Project Create offers out-of-school-time arts programs for some of the most vulnerable children in the District – those who have experienced hunger, witnessed violence, and lived on the streets – children who didn't choose their lives. They get time to themselves, the dedicated attention of a caring adult, and the freedom to create – all scarce commodities amidst the stark realities of their lives. Classes in mixed media, graphic design, drawing and painting, dance, music, theater, and sculpture are small, personalized, and designed to spark creativity and confidence while improving the prospects for academic and social success. Partnerships with Community of Hope, Sasha Bruce Youthwork and other community-based organizations make programs accessible to homeless youngsters; the new Anacostia studio means children who move always have a home base. Over 360 classes are slated for the coming year. You can be the donor who opens the door.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 8
Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8
Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)
Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; ; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members
Schools They Work In: Anacostia High School; Ballou High School; Ketchum Elementary; Kramer Middle School; Hart Middle School; Johnson Middle School
Awards & Recognition
Catalogue for Philanthropy "One of the Best" 2014
Press
- Arts Education for Children Experiencing Homelessness in D.C.
Tue Jun 4 2013, WAMU 88.5 Community Minute
- This Blog Post is Not About Food, But You Need to Read It!
Sat May 18 2013, Four Courses: Food. Place. Talk. Listen.
Children who come from homeless families don't have to miss out on creating. They don't have to grow up to be homeless adults. They can have something better and we all know that. We – as a community – can take the smallest of steps to change their lives.
- Painting a Path of Hope for Homeless Youth Through Arts Education
Tue May 14 2013, D.C. News on WTOP 103.5
- Project Create Helps At-Risk Kids in Southeast D.C.
Wed Mar 20 2013, Harris' Heroes on WJLA/ABC7
- A Different Kind of Youth Homelessness
Tue Nov 27 2012, Youth-Friendly D.C.: D.C. Alliance of Youth Advocates
Budget (FY2023)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- The current budget for Project Create is: $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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