Learn about how Haven Academy of the Arts got their start.
“Fifteen years ago, a teenaged Sunday School teacher partnered with Oceanside Christian Fellowship’s (OCF) Worship Director to battle a well know nemesis in the world of theatre: the cheesy church drama. Dissatisfied with most of the Christian scripts available for church performances, Rebekah Hellerman and Margy Emmons began writing their own musical productions. OCF Youth Theatre was born. Over the years the program morphed from an alternative Christmas production to a full-fledged youth arts program where kids ages 6-18 had numerous opportunities to explore the arts within the safety of a church environment where directors and choreographers cared deeply for each individual child.
Each summer, Rebekah would return home from college to direct a musical. OCF Youth Theatre sponsored four successful Summer Theatre Camps, producing well-known family musicals such as Oliver! and Beauty and the Beast, and participating in outreach in inner-city Los Angeles. With its program doubling in numbers in two short years, Rebekah sensed the need for a year round program where youth could participate in the arts in a safe and nurturing environment. Families who had no connection to OCF Church were signing up to participate in camps and productions. Rebekah noticed the impact OCF Youth Theatre had on the youth who participated. Lives were being transformed.”
In 2007, under the guidance of mentors and friends, Rebekah founded Haven Academy of the Arts, a non-profit organization designed to carry on the traditions of OCF Youth Theatre all year long. OCF Church graciously allowed this new non-profit to use its classrooms and auditorium for rehearsals and performances. Haven opened its doors in September 2008 with its first musical production, The Sound of Music. As a small, start up non-profit, the production featured 30 youth from both OCF and the local community. Haven produced three more musicals that first year and offered a K-5 art class.
Today Haven Academy of the Arts has produced over 25 musicals and serves roughly 300 students annually. Our South Bay productions range from 40-140 cast members, while our new Pico Union branch brings Haven’s after-school arts program directly to under-served youth from the Pico Union neighborhood of inner-city Los Angeles. Our alumni have gone on to be teachers, pastors, nurses, musicians, children’s ministry directors, missionaries, and dentists. We have nurtured incredible leaders who have returned to our program to serve as choreographers, stage managers, administrators, and directors. Haven Academy of the Arts is leaving a legacy with its students, and our students are leaving their own legacy as leaders in the community.”
Click here to learn more about Haven Academy of the Arts.
No problem is too small, too large, or too shocking for the Teen Line volunteers. Here is some great information they put out on self care. 
For the past 47 years Plaza de la Raza has provided year round arts educations programs and has also served as a community arts center, presenting the finest in Latino culture programming in a variety of disciplines. Plaza’s mission is to foster enrichment of all cultures bridging the geographic, social, artistic and cultural boundaries of Los Angeles and beyond.
One of their students Jose was getting deep into gangs in the area. His father brought him to Plaza de la Raza to get away for that life and at first he wasn’t interested in anything, but then one day he discovered the piano. By the end of the first ten weeks he was playing Albumblat in the recital. He earned a full rife to Idyllwild School for the Arts and then a full ride to USC Music. He still teaches with and works with Plaza de la Raza.
The mission of Jericho Road Pasadena is to build nonprofit capacity by matching the professional talents of highly qualified volunteers with the needs of community based nonprofit organizations to promote community development, strengthen social services and enrich the lives of volunteers.
“San Pedro Roll Call! Manuel Jimenez is running for honorary Mayor of San Pedro and he has been kind enough to dedicate part of his fundraising efforts to Sharefest! Follow along his campaign at Manny 4 Mayor! You can donate to his campaign through his website at www.manny4pedro.com! Thank you for your service and for your generosity Manny! The Honorary Mayor campaign is an official program of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and was designed as a way for San Pedro citizens to highlight and celebrate local Non Profits!”
“We’re always looking for items that can help schools and other nonprofits. Your stuffed garage could be a treasure trove for a homeless shelter or a group home. There’s always a need for couches, exercise equipment, tables, bikes, and appliances!
City Impact Inc. received a grant to help sustain their after-school program for 65 children/youth in community housing for low-income, migrant/agriculture farm workers. The funds will be used for costs associated with employee salary and benefits, program supplies, mileage reimbursement, van expenses, cell phones, Internet access, field trips and nutritious snacks. The mission of City Impact is to promote the educational, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of at-risk/high-risk children, youth and the families they serve through their programs. City Impact also received a grant from the Leo Buscaglia Foundation in 2010.
After-School Program provides educational and enrichment activities at the Recreation Center in Cabrillo Village in Ventura. Our staff assist children and youth with homework assistance, and the opportunity to relax and play in a safe and supervised environment. Physical activity and purposeful play are incorporated into all planned activities (hiking, bowling, swimming, etc.). “
“Last week Melody and her family graduated from Door of Hope!