CREATE NOW! OFFERS MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH-RISK AND AT-RISK YOUTH

            Create Now!, a non-profit organization providing creative arts mentoring for high-risk and at-risk youth in Southern California, now offers opportunities for autistic children by launching an interactive classical music event. This program builds on its eight-year tradition of bringing arts education to troubled youth such as abused and neglected children and those in the juvenile justice system. "Our mission is to provide creative arts mentoring to all institutionalized youngsters, including special needs children, such as those who are autistic," explains Jill Gurr, Founder and President of Create Now!, when asked about the organization’s expansion.

            Since its inception, Create Now! has impacted the lives of thousands of these troubled children in positive ways. Ms. Gurr, a screenwriter and former script supervisor, founded Create Now! in 1996 as Write Now!, which originally focused on script, poetry, and prose writing. The organization now brings to troubled youth a variety of creative arts experiences, including dance, music, graphic design, television and film production. Students often perform written works as part of a video workshop or before an audience at the facility where the youngsters live. Create Now! also provides high-risk and at-risk youth with positive adult role models, who are professionals in the arts and can make a difference in a needy child's life.

            Create Now!, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, seeks dedicated volunteers interested in mentoring or supporting the organization in its vital mission. Donations of both monetary and "in kind" gifts such as computers and art supplies are also welcomed. For more information on Create Now!, contact Jill Gurr at (213) 484-8500 or visit Create Now's website at http://www.createnow.org.