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We help kids in trouble turn their lives around

Create Now! changes the lives of high-risk and at-risk youth through creative arts mentoring, resources and opportunities.

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Some of Our Success Stories

Create Now! is proud of the many success stories achieved through our programs each year. Following are a few of our all-stars who, with the help of Create Now! and their very devoted mentors, have turned their lives around.

Tasha

Tasha came from a dysfunctional home and began running away at age 13. She was in and out of detention centers, until Create Now! met her at Mid-Valley Youth Center when she was 16. After participating in a TV Writing Workshop, Tasha excelled at school. She bonded with the mentors that Create Now! provided and got a scholarship to USC Film School, where she graduated in 2004. Tasha is now in her second year of Law School at Northern Illinois University in Chicago. “I am extremely grateful to Create Now! for helping me find a positive outlet at one of the darkest times in my life. I consider every success I've had since I was introduced to your program a direct consequence of all the wonderful things Create Now! has offered me. Thank you so much for helping to shape my future.”

Jose Luis Ramirez

José suffered a horrendous tragedy when he was just ten years old. His house caught on fire due to a gas leak that hadn’t been repaired. He barely managed to escape with his grandmother, younger brother and sister. The boy witnessed his mother burning to death. His mother’s boyfriend told him it was his fault because she had sacrificed herself to save her children.

José had nightmares every night after that tragic event. He joined a gang and started getting into trouble with the law and was in and out of detention facilities for a variety of crimes. When he was sixteen and incarcerated at Camp David Gonzalez, José met Create Now! mentor Diane Namm.

Lizeth Chavez

Tawana and Marcia
Lizeth was constantly fighting at school. She was sentenced to spend time at Mid-Valley Youth Center. She signed up for a role in a Create Now! Theater Workshop. Lizeth is now hooked on acting. She takes advantage of different opportunities that Create Now! provides, including the chance to meet the Honorable Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Create Now! has helped Lizeth to get headshots and gave her books to assist with her career. She’s taking acting classes at college while raising her son. Now the only fighting that Lizeth might participate in will be on the screen.

Michael Monroe (a.k.a rap artist "KL" or "Killin' Lyrics")

Growing up with both of his parents as drug addicts, Michael has had a hard life since he was a child. When he was 12 years old, he and his brother had to fend for themselves, living on their own in a seedy motel, stealing food to survive. Michael ended up at Camp Miller for purse-snatching. He participated in the Create Now! Talent Show and won First Prize, along with his friend Keelan. Create Now! arranged for both young men to record their songs professionally. Michael calls himself "KL" or "Killin Lyrics."