arts myself, the staff and other volunteers were easily able to identify my skill sets that would be the most beneficial to them and I had the opportunity to help run the donation table at an art exhibition fundraiser. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and most importantly passionate about their cause and that enthusiasm was clearly reflected in the exhibition attendees. Beyond the personal gratification of participating in a successful fundraiser, I also got the pleasure of meeting and interacting with groups of people I would otherwise never have met, all while helping a wonderful cause. I hope to be able to continue providing assistance remotely if possible and will definitely check in with them again the next time I'm in the LA area.

Through a friend, I'd heard that Create Now was allocating some space to be used for recording purposes. As an audio professional I'd offered my experience and knowledge to advise on the best set up, usage, and recording practices of the space and equipment. They valued my expertise and appreciated every moment I was able to give to helping them get the most out of their set up. I am always happy to help this nonprofit whenever they happen to have questions I am able to answer, and feel that their efforts are nothing but positive to the community.

I found out what Create Now great work and immediately contacted them. I wanted to get involved, I already worked with youth in different areas and I see how much art can affect them, no matter the medium. When I met with them, I saw a studio they were building to give youth a chance to record their dreams, with equipment they could not afford otherwise and it was good audio tech. I can not wait to work with them more.

Create Now is a wonderful organization that helps kids learn and grow through artistic experiences. I could not be more thrilled with my experience so far, I can't wait to continue my future volunteering with them. I am getting ready to become an art mentor in a 12 week program at a homeless shelter. I can't wait! If there is any non-profit you should volunteer with in LA, it is Create Now.

I was approached by a former graduate school classmate of mine about getting involved with Create Now. I was always interested in serving and giving back in a meaningful way but never found quite the right organization. Create Now seems to be just the right fit. It serves such a worthy and necessary cause, and it reaches so many young people who can benefit so much from its services that I had to be involved one way or another. Create Now has done a great job reaching the at-risk youth in the community which is why I've volunteered my time to help it grow and become even greater in accomplishing its mission and vision.

I have had the opportunity to be invloved with Create Now for the last year. It has been a pleasure getting to know Jill, the staff, and others involved with supporting Create Now and their mission. Seeing their hearts and love for serving these kids in our cities and realizing that passion is truly authentic has been very encouraging. Not only have I been able to exeperience this authenticity for serving, I have also witnessed all the hard work and effort the staff puts into making every available opportunity and experience for the children a lasting, positive, and memorable one.

I learned about Create Now as I was researching arts and education-related nonprofits that served youth in need within Los Angeles. After perusing through the Create Now website and learning more about the organization’s mission, vision, and set of programs, I was impressed by everything the organization had accomplished thus far and the impact it has had on so many children. I knew immediately that I wanted to become deeply involved with Create Now in a very active capacity. Given that the arts and music were such an integral part of my upbringing, I wanted to serve the community via these channels and ensure that all at-risk youth had access and exposure to these creative outlets. I started volunteering as a Marketing Committee member and now serve on the Board of Directors. I am honored to be involved with such a wonderful organization.

I volunteered with this organization for 5 months, and worked closely with several of its core members. It was a delight to serve with them, a team which had a good sense of humor and which put in hard work to keep the nonprofit running smoothly. I also had the chance to go to a couple of the workshops Create Now put on for their youth - one was a mural project, which I enjoyed participating in. I appreciate the fact that they work with kids that don't get enough of society's attention.

Create Now has been a partner with us for over a year. Through their collaboration and dedication, we have been able to provide art programs in our community; art programs that include singing, dancing, theater, mural workshops, and hip hop to name a few.

I was very impressed with the speed in which my volunteer application was processed and my assignment was given. Create Now is very well organized. It is a wonderful non-profit that makes a huge difference in the lives of at risk youth.

this organization helped connect me with a local volunteer opportunity. I was trained, introduced and helped with obtainging supplies.

This nonprofit has impressed me more than any other I've run across in the last decade. They do so much, for so many at-risk kids, with so little! They are well run, well organized and have a great vision for the future. I have been so impressed with how they reach out to the community, and involve kids in programs around the world. They are really giving young people the chance to envision different lives with more hope and possibility. A+

I have worked with Create Now in a couple different capacities but first got involved in 2009. It is an amazing organization that provides arts mentoring and many other services to at-risk kids throughout Southern California, many of whom are overlooked. I first learned about Create Now in 2009 and immediately wanted to get involved. I have a background in visual arts, so wanted to work with a group on a series of art-making activities. They referred me to a facility in Torrance where I worked with a group of girls to ultimately create a beautiful mural in their group therapy room. The girls worked together seamlessly, enjoyed the process, and felt empowered by the amazing work they did. The work of Create Now has a great impact on everyone involved.

When I visited Create Now's Open House, I saw may young people from foster homes actively engaged in many activities from painting to guitar playing. Create Now is an organization which helps young people feel a sense of belonging by offering them classes and other opportunities that make their lives more fulfilling. The key word is "create."

I've helped with a few Create Now events, and there's few non profits I've worked with that are this dedicated to their cause. I would recommend working with them to anyone looking for a cause to help.

Create Now is a unique and remarkable nonprofit making a tangible difference in the lives of the at-risk youth it serves. It is innovative and flexible, constantly responding to the needs of its communities with new programs in spite of challenging economic times. Create Now has helped thousands of troubled youth find a new, productive path for themselves through writing, painting, music and other performance arts. Founder Jill Gurr's passion, experience and thought leadership on the power of transforming young lives through mentoring has positioned Create Now as one of LA's leading nonprofits.

Not only does Create Now provide amazing creative arts mentorship programs for the youth who need them most - foster kids, homeless kids, abused kids, and more - but they send thousands of children to concerts, plays, and other performances that they would NEVER have had the opportunity to attend. I have attended several events with the youth and the response from the kids was overwhelming! These are really life-transforming opportunities.

working with Create Now has been a very rewarding experience for me. With their assistance I have been able to bring my field of expertise [mythology] to high school youth in LA and in Afghanistan. The young media-makers absorbed and have creatively used the Themes, Symbols, and Archetypes I presented to them in quite impressive ways. It is great to see the before-and-after in person; Create Now helps every participant get real results.

Young people are at the top of the list as precious, natural resources and it's time we leave the planet to them in ways that they can heal it to the best of their capabilities. The foundation in doing so, is to support their healing to the best of OUR capabilities. This is why CREATE NOW is so vital at this time. So many of our youths are caught in a downward spiral of hopelessness and despair. This non-profit organization supports every artistic and creative alternative to street life, gangs, jail or worse. Every mentor volunteers their time because they care, not because they're getting paid. These young adults have the full opportunity to recognize this special chance in life, for a change. And many of them do. A difference is being made. CREATE NOW and its staff & volunteers, are turning possibility into potential, everyday.

I volunteered with Hip-Hop Jam and interacted with youth in the foster care system. It was a really amazing experience getting to see Cliff, the hip-hop dancer from Culture Shock, teach everyone the history and basics of bboying. It helped give me ideas about how I might run my own hip-hop class. Overall, I feel that the mentors were really great at showing the kids the positive aspects of hip-hop, and I think the kids involved had a fun time participating in the activities.

Create Now is a top notch organization that serves some of the most troubled children, teens and young adults in Southern California. Create Now helps them through art therapy, giving them an opportunity to heal through art and also discover their own hidden talents. Their programs range from graphic arts to music, dance, writing, film making, photography and much more. The mentors who run the programs are talented professionals who volunteer their valuable time to help make an impact. This is a fantastic organization that deserves your support!

Create Now is an organization that connects high risk and at risk youth with an outlet to express themselves artistically. They also provide them tickets to plays, concerts and other cultural events that they would otherwise never experience. I have volunteered for them and seen first hand the passion and dedication of their staff. Overall a great non profit!

Create Now is a fantastic organization that creates innovative art programs for the communities that need them the most! I volunteered to lead a drum circle for an at-risk community in Long Beach and felt so honored to watch youth shine and receive therapy from the artform I love. The staff is friendly and the volunteer projects I do are really wonderful. Plus, I get creative freedom to teach what I love. No other nonprofit give me that opportunity.

Create Now, from my viewpoint, is an amazing organization. The staff’s passionate understanding of at risk kids has built a fantastic arts organization. Working with the kids on the "Mythic Challenges" video projects, along with the teachers in the schools who are using the program, has been a seamless, elegant experience. It is heartening to see how Create Now is picking up the slack when our schools are cutting arts programs. It has been great to roll up my sleeves with them and be guided by such knowledgeable people on the ins and outs of delivering arts to the kids.

I have been volunteering with Create Now since January, and I can say from experience that Create Now goes the extra mile to support their volunteers and others who invest in their cause. As a small nonprofit with limited resources, they still take the time to provide a personal touch and help you understand the impact you are making and the need for that impact in the Los Angeles community. I personally have received extensive training in Salesforce as a part of my volunteer opportunity which not only allowed me to volunteer for the organization, but also provided me personally with important skills development that I'll be able to use in the future. Create Now is one of the best organizations I've ever volunteered for, and if you are here researching organizations you're considering volunteering for, I can tell you that Create Now is the perfect opportunity for making an impact while receiving professional development.

Create Now has a really cool program called Artistic Journeys. They provide thousands of kids the opportunity to attend musicals, plays and concerts so that they have the chance to experience live cultural event at premier places like Hollywood Bowl, Disney Concert etc. I've been able to attend these events as a chaperon and the kids are so excited to experience the Ballet or Circus for the first time! Many of us take these opportunities for granted but for these children these events serve as an escape from their lives at shelters and groups homes. The team at Create Now is very dedicated and has a lot of passion for their work.

As a former art teacher in an inner-city school district, I believe that the work that Create Now is doing is vital. Typically, kids in a public school will receive only 45 minutes of arts instruction a week, some receive none at all. Los Angeles is a city where it's under consideration to cut 300 arts educator positions from LAUSD, meaning that despite having one of the largest concentrations of artists, LA is a city where only those families who can afford private school will be exposed to the arts. Create Now fills an important role by providing not only arts instruction to an underserved, vulnerable population but also provides these children with guidance and support if they choose the arts as a career path. Create Now and organizations like it are supporting the next generation of artists in LA who will be diverse in their viewpoints rather than a homogenized group of upper-class citizens.

Create Now serves vulnerable kids ages 2-25 who have been abused, neglected, abandoned, orphaned, are left homeless, runaways, teen parents, substance abusers, victims of domestic violence, children of prisoners, gang members or incarcerated. The youth they serve come from poverty-stricken families with histories of violence, substance abuse, or neglect. As a parent, the thought of any child having to deal with these types of difficulties so early in life is tough to think about. They are simply not fortunate enough to have the opportunities that many of us take for granted on a daily basis.

Through their efforts, they match these kids and youth with mentors across Southern California, and provide healing through the arts and a positive outlet to express themselves.
The work that Create Now and their founder Jill Gurr does on a daily basis is extraordinary.

I have seen create now work and the dedicated staff the organization has . I think they do a fantastic work and I congratulate all the persons involved for what they have accomplished.

I have gone with groups of at-risk youth (from shelters and group homes) to see plays at the Geffen Playhouse and Cirque du Soliel. The kids have generally never been exposed to theater, and their eyes really light up when they have the chance to participate. Exposing them to the arts gives them a new outlet for their feelings and frustrations, and it's great to be a part of it.

I met Jill and learned of her work with Create Now only recently, and have placed her nonprofit at the top of my favorites. Many people I know have the gift to mentor but don't know where to start; her guidance and expertise are great contributions to get them started!

I'm a new volunteer in the art department and recently helped out at a family housing shelter.
I worked with the kids to create a banner for their upcoming talent show
and it really turned out well. It was a very rewarding experience and I'm so proud to have been a part of the show.
Look forward to helping out more in the future!

Create Now offers a valuable service to the youth of Southern California. Through events and programs, I have been priveledged to experience the powerful hearts of these youth through music, art, and poetry. Thank you Jill and the Create Now Organization for your hard work and tremendous services. Michael

Create Now provides programs for at-risk kids and teenagers. The courses provide both education and inspiration, offering the attendees not only an outlet for their creativity, but also skills in specific areas of the arts. I've had a wonderful experience working with this program as a volunteer. Create Now's support does not stop when a session ends. Attendees are encouraged to stay in touch with the organization and take advantage of additional resources and support as they move forward.

As a recipient of services from Create Now it is with great pleasure to share how much our kids have enjoyed working with this organization and their volunteers. We have partnered with Create Now for over five years and in this time period, hundreds of our kids were able to experience the warmth and kindness of this program. Thank you for supporting them; they deserve it and their mission and passion are pure.

I have worked with Create Now for many years and I must say they are absolutely a distinctive agency that provides fun filed creative and performing arts classes to the at-risk youth living in our transitional living program. As many as 20 youth in each individual class gets to create and transform through song, improve, stand up comedy and dance. For many of them this is a dream come through, and it gives them the opportunity to reach their full potential, and even discover potential they did not know they had.

I worked with Create Now doing an arts & crafts workshop for at risk youth. The kids absolutely loved the class and I was able to see how doing creative projects gave them confidence and self-esteem as well as a great deal of enjoyment. Create Now helps these kids channel their energy in a very positive way, doing a wide array of creative individual and group projects. It opens up all kinds of possibilities for these kids that they may not have ever thought would be available to them. I've seen first hand how beneficial these opportunities are for these great kids.

I have taught one standup comedy class for Create Now and it was a wonderful experience. Create Now gives at-risk youth the chance to reach artistic potential that they did not know they had. The organization provides youth the opportunity to access skills and creative talents that can increase their resiliency and change their life course.

Create Now's organization is beyond hands on and inspiring! They make sure that everything and anything that can be done for these kids are done with flying colors! The love and passion is evident! I have volunteered in one of The Transitional Living Homes and they provided such support :) The kids were thrilled and were so empowered! A beautiful thing and a beautiful Non-Profit!

Create Now is such an amazing organization that is changing the lives of so many people. I have been working on their database for several months now, so I am not in direct contact with the kids, but it's not hard for me to see that Jill and the mentors are very dedicated in helping the kids that are going through hard times. I'm sure that they will all remember the wonderful experiences that they have had with Create Now. It is truly an honor to be able to work with this organization.

Create Now is a truly grassroots organization that efficiently manages volunteers and community partnerships to provide creative arts resources for kids most in need of them. The accomplishments Create Now has achieved are truly the result of a labor of love and community effort, led by the vision of a very passionate and caring founder.

I've been maintaining Create Now's web site since 2006. As a graphic designer and a singer, I know how arts can inspire and bring out the best in everyone, old or young. I've seen it change lives in both small and large ways, and nobody facilitates this better in the lives of at-risk young people than Create Now. It's a privilege to be part of this dynamic, life-affirming group of people.

Working with at-risk or high-risk youths and sharing creative time with them. I am honored that these kids allow me to share this fragile time of their lives with them. I have so many good memories about being creative and if what we are creating with these kids can be positive memories for them, I would happy to have been a part of that experience. The kids deserve this and so much more. The energy, creativity and curiosity they bring each week and is amazing!

CREATE NOW is such a valuable resource for both the volunteers who bring their own experience to the youth, and for the youth who experience the give and take of shared creativity, teaching, arts programs, and the discovery of their own talents. I've watched this organization grow from the very beginning, have given presentations for the events, and attended many of the arts events opened to the youth - music, theatre, and other performance arts. It is always amazing to watch the young people and see their eyes light up, their enthusiasms be raised, and their imaginations sparked by their exposure to talented professionals. Even more rewarding is to watch the kids themselves perform their own creative works. Mentoring really does make a difference! The dedication and hard work of the staff and volunteers of Create Now is to be highly commended. It would be great to see them have even more resources to strengthen and expand their current programs.

It’s been said that when you become a mentor, you are the person who gets the most out of it. It’s true. My time with Create Now and meeting Jill Gurr turned out to be quite beneficial to me. I am the first generation of an openly out of the closet homosexual, and it was important for me to find a group of young GLBT members because I thought that maybe I could be a positive influence to them. Well, the irony to that wish is that they taught me to be more comfortable in my own skin. Of course I taught them the craft of screenwriting, or the basics of how to tell a story, but because we got to share our stories and ideas we discovered our own voice and ways to express these ideas. It was a powerful lesson which also included a lot of fun.

Create Now has helped Maryvale in numerous ways including with tickets to plays for children and adults, tickets to musicals, tickets to soccer games, tickets to the Derby Dolls, tickets to magic shows, tickets to dance recitals as well as tickets to the Wixton Theaters and the Santa Monica Theater.

As a graduate student I had the opportunity to work with Jill and Laura at Create Now to create a showcase event for the talented kids that Create Now works with. It was one of the most heartwrenching, amazing experiences of my life. The work that Create Now does to give these kids a voice in creative expression, especially given the fact that the kids would normally not have these chances due to their circumstances, is absolutely amazing.

Create Now is an oasis for the willing volunteer. I first worked with Create Now in 2005 and have always been extremely impressed with the dedication and passion of the organization. Jill Gurr is tireless in placing volunteers in situations where both they and their groups can thrive and grow through creative interaction. A bright gem in the crown of Los Angeles.

I was involved with Create Now for many years and the work they do in really reaching the most troubled youth is not only amazing but necessary. I have worked with many children's non-profits and I have never seen anyone as dedicated or passionate about helping the most vulnerable youth as Jill. The arts programs - whether its art, music, performing arts, or creative writing - has transformed these kids - I've seen it first hands. Kids on drugs, in jail, homeless, you name it, have turned their lives around because of Create Now!

Create Now placed me and 2 other volunteers at a Domestic Violence shelter to do art projects with the children. Jill listened to what I wanted to do, and found the perfect match. She also followed up with me regularly, and provided necessary materials for the projects. It was a fantastic experience that I hold dear to my heart.

I am a weekly volunteer at the Los Angeles Youth Network and I believe that this is the most wonderful experience that I could have been afforded. Jill Gurr cares about and helps children in all facets of their lives and I am glad to be a part of it.

I was a weekly volunteer as a creative writing and comedy performance instructor for a group of teenage girls living in a foster care home environment.

The Los Angeles Youth Network has three shelters in Hollywood serving homelesss youth (12-17). We are licensed for 48 beds and serve about 1,500 youth per year. Our programs include an enrichment component and Create Now has been an incrediable resource for helping us find volunmteers who will donate their time and skills that help us introduce our youth the various elements of society.

Creat Now also introduces us to local cultural and arts programs that are available either for free or at a greatly reduced price.

WE LOVE CREATE NOW

I've worked with Create Now on two large mural projects over the last few years. The owner/founder, Jill, is excellent at putting these large projects together, getting all the right people in place and marketing the events, making these very special experiences for the kids that participated. By the am there and ready to work with the kids all the paperwork and "behind the scenes" work is done and I can just work effortlessly with the kids. Jill is very hands on with everyone and it is really amazing to watch her in action. She really wants to get everyone involved. I am very proud that of all the work I've been able to be a part of I was able to work with Jill and the Create Now team.

Hands down this is the most sincere and dedicated organization I have had the pleasure of working with. My introduction to Create Now began in 1997 when I was in a youth detention facility and attended one of their writing workshops. The volunteer mentor for Create now was so inspired by our work and efforts that she arranged for all the participating youths in the facility to turn our work into a script for a popular TV show "That 70 Show". Not only did we perform for the whole facility but also had the pleasure of performing for the directors, creators, and cast members of the hit show even after we doubted that they would come since we were troubled youths!! Because of Create Now's efforts that day to make the youths that performed feel like ANYTHING was possible and no matter where we all came from or what we have done in the past to get us in that facility we to are important and can love what we do no matter which form of art we choose to express ourselves with. Due to Create Now's dedication and sincere concern in my future I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity of pursuing an acting career that has been supported by Create Now's mentors who have assisted me with headshots and acting workshops. This dedication has led to the most important thing that any organization can give a child and that is self worth and confidence to achieve your goals. I will always be grateful for Create Now.

Angel's Flight is a 16 bed, 2 week program for at-risk youth ages 10 - 17. We are a part of Catholic Charitites and our comprehensive services of counseling, case management, education and much more are free to all youth in the Greater Los Angeles area. We operate primarily from donations. Create Now! has enriched our program with exposure to many avenues of learning. We have received donated educational materials, tickets to cultural events, resources for the varied needs of our youth and support in our efforts to help our clients not become another statistic. Our program is so much richer for having a relationship with Create Now! which, in itself, is a world-wide effort towards helping not just youth but whole communities towards a better and more fulfilling life.

Create Now has had a significant impact on the lives of all those involved in receiving, providing and administering services. I am encouraged by the direction of the organization and the continued benefits that CN's services will bring.

Volunteering for Create Now and more specifically for Camp Scott was a very enlightening experience. The need is great for this demographic; I am happy that Create Now had the vision to provide educational programs for these young girls. My hope is that more funding be made available or granted to the organization so that more of our disenfranchised youth can benefit from the gifts each special volunteer has to offer them. Thank you Jill, for your persistence and your vision.

I've worked with Create Now off and on over the past several years and, speaking from the standpoint of a mentor, CN has been tremendous in placing me where I'd do the most good, supporting me with my questions and concerns, and staying in touch with me throughout the experience to monitor how my programs were going.

I was introduced to Create Now as an adolescent, and I cannot begin to describe the effect it has had on my life. The outlet it exposed me to, (writing), has been a therapy for me, and I have lived a much happier, healthier, and more productive life as a result. Create Now and its mentors are changing lives, and I look forward to one day being able to give back what it has given to me. Thanks Create Now!

This experienced enriched my life beyond belief. I can only hope it did close to the same for "my girls."

CREATE NOW! is such an excellent non-profit. They help so many children, teens and underprivileged people. Especially today when creative programs are being cut from schools, we need this kind if non-profit in the community.

I had such a wonderful experience with Create now. I would suggest anyone with a talent to use their skills and give back to those in need. I couldn't tell you how valued I felt after each art class I taught. I am so happy such a wonderful organization such as create now exists. It really helps put people who want to give in touch with people that need. Pyari