◈ Homepage — http://www.createnow.org/Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Who We Are Get Involved News and Press Donate Here 0 Los Angeles Youth Served 0 Years of outreach About Us Mission Create Now, empowering youth from underserved communities through arts education and mentoring. Vision A brighter tomorrow where creative expression is the foundation of opportunity, connection, and growth for young people, breaking barriers and inspiring change in their communities. Action Through creative learning, mentoring, career preparation, and therapeutic arts, we empower young people to discover their potential, equipping them to shape a future filled with opportunity, hope, and positive change for themselves and their communities. What We Offer Donate Your donation helps us empower youth through arts education, career development, mentoring, and therapeutic programs. Read More Programs Create Now empowers youth through Arts in the Classroom, Community Events, Cultural Journeys, and pathways to careers in the creative industries. Read More Partner We collaborate with a network of agency and corporate partners, offering access to our free arts programs and resources to make a lasting impact on youth across our communities. Read More Community Events Our community events welcome participants and volunteers, creating opportunities for connection, engagement, and shared experiences. Read More Latest News Get the scoop on our latest activities. Read More Volunteer We have year-round volunteer opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re interested in leading workshops, supporting events, or assisting with behind-the-scenes work, there’s a role for everyone to help empower youth through the arts. Read More Upcoming Opportunities HNY! Opportunities Coming Soon! Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Read all about it! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive news and updates. Email Sign up Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. ◈ Interior Pages — 16 pages crawledOur Founder - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Our Founder In honor of Jill Gurr, our founder. In remembrance of our founder Jill Gurr Jill Gurr (February 12, 1950 – January 13, 2022) founded Create Now, driven by her love for storytelling and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people. Starting her writing journey at age seven, she published three books and wrote numerous screenplays, with two produced. After earning a B.S. in Broadcasting & Film from Boston University, Jill traveled the world, becoming fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian, and worked as a script supervisor on award-winning films and TV shows for 25 years. During the 1992 L.A. Uprising, while working on Menace II Society, Jill volunteered to teach screenwriting at Optimist Youth Homes, where she saw the transformative power of creative expression for incarcerated youth. Her classes helped students develop their literacy skills, build confidence, and explore new possibilities for their future. Inspired by their resilience and creativity, Jill expanded her efforts, offering workshops at other juvenile facilities. With the encouragement of Leslie Stevens from the American Film Institute, Jill launched Write Now! in 1996, with a focus on creative writing. Recognizing that many young people expressed themselves in different artistic forms, she reimagined the organization as Create Now in 1998, broadening its mission to include music, dance, culinary arts, and more. Though Jill is no longer with us, we remain dedicated to her vision, empowering young people from underserved communities to find their voice and express themselves through the arts. Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our Programs - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Our Programs Create Now offers a diverse range of high-quality arts programs for youth ages 3-24, covering disciplines from music and digital arts to fashion and culinary arts. With both signature classes and customized workshops, our programming spans various art forms and includes enriching field trips to concerts, theater, cultural events, and more. Create Now’s Arts Programs for Youth For over two decades, Create Now has empowered youth who face the greatest barriers to opportunity. Through arts education, we reach children and young adults from Pre-K through age 24 with classes in music, creative writing, performing arts, digital media, visual arts, fashion, and culinary arts. Our unique approach often brings these transformative experiences directly to youth in shelters, community centers, and Title 1 schools. Our programs are more than creative outlets—they introduce young people to the power of self-expression and the potential for lifelong skills. For many, these experiences build pathways to jobs and careers in creative industries, opening doors to a future they may not have envisioned otherwise. Arts in the Classroom Through workshops and structured classes in schools and community centers, we provide arts instruction across various disciplines. These programs support academic engagement, helping students cultivate critical thinking, confidence, and creativity. Tailored schedules, from single events to multi-week programs, ensure arts engagement is accessible and impactful for every student. Community Events Throughout the year, Create Now also brings together youth and volunteers through community-focused events. Our Power of the Arts Festival and Holiday Parties invite young people from partner agencies and local communities to enjoy a day of creativity, games, and festive gifts. At our annual Creative Career Fair, youth connect with industry professionals who introduce them to exciting career opportunities in the arts. Cultural Journeys Through Cultural Journeys, Create Now organizes enriching field trips and special experiences that expand young people’s perspectives, introducing them to concerts, plays, museums, and other cultural landmarks. These experiences inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the world, connecting youth with Los Angeles’ rich artistic and cultural heritage. Volunteer with Us Our programs rely on the support of passionate volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of young people. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, from leading arts workshops and assisting at community events to providing behind-the-scenes support. Volunteers are vital to empowering youth and fostering a supportive community through the arts. Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Volunteer - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Volunteer We have year-round volunteer opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re interested in leading workshops, supporting events, or assisting with behind-the-scenes work, there’s a role for everyone to help empower youth through the arts. Upcoming Opportunities HNY! Opportunities Coming Soon! Our Volunteer Roles 1. Lead Art Workshops Are you an artist looking to give back? Create Now connects volunteer artists with over 125 Partner Agencies across LA, including homeless shelters and youth organizations, to lead customizable art workshops. From music and dance to visual and digital art, you’ll get to share your craft with those in need. No teaching experience? No problem! We’ll help you design a syllabus, provide all materials, and support you through the entire process. Most workshops last 6-8 sessions, once a week. Join us in making a difference through the arts! 2. Arts Mentoring Dive into the creative journey with our youth by sharing your passion in areas like music, writing, dance, graphic design, animation, and visual arts. As a mentor, you’ll help students build confidence, learn new skills, and discover their potential through the arts. 3. Support Special Events Be a part of bringing our community events to life! From planning and fundraising to working directly with youth, volunteers play a key role in making our festivals, talent shows, and arts showcases impactful and memorable. 4. Join Our Advisory Board Lend your expertise by serving on our Advisory or Associate Board, where you can guide strategy, support fundraising, and influence our mission-driven initiatives. Your involvement will help Create Now strengthen its programs and expand its impact on youth through the arts. Please Note that volunteering at Create Now does not qualify for court-ordered community service hours. Ready to make an impact? Join us in empowering youth through the arts! Start by filling out our volunteer application below. Volunteer Application Or, reach out directly to Lola Kate for more details: (213) 747-2777 x 3 [email protected] FAQs Is there a long-term commitment? We customize Create Now’s programs to have the maximum effect in the shortest period of time since many of the youth we serve are often moved around or released. Therefore, we can usually organize a project based on your timetable, including opportunities to help out through fun one-time events. We’ve learned that even just one meeting between a volunteer and a group of youth can have a positive effect. Some of the kids may be inspired to change their behavior, or motivated to pursue a particular career. Even though Create Now’s focus is on small group mentoring projects, there are times when one-on-one mentoring relationships evolve naturally through Create Now programs. How much time do you require to be a mentor for a group? Create Now makes it easy for volunteers to give back based on your schedule. If you want to teach a class one time for an hour, not a problem! What about twice a week for two months. We can make it happen. We organize a party with gift bags for the kids so when your workshop ends, you all have closure. This way, you can complete your project and the youth have a sense of accomplishment. This also allows our mentors flexibility. After the workshop is completed, volunteers might decide to work with the same kids, start a new workshop with a different group of youth, or end it because of personal time constraints, without the children feeling abandoned. Each program is tailored to the volunteer’s and children’s needs and some projects go on for longer periods of time, including several years. We also arrange “Mini-Tours” where you can mentor a different group of youth each week at a variety of facilities. What types of skills are you looking for mentors to have? Experience in any of the arts are welcome, even as a hobbyist. We can also help you teach simple Arts and Crafts workshops that don’t require any specific talents. Younger children enjoy storytelling, coloring or to just play games. The greatest aptitudes that mentors need are patience and dependability. For those volunteers without an artistic expertise, you can become a Life Skills Mentor, teaching financial literacy, college opportunities and job interview techniques to a group of youth. How many children are there per class? We usually limit the arts workshops to no more than 12, but on average it is 5-10 youth. We also hire professional teaching artists with assistants to lead classes that can include up to 35 students. Do you need teaching credentials to be a mentor? No. All Create Now volunteers need is commitment, responsibility and passion to help youth in need. We’ll assist you to develop a structured curriculum and provide you with sample lesson plans in writing, music, art, etc. if needed. Create Now will also supply the materials and equipment. Do you train your mentors? Yes. All mentors receive an orientation and a comprehensive Mentor Training Manual. We also hold seminar training throughout the year for our volunteers, which includes an opportunity to network with other mentors, share ideas and learn about our other programs. Most of the youth facilities that Create Now serves require that our volunteers also attend their agency orientations or training sessions. Do mentors get paid? Since Create Now is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar we spend is crucial. We’re hopeful that you will donate your time free of charge. Some of our programs offer a stipend to volunteers to cover expenses. Create Now does hire experienced artists who have taught youth in schools. Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Breakout Room - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Illuminating pathways to successful careers in the arts.  Your browser does not support the video tag. We are thrilled to introduce The Breakout Room, an innovative experience where young people can connect directly with professionals from a wide range of creative industries. These dynamic, one-hour sessions, inspired by the TED Talk format, foster curiosity, dialogue, and provide invaluable insights into arts-related career pathways. Our mission is to cultivate an inclusive and engaging learning environment by curating programs and content that reflect the diverse backgrounds and interests of our students. By featuring speakers from various creative and high-profile fields, we empower our youth to envision their potential and stay motivated in pursuing their dreams. Each session is filmed live, expertly produced, and made available on virtual platforms—ensuring that young people across Los Angeles County, and beyond, have access to these enriching experiences. Become a BreakoutRoom sponsor or speaker Contact Rebekah Miller to learn more about how you can support our mission to support youth in the arts and be a part of this new and exciting program. Rebekah Miller: [email protected] Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Meet the Team - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Meet the Team Create Now is supported by its dedicated staff and incredible Board of Directors. Their commitment and leadership make it possible for Create Now to run impactful programs and achieve its mission to empower youth through the arts. Staff Brandon Dean Johnson CEO Laura Kelly Director of Programs Lola Kate Program Manager Ricardo Roman Arzola Staff Jose Hawkins Social Media Director Board of Directors Cristina Vega Board Chair Cornelis (Case) Klumper Treasurer Catie Saralegui Ross Pendergraft Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. LA Fire Resources - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Resources for Those Impacted by the SoCal Fires In response to the recent fires affecting our community of Los Angeles, Create Now extends its heartfelt concern and readiness to support those impacted. We understand that these are challenging times for many, and we are committed to offering help and stability wherever possible. We are here to provide support through our network of resources and volunteers. Whether it’s through arts programs that offer a respite for the mind and spirit, or practical support for those directly affected, we are mobilized and ready to assist. For those who wish to help, we encourage you to reach out. For those who are affected and in need of support, please do not hesitate to contact us [email protected] . We are here to assist you in any way we can, with open arms and open hearts. This page provides a curated list of resources for individuals and families affected by the fires in and around Los Angeles. The resources are ordered based on their comprehensiveness and breadth of help, prioritizing those that provide the most extensive and broadly applicable assistance. Each resource includes a detailed description of its offerings, highlighting what sets it apart and an explanation of why it is positioned where it is in the list. LA Times Resource List The Los Angeles Times has compiled a comprehensive and accessible list of free and discounted resources available to those impacted by the fires in the Los Angeles area. This resource stands out for its breadth, covering critical needs such as housing support, medical assistance, food services, and more. Its easy-to-read format and direct links make it highly user-friendly, ensuring rapid access to vital help during an emergency. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-10/heres-a-list-of-free-and-discounted-resources-for-victims-of-los-angeles-area-fires Reason for placement: This resource is the most comprehensive, covering a wide range of needs with actionable information for a broad audience. Comprehensive Spreadsheet of Resources This frequently updated Google Sheet provides an extensive and detailed collection of resources and support services available to fire victims. With its dynamic nature, it offers granular information about housing options, food availability, financial aid, and more. What sets this resource apart is its collaborative design, with frequent updates and contributions ensuring it remains current and relevant. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KMk34XY5dsvVJjAoD2mQUVHYU_Ib6COz6jcGH5uJWDY/htmlview Reason for placement: This resource is highly dynamic, providing an evolving, detailed list of support options. Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALA) The MALA team maintains a grassroots-driven, community-centered list of resources designed for individuals and families affected by the fires. Its offerings include links to housing, food assistance, donation opportunities, and volunteer signups. This resource is unique in its focus on fostering community support, making it ideal for those seeking immediate assistance and ways to contribute to recovery efforts. https://mutualaidla.org/ Reason for placement: This grassroots resource is broadly accessible and community-driven, offering both immediate assistance and connections to additional resources. United Way of Greater Los Angeles – Wildfire Response Fund United Way provides long-term recovery support for low-income individuals and communities affected by wildfires. This fund is unique in its focus on rebuilding livelihoods for those living in poverty, offering financial aid, assistance to the unhoused, and coordination with other community organizations. It stands out for addressing systemic issues while supporting wildfire recovery. https://unitedwayla.org/wildfire-response-resources/ Reason for placement: This fund addresses both immediate and ongoing needs for some of the most vulnerable populations. Fire Aid: Global Wildfire Support Fire Aid offers a global platform dedicated to helping communities affected by wildfires. The organization raises awareness, provides financial support, and mobilizes international resources to assist wildfire victims. Its unique global scope ensures that affected areas receive support from a broad network of donors and collaborators. https://www.fireaid.info/ Reason for placement: This resource offers a wide range of assistance options, making it useful for both immediate and long-term needs. 211 LA County Services 211 LA is a centralized hub for health and human services, offering disaster-related assistance to low-income individuals, the unhoused, and other vulnerable populations. With its 24/7 availability and extensive database, 211 LA stands out for its accessibility and ability to connect people to tailored support, including emergency housing, mental health services, and financial aid. https://www.211la.org/ Reason for placement: This resource provides broad-spectrum services, ensuring access to assistance for a wide variety of needs. Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) LAHSA provides essential services for the unhoused community, including emergency shelter, housing assistance, and health services. Its targeted approach ensures that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to navigate the challenges posed by wildfires. https://www.lahsa.org/Emergency-Response Reason for placement: This resource addresses the critical needs of unhoused individuals, offering immediate and long-term support. California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund The California Community Foundation is committed to helping underserved communities recover from wildfires. This fund provides targeted, long-term support to those most affected, including resources for rebuilding homes and addressing systemic inequities exacerbated by disasters. Its focus on equity and sustainability makes it a standout resource for recovery efforts. https://www.calfund.org/wildfire-recovery-fund/ Reason for placement: This resource focuses on vulnerable communities, offering sustainable support for rebuilding and recovery. Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s Wildfire Assistance The LAEDC offers a robust range of emergency resources tailored for wildfire victims, including information on shelters, financial support, and animal care. Its comprehensive approach ensures that families and businesses alike can access the help they need to recover. https://laedc.org/2025-wildfire-assistance/ Reason for placement: This resource offers a wide range of assistance, tailored to immediate and diverse community needs. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles – Disaster Recovery Resource List Habitat LA focuses on disaster recovery for low-income families and individuals, offering access to hotlines, emergency shelter information, and guidance on rebuilding efforts. Its targeted approach ensures that those most in need receive support tailored to their situation. https://www.habitatla.org/2025-disaster-recovery-resource-list/ Reason for placement: This resource focuses on disaster recovery, offering comprehensive assistance to low-income individuals and families. AGMA Relief Fund AGMA offers tailored financial aid and resources to its members while also providing general resources for non-members, including meal programs, relocation assistance, and connections to partner organizations like Sweet Relief and the Entertainment Community Fund. This dual focus makes it a versatile and incl Partner With Us - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Partner With Us Join us in creating impactful experiences like arts festivals, talent shows, and mural projects. By partnering with Create Now, you’re helping to inspire the next generation and fostering a vibrant creative community. Ways companies and foundations can engage with us: Make a Corporate Donation Contribute financially to our A New Era of Change campaign fundraising goal of $750,000 to help sustain and expand our vital arts programs. Sponsor a Program or Event Become a sponsor for one of our specific programs or community events, helping to increase visibility and support for your brand. Encourage Employee Volunteering Organize curated volunteer days for employees to engage directly with our programs, mentoring youth and participating in arts activities. Host a Fundraising Event Partner with us to host an event with your company or in the community to raise funds and awareness for our mission. Provide In-Kind Donations Offer resources, materials, or services that can directly benefit our programs, such as art supplies, catering for events, or marketing support. Create a Matching Gift Program Encourage employee donations by matching their contributions, amplifying the impact of their generosity. Share Our Campaign Promote our campaign through your company’s channels—social media, newsletters, or events—to help spread the word and encourage support. Explore Long-Term Partnerships Discuss ongoing sponsorship or partnership opportunities that align with your corporate social responsibility goals such as multiple year pledge and partnership plans. Participate in Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Engage employees in raising funds through personal fundraising campaigns, leveraging their networks for support. Join Our Monthly Giving Program Consider setting up a recurring donation to provide continuous support for our programs and impact. For example, your business can donate a portion of sales per month. Connecting with Agency Partners As an agency partner, you can access our free arts programs and resources, available to shelters, schools, and youth organizations across Los Angeles and nearby counties. Agency Partner Application Questions: contact CEO Brandon Dean Johnson: [email protected] Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Spotlight - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Spotlight We’re proud to feature the remarkable journeys of young people in our programs, whose lives have been transformed through creative expression, mentorship, and career exploration. These stories capture the impact of our arts education, community events, and cultural journeys, celebrating youth who, with the support of devoted mentors, are building brighter futures. Your browser does not support the video tag. Moy Guzman Your browser does not support the video tag. Dillon Your browser does not support the video tag. Ashanti Tasha Caufield Frank Trujillo Darontay Liz Tasha Caufield Tasha was in-and-out of nine detention facilities between the ages of 12 and 14, but after learning how to write a “Moesha” TV script, she discovered that she loved the film and TV industry. Tasha was such a talented, bright, and enthusiastic participant that she had a number of mentors who loved working with her. Tasha received a scholarship from Warner Bros. Studios and graduated from the USC Film School Program with a B.S. degree in 2004. Through the efforts of her Create Now mentors, she also completed her first year of law school at Northern Illinois University in Chicago. Tasha has published five books (all available on Amazon). She wrote film reviews for the “Chicago Drama Film Examiner” for several years and has written a number of screenplays and several books. She has performed standup comedy all over the country and produced and directed a feature documentary, The Makings of a Standup Comedian, and is now working on another documentary film. Tasha is also a licensed real estate agent. Frank Trujillo Frank was headed down a dangerous path. He never knew his father, who had abandoned his family many years ago. His two older brothers were in prison and he was forced to take care of his younger siblings while his mother worked hard to support her family. He joined a local gang in Compton and got in trouble for ditching school and doing drugs. The court sentenced him to live at a facility for troubled youth. Frank was headed down a dangerous path. He never knew his father, who had abandoned his family many years ago. His two older brothers were in prison and he was forced to take care of his younger siblings while his mother worked hard to support her family. He joined a local gang in Compton and got in trouble for ditching school and doing drugs. The court sentenced him to live at a facility for troubled youth. Frank was a huge fan and knew every note of Michael’s songs. After spending just one hour with Michael, Frank changed his life. He dropped out of his gang and joined Compton Community College, becoming the First Chair Sax! He continues to do well as he plays the horn today (Create Now got him a new sax when his instrument broke). Frank works at the University of Southern California as a Hospitality Associate. Liz Chavez Liz was constantly fighting at school. She was sentenced to spend time at a juvenile probation facility. She signed up for a role in a performance of “That 70’s Show” during our Theater workshop. We arranged for all the kids at this detention center to visit a taping of the show and meet the cast and producers. Liz became hooked on acting. She took advantage of different opportunities that we provided, including the chance to meet the Honorable Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Create Now helped Liz to get head shots and gave her books to assist with her career. She took classes in modeling and acting while raising her two sons. Create Now helped her to meet Mayor Villaraigosa and provided her with additional resources. As a result, Lizeth is now an Executive Assistant to the Director at North Los Angeles County Regional Center, which provides partnerships and planning to people with developmental disabilities. Before that, Liz was a Certified Paralegal to Stanley Morgan, Esq., and a mortgage trustee and foreclosure specialist at GMAC. She also was an Executive Administrator and liaison at Resource Program, a marketing company, where she oversaw the administration, compliance and customer relations departments. In addition, Liz was a Production Assistant at Kevin Hart’s company, HartBeat Productions. Darontay McClendon Darontay had his first felony when he was 8 years old. He was in and out of prisons since he was 11. When we met him, he was at Camp Kilpatrick, arrested for hitting someone over the head with a crowbar. Darontay participated in the Create Now Talent Show and won second prize in the Rap Music Contest. Darontay came to the ShowBiz Expo in June 2000, where he passed out brochures and shared his experiences in Create Now with the attendees. We introduced him to some filmmakers who visited our booth. Producer David Goodman and director Adam Ripp invited Darontay to intern on their film “Gang Tapes,” which they were shooting in his neighborhood, Watts. He volunteered as an intern in their production office. The staff was so impressed with Darontay’s intelligence and attitude, they paid him as a technical consultant for a variety of departments: locations, wardrobe, production design, etc. Darontay decided to audition for one of the co-starring roles. He beat out 200 professional actors for the part of “Cyril.” In addition, the producers paid him a generous sum to use two of his rap songs for the soundtrack of the film. “Gang Tapes” made its debut in Los Angeles on February 12th 2001 at the Pan African Film Festival. The feature film was screened at the Magic Johnson Theaters next to the Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw Plaza. “Gang Tapes” also won the “Best Ensemble Cast” award at the 2001 New York Underground Film Festival. The movie was then screened at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood through the American Cinematheque. Darontay was nominated for “Best Supporting Actor in a DVD Movie” in 2002. The DVD Movie Awards were given at a prestigious ceremony at the Wiltern Theater on January 14th, 2003. While he didn’t win the award, he competed in this category against such notorious actors as Steve Buscemi, Gary Busey and Jeremy Piven. However, director Adam Ripp won the “Best Director of a DVD Movie.” This is a great testament to Darontay’s work in the film. Darontay improvised most of his dialogue in the film and showed great talent as a writer. We gave him a computer and software so that he could write screenplays. He’s working on his first script, which is a powerful story about prison life. Meanwhile, Darontay has to support his little girl Mariah. He was the top salesman at a marketing company and he opened his own place called “Needlez and Threadz.” What’s really thrilling is that Darontay is now doing the mentoring these days! He said, “My shop is right there in my old neighborhood. I pretty much know everybody – all the kids and the older people – and I try to be a mentor to everyone. Sometimes people just need somebody to tell them that they can reach their dreams.” Create Now is really proud of Darontay and we know that he’s at the beginning of an amazing career. Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Privacy Policy - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Donor Privacy Policy Personal Information This donor privacy policy applies to collection of information, including information collected on our website. By submitting your information to us or any of our staff, you consent to the terms and conditions of the policy and to our processing personal information for the purposes stated below. Personal Information “Personal Information” is information that identifies you personally, such as your name, address, telephone number, and email address. We collect and store the personally identifiable information that you have provided us. Here are some examples of ways in which we may collect your information. When you request information via one of the email addresses identified on our website or otherwise contact us in person, by phone or email, with a question. We may then collect your name, address and email in order to respond to that inquiry. We may collect your name, email address and other contact information if you register for an event. We may collect your name, email address, telephone number and payment information when you make a contribution, either on our website, over the phone or by mailing in a check. From time to time, we may collect personal information from you in ways not described above. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information We will not sell, trade, or share your personal information, collected on the website or through any other business activities with anyone else. We will not send you mailings on behalf of other organizations. We will only share your personal information if you give us specific permission to do so. We will collect payment information, billing address and other information necessary to process a donation or event registration. We will use your information to comply with the law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to conform to the requirements of law or comply with legal process served on us, protect and defend our rights or act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of others. We will use the personal information to protect against potential fraud. We may verify with third parties the information collected in the course of processing a gift, event registration or other donation. If you use a credit or debit card on the website, we may use card authorization and fraud screening services to verify that your card information and address matches the information that you supplied to us and that the card being used has not been reported lost or stolen. You have the right to review information that we have collected about you. To review that information please contact us in writing at  [email protected] . To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors’ information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation. Bulk Mailing Opt-out We may send out emails, newsletters, or advertisements to our website users to inform them of upcoming events, sales, or other important information. If the information collected is to be displayed on our website or distributed, the user will have the opportunity to choose to not have their information made available before they submit it. In most cases, the reason users will submit their information, is to have it displayed on our website. If, for any reason, a user would like to no longer receive information from us, they can send an email to  [email protected]  and request to be removed from our mailing lists. Bulk email from Create Now will always include a unsubscribe link at the bottom of the message. Changes to the Privacy Policy We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will note the last update at the bottom of this Privacy Policy. For changes to this policy that may be materially less restrictive on our use or disclosure of your personally identifiable information, we will obtain your consent before implementing the change by sending a notice to your primary email address and home address specified in our records and by placing a prominent notice on our website. Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Supporters - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Supporters Create Now is extremely grateful to all of our donors. Every dollar enables our organization to provide arts programs to underserved youth in the community. We are truly grateful for your contributions! Our Donors Allied Global Marketing · Audiomachine · Baby2Baby · Big Sunday · BigFooters · California Arts Council · California Community Foundation · Callie D. McGrath Foundation · Canet Foundation · Charitable Adult Rides · Chelsea Armstrong · Cirque du Soleil · City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs · Cornelis Klumper · Daniel Ohgi · Dan Murphy Foundation · Deloitte · Discovery Cube Los Angeles · Drake Construction & Development, Inc. · Dwight Stuart Youth Fund · eBay with Mariel Haenn and Rob Zanbardi · Elan Shukartsi · ENO Brands, Inc. | Fabricworm · Google · Greenspan Foundation · Hai Benefit Circle · Happy Place · Havaianas · Hoodlin Mania · iPalpiti Artists International · In-N-Out Burger Foundation · Jake Winett · Jazwares · Jessica Ozberker · Jillina Kristina Carlano · LAUSD Arts Education Branch · Lauren DeVillier · Leslie Joseph · Los Angeles Clippers · Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture · Los Angeles Philharmonic Association · Marq Spusta · Max Group Sales · Merge · Mighty Cause · Mockingbird Foundation · Moe Life Foundation · Muskin Family Foundation · Names Family Foundation · Natalie Brill · NBCUniversal/Comcast · Neex and Friends · Negri Foundation · Ralph M. Parsons Foundation · Robert A. Stranahan, Jr. Charitable Advised Fund · RoKit · Romwe · Rotary Club of Santa Monica · Russell Hadaya · Sanford Anderson Charitable Foundation · Sharetrees · Shrewsbury Foundation · Stephanie Mazepa · SuperVintendo64 · Supervisor Hilda Solis · The Concerted Effort · The Discovery Cube · The Irene Finkelstein Foundation · The Johnny Carson Foundation · The Los Angeles Ballet · The Los Angeles Philharmonic · The: 5TH · Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation · Vidal Herrera Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. In the News - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here In the News Create Now has been featured many times over the years across multiple platforms and publications. TV FOX METV CNN NBC 4 ABC NBC Nightly News KTLA5 Radio KIIS FM KLOS iHeart Media The Sound The Answer Print & Online L.A. Parent Parade Wave VoyageLA CBS Jewish Journal Los Angeles Wire Quest Nutrition Podcasts & Exhibitions Jewish Journal Giving Back Podcast Museum of Tolerance Wait! There's more. The latest news and updates are published regularly on our blog. Read Blog Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Get Involved - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Get Involved Create Now is dedicated to empowering local youth, but we need your support to make a lasting impact. There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering and leading workshops to making a financial contribution. Each act of support helps us grow our programs and reach more young people, fostering creativity, connection, and hope within our community. Join us in making a difference today! Ways you can get involved... 1. Donate Your contribution supports educational, workforce, and therapeutic arts programs, empowering young people to learn, heal, and grow through creative expression. Support Us 2. Volunteer Bring your passion and expertise to help youth through hands-on arts experiences. Volunteers are essential in providing comprehensive classes in diverse art forms and supporting events across Title 1 schools and community sites. Volunteer with us 3. Partner with Us Giving kids fun experiences at arts festivals, talent shows and mural projects. Partner with us Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Blog - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Create Now Creative Career Fair 2026 Connecting Young Creatives to Real Opportunities Create Now is excited to present the Creative Career Fair 2026, a free two-day event designed to introduce youth and… LINK UP: Our Final Creative Networking Event of the Year LINK UP: Our Final Creative Networking Event of the Year Thursday, December 11 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |… Power of the Arts Festival: Holiday Edition Join Create Now and Discovery Cube Los Angeles for a two-day celebration where art and science collide to spark creativity… Support Mural Restoration at El Sereno Middle School The murals at El Sereno Middle School, powerful works of Black, Latino, and student empowerment, were recently vandalized. These murals… Link Up: Connecting Creatives, Building Community Create Now is proud to introduce Link Up, a dynamic networking series designed to spark collaboration, inspire fresh ideas, and strengthen… Councilmember Ysabel Jurado’s End of Summer Celebration Celebrate with Us at the End of Summer Celebration! Create Now partnered with Councilmember Ysabel Jurado to celebrate the end… Board Candidate Interest Information Programs & Services Create Now offers a range of arts-focused programs including volunteer-led workshops, in-class and after-school arts education, and… Power of the Arts Festival 2025 Recap Presented by Create Now x Discovery Cube Los Angeles | June 28–29, Sylmar, CA This year’s Power of the Arts… Create Now x Hoodlin Mania: Skating, Art, and Community for a Cause We’re thrilled to announce that Create Now is the official nonprofit beneficiary of the upcoming Hoodlin Mania Skate Park Event,… Mariachi, Dance, and Community Joy — All in One Night From September through May, Create Now partnered with Farmdale Elementary to deliver a 29-week Mariachi music education program designed to… Create Now’s Creative Career Fair 2025 – Your Future Starts Here! Calling all artists, creatives, and community leaders—we need YOU to help inspire the next generation! Create Now’s Creative Career Fair 2025 is… Hope, Healing, and Art: How We’re Supporting Fire-Affected Communities In the wake of the devastating Altadena and Eaton fires, Create Now has partnered with Hope Now Community Resource Center… 1 2 3 … 11 → Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. What We Do - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here What We Do Create Now empowers youth and young adults ages 3 to 24 through a variety of arts programs based on these four pillars. Our Pillars 1. Volunteer Giving artists full support to teach and mentor youth in their neighborhoods. Volunteer with us 2. Arts in the Classroom Providing comprehensive classes in a variety of arts at Title 1 schools. Our Programs 3. Community Events Giving kids fun experiences at arts festivals, talent shows and mural projects. 4. Cultural Journeys Bringing youth and families to concerts, plays, museums and special events. Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our Mission - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Our Mission Create Now, empowering youth from underserved communities through arts education and mentoring. The Universal Power of the Arts At Create Now, we believe that art is a universal language that transcends barriers and has the power to transform lives. For the young people we serve, the arts offer a safe space to express themselves, explore their potential, and connect with their communities in profound ways. Through our programs, we open doors to creativity, healing, and self-discovery, building a foundation for lifelong growth and empowerment. 1. Fostering Academic Achievement Studies show that arts education not only improves creativity but also enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. In our programs, students often experience measurable improvements in academic performance, especially in STEM subjects. By cultivating self-discipline, focus, and resilience, arts engagement also tackles chronic absenteeism, helping students stay engaged in their education and develop valuable skills for life. 2. Empowering Career Pathways The creative industries hold immense opportunities for young people, yet many face barriers in pursuing these fields. At Create Now, we connect youth with mentors, hands-on learning, and career exploration activities that demystify creative careers. Through initiatives like our Creative Career Fair and guest speaker events, youth gain insights, mentorship, and practical tools to turn their passions into viable career paths. 3. Healing and Emotional Well-Being Art can be a powerful outlet for processing emotions and healing from past trauma. Our therapeutic arts programs foster self-awareness and emotional resilience, enabling youth to work through challenges in a supportive environment. Studies show that creative expression significantly improves mental health, with over 77% of participants reporting better emotional well-being. These therapeutic experiences provide our youth with lasting tools for personal growth and resilience. 4. Building Inclusive Communities By engaging in the arts, young people from diverse backgrounds find a sense of belonging and shared purpose. We believe that every youth deserves access to creative expression and the chance to thrive. Create Now is dedicated to bridging gaps in access, ensuring that young people from underserved communities have the resources, encouragement, and platform to tell their stories and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive society. Youth in Need 20% Lower Dropout Rates Arts-engaged students are 20% less likely to drop out of school, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation 77% Boost in Emotional Well-Being Art therapy improves emotional well-being in 77% of youth, helping them process trauma and express emotions healthily 2.5x More Likely to Attend College Students with arts backgrounds are 2.5 times more likely to pursue higher education, helping bridge the achievement gap Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Contact Us - Create Now Skip to main content Skip to footer What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog What We Do Our Mission Our Programs Spotlight Who We Are Meet the Team Our Founder Get Involved LA Fire Resources Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner With Us Supporters Breakout Room News and Press Blog Donate Here Contact Us Send a message below Submit Address: 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 213-747-2777 Email: [email protected] EIN #: 95-4590574 Ways to Donate Volunteer Partner with Us 1611 S. Hope Street, #E Los Angeles, CA 90015 (855) 596-7039 [email protected] Contact Us Privacy Policy Blog © 2017-2026 Create Now. All Rights Reserved. Create Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax ID 95-4590574. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.