The Young Storytellers Foundation

The Young Storytellers Foundation is a Los Angeles based non-profit organization dedicated to developing literacy, self-expression and self-esteem in elementary school students through the art of storytelling.

The foundation not only allows children's imaginations to expand and their possibilities to stretch, but gives them the self confidence and knowledge that positive, creative self expression is good for the mind and spirit. Friends are made and ideas are shared. At a time when a strong support of the arts is diminishing in schools, this foundation is an amazing gem.

YSF currently serves over 2,500 students in Los Angeles public schools where the concentration of poverty is high and the academic performances tend to be low. During a six-week session of one-on-one mentoring, fourth and fifth grade students write their own short screenplay. Then, YSF invites professional actors to perform the student’s scripts in the school auditorium in front of family, friends, and faculty.

For more information visit YoungStoryTellers.com

The Art of Elysium

The Art of Elysium is dedicated to enriching the lives of artists and critically ill children. It is founded on the belief that there is a powerful and mutual exchange of hope and appreciation that occurs when artists share their time and talent with children battling serious medical conditions. The non profit provides artistic workshops in acting, art, comedy, fashion, music, radio, songwriting and creative writing.

In 2007, The Art of Elysium provided creative arts workshops free of charge to 18,000 children in the Los Angeles area. Currently, The Art of Elysium is not annually funded; visit their website to see how you can help.

For more information visit TheArtofElysium.org