Create. Lead. Inspire.

Trauma-informed, research-backed, and community-led programs that turn youth creativity into leadership and action.

  • Safe, culturally responsive spaces for youth voice
  • Creativity + leadership + mental wellness every session
  • Adult allies trained to listen, mentor, and uplift

Why We Exist

Art = Activism + Healing

CTRL+CREATE was built on one belief: art isn’t just expression — it’s activism, it’s healing. We close the generational gap by giving youth the space, support, and guidance to turn expression into meaningful action.

Our Work

Mentorship. Wellness. Community.

Programs developed with Texas A&M University’s Youth Rising Lab (Director: Robyn Douglas, M.A.).

Programs

Create. Lead. Inspire.

Workshops, community events, and classes that equip youth to tell stories, build confidence, and lead.

Story & Sound

Spoken-word, podcasting, and music labs with mentors.

Events & Jams

Open mics, showcases, and block-party collabs.

Media Lab

Film, photography, and design with real-world portfolios.

Our Impact

Healing, Confidence, Leadership

Youth leave each program with the confidence, skills, and materials to keep creating.

4+

Free Workshops Hosted

3

Photography Workshops

1

Theater Workshop

p < .001

Significant Stress Reduction
Exhibitions during ArtWalk & community showcases. Partners include CEER, Marmo Plaza, and Galveston Arts Center.

Past Event

Coastal Heritage Preserve Tour: “Surge Forward”

Oct 11, 2025
3912 Galleon, Galveston, TX

CTRL+CREATE joined Artist Boat, CEER, and Bayou City Waterkeeper for Surge Forward — an adult community restoration & learning experience. Participants helped plant 300+ native “Fabulous Four” grasses, connecting environmental action with healing and collaboration.

Outcomes

  • ↓ Perceived stress; ↑ Confidence & leadership
  • Work exhibited during ArtWalk & community showcases
  • Youth connected with CEER, Marmo Plaza & GAC for action

Research Spotlight

Healing-Centered Photovoice

In partnership with Texas A&M University’s Youth Rising Lab, our Photovoice project explores how creative expression supports mental health and leadership among Gulf Coast youth. Participants experienced a significant decrease in perceived stress (p < .001).
  • Advocacy & activism through photography
  • Root-cause exploration of teen mental-health challenges
  • “Toolbox for Care” (coping skills, affirmations, grounding tools)
  • Access to local mental-health resources & counseling partners

Gallery

Moments from our programs

Team & Mentors

Local artists, educators, and advocates

Youth leave each program with the confidence, skills, and materials to keep creating.
Partnerships, programming, community alliances.

Cora Moore

Executive Director

Partnerships, programming, community alliances.

Jonathan Warren

Historical Activist Facilitator

Youth voice, movement history, cultural accountability.

Robyn Douglas

Mental Health Wellness Partner

Healing-centered practices & resources.

FAQ

You might be wondering…

How do youth join a program?
Email info@ctrlcreate.org with the youth’s name, school, and area of interest.
Email coramoore@ctrlcreate.org to co-host workshops or sponsor a program pathway.
Email giving@ctrlcreate.org for pledge details or to request a sponsorship packet.