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Partner Feedback

The troubled youth that Create Now! serves live in many types of facilities, such as large and small group homes, shelters, detention camps and different institutions. They're cared for on a continual basis by highly-qualified professionals like case managers, dorm staff, counselors, social workers, therapists, probation officers and administrative personnel.

Create Now! works closely with these individuals to make sure that the children benefit as much as possible from our programs. The staff often report back to us with evaluations of our projects and their observations are extremely valuable.

(ABOVE) Mentor Beth Sussman works
with a young musician at the piano

Partner Quotes

"There were positive behavioral improvements noted both before and after the Talent Show. Create Now! did a stupendous job in coordinating the event. It was the first at any of our juvenile probation camps and it was a huge success."- Larry Dorsey, former Director of Camp Miller

“Ever since the implementation of this art class, the residents have shown improvements in the areas of behavior, willingness to learn new skills, mood elevation, controlled impulses, and attention span as well. We cannot emphasize enough how important and pertinent these changes have been in their behaviors, which has been a direct result of participation in this art program.” - Cindy Herceg, Rehab Coordinator, Vista Del Mar

"All the girls who participated in the program are now goal-driven. Their English and writing class grades are up. The program was very helpful to our young ladies. Many are still writing stories or plays." - Dion Lee, Co-Director, Optimist Eagle Rock Group Home

"Thank you so much for the wonderful performance "Who's Afraid of Classical Music?" presented by Beth Sussman. She did a fantastic job introducing classical music to our students by playing familiar pieces heard in commercials, cartoons and movies. The presentation was up-beat and interactive. Beth made the program fun and educational; all the students who participated enjoyed themselves immensely." - Shawna Manis, Assistant Director of Education, Hathaway Children Services

"I found the entire population (130 boys) fully captivated by the performers. What really impressed my staff and I was besides the entertainment and group participation, the musicians fully understand the group dynamics that accompanies problem youths and were able to give them a strong message of positive reinforcement. Hopefully, some of these wards will remember this message as they return to their communities. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to impress the at-risk wards at Camp Rockey." - Mike Edwards, Director, Camp Glenn Rockey

"After seeing Cirque du Soleil perform, the boys have a more positive attitude towards music. Before, they were negative to experience any new activity. Now our boys have learned to be more open-minded and appreciative. They're able to tolerate long periods at a time in one place. Patience is what they have learned. Thank you for making it possible for each minor to experience the opportunity to be part of such an expensive activity. Without donations such as yours, it wouldn't be possible for the boys to attend events as these." - Maria Rivera, Unit Team Leader, Trinity Children's Services

"Everyone who participated has a more positive attitude. Self-esteem is up. Many positive behaviors. What Create Now! did for the boys had immediate results and will continue to have a positive effect in the future. MORE PLEASE?" - Jain Irvine, Social Worker, Camp Miller

"Ashley has been more positively outspoken in my presence since she took Lanette's class. I have seen her be more involved in discussions during her day treatment class. Most of the girls involved in this class now feel better about being outspoken, not thinking it is wrong or bad." - Rachel Gogley, Child Care Counselor, Rosemary's Children's Services

"The program helped the minors distinguish who they are and to deal with their aggression. They benefited from the play and the Create Now! program. It's the first production where the kids have done it all. They have greater self-esteem." - Noy Russell, former Director of "Excel" program, Central Juvenile Hall

"I would like to thank you for donating tickets to the Ford Amphitheater's "Big!World!Fun!" concert series. Our children had the chance to learn dance and music from other parts of the world and they enjoyed it immensely. One child even had the opportunity to dance on stage and his mother was very pleased to see him happy and enjoying himself. Sojourn serves women and children who have experienced the horror of domestic violence. Many fled their homes in order to stay safe and have not had the luxury of time or money for fun activities, so this was a wonderful activity to provide the children." - Mayerly Vanegas, Sojourn Services For Battered Women And Their Children

"Jonathan has a positive outlook on life. He's enthusiastic about school and college."
- Marian Henderson, Probation Officer, Camp Miller

"Chennel felt honored - actually thrilled - to have this attention on her writing. I believe, further from this, the human experience she's having with her mentor is enriching her as a young lady. I hope others become involved also." - Frances Rinaldo, Guidance Counselor, Compton High School

"Kristopher appears more confident, self-assured and enthusiastic in his overall endeavors.The program afforded all the minors the opportunity to exhibit their individuality, their creativity and their abilities. They worked with other minors regarding various activities, facilitating team-work, compliance and cooperation. The show assisted the minors in increasing their levels of self-esteem and ability to reach objectives and goals."- Todd Ellis, Probation Officer, Camp Miller

"Create Now! made a spectacular presentation a few weeks ago. A musician, Mark Schulman, not only gave the camp minors a history lesson and his background of how he entered the music field, he and his student regaled 110 residents with impromptu rap and percussion music.

"The minors were so attentive that they caught the 'spirit of the moment' and were very pleased. As many as 10 to 15 minors got up, addressed the microphone, and began rapping/flowing' with loads of self-confidence. The minors who did not step forward were very excited to hear good rapping from their fellow inmates.

"I would be remiss if I did not point out that one of the rappers was in Camp Miller in 1999. He has since straightened out his life, become successful, but not forgotten his earlier mistakes and short-comings (criminal activity). He told the minors to be true to their goals, seek an education, and that he would help anyone who wants a career in the music business through Create Now! This was wonderful enhancement and recognition that minors can turn the negatives in their lives into positives. Also, the minors were pleased the rest of the day and spirits and cooperation with staff were high.

"This writer hopes that Create Now! will choose to make Camp Miller part of its regularly scheduled events. We know the positive impact and inroads that music can make on the lives of impressionable but receptive youngsters. Please keep up the good work." - Bernard Cade, Supervisor, Camp Miller

"Since she took your class, Gabriel has held back some of her negative comments, when before she didn't care about saying those bad things.This is an excellent class for young ladies who need improvement on their self-esteem and how they see others." - Yadira Yanez, Child Care Counselor, Rosemary Children's Services

"Vincent is more motivated to succeed in life and is now talking about the creative things (playing his guitar) when he gets out." - Lori Towne, Probation Officer, Camp Miller

"Hollygrove is a residential facility for abused and neglected children ages 6-12. Create Now! has exposed the children to many healthy, positive outlets, such as writing workshops, performing arts,even made a movie that the children had written with mentors from Create Now! The experiences that this organization provides the children are ones they will never forget, and I look forward to future partnerships." - Mary Brougher, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, Hollygrove