Create Now, Inc.

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