Create Now is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1996 that transforms the lives of youth in need through creative arts mentoring and opportunities. We serve disadvantaged, vulnerable kids ages 2-21 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 inca
rcerated. Through our therapeutic programs in music, writing, visual arts and the performing arts, kids learn to express themselves in a positive manner versus the destructive ways that they have in the past. Each year, we also bring thousands of these children to concerts, plays and other cultural events at premiere venues throughout the region. Create Now programs develop vital skills and build teamwork, self-esteem and confidence. In addition, we send out regular notices about job opportunities, internships, scholarships, free books, computers, arts supplies and other materials to the 95 partners in our network, such as shelters, group homes, detention camps, and other youth agencies. Create Now has reached 35,000 of the most vulnerable children in Southern California in 18 years. Create Now matches and refers volunteers to the neediest kids in their neighborhood. We give them training on how to mentor these youth, support in developing curricula, and materials to teach visual arts, music, writing, and performing arts like dance and theatre. Each year, we also bring around 2,500 of these youth to concerts, plays and other cultural events at premiere venues throughout the region. In addition, we send out regular notices about jobs, scholarships and free resources to the partners in our network, which target thousands of needy youth.
