July 9th, 2017 - Create Now

Founder, Jill Gurr, taught a Screenwriting workshop at Optimist Youth Homes, a boys’ detention center in Eagle Rock, where she co-wrote a script with a group of incarcerated teens. Jill discovered that many of these boys were illiterate, but when her program ended, they had learned how to read and write, while others wanted to go back to school or enter college. One tough gang leader even had tattoos removed from his neck and hands. Seeing the incredible impact of this program, she initiated a second Screenwriting workshop at a co-ed detention facility and got the same results. After that, Jill was inspired to help young people who have endured difficult situations and founded Create Now, a non-profit organization that gives youth opportunities to find their voices through creative arts mentoring and education. Create Now is also working with business partners who will train and provide jobs for young people aging out of the foster system. Find out how you can help. https://www.createnow.org/