About Us

Art that heals. Stories that lead.

Workshops, showcases, and community days — captured by youth and mentors.

Who We Are

We center youth voice — always.

We’re a creative community where teens co-design workshops, lead events, and build real-world portfolios. Every session blends creativity, leadership, and mental wellness. Our adult allies — local artists and mentors — are trained to listen first, mentor second.

We operate in schools and partner sites across Galveston, with programs developed alongside Texas A&M University’s Youth Rising Lab.

Values

What we stand for

Healing-Centered

Mental wellness is woven into everything we do — with grounding tools, affirmations, and a “toolbox for care.”

Youth-Led

Young people set the agenda, define impact, and take the mic. We follow their lead.

Community-Powered

Local artists, schools, and neighbors collaborate to keep opportunity rooted here at home.

Our Model

Create → Reflect → Lead

A simple cycle that builds confidence, agency, and action.

Create

Hands-on labs in film, photo, music, story & design. Equipment provided; curiosity required.

Reflect

Check-ins, grounding practices, and peer feedback build self-awareness and trust.

Lead

Youth host showcases, guide workshops, and advocate on community issues that matter.

Impact

From expression to action

4+

Free Workshops Hosted

3

Photography Workshops

1

Theater Workshop

p < .001

Significant Stress Reduction

Team & Mentors

Artists, educators, and allies

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.

Research

Healing-Centered Photovoice

In partnership with Texas A&M University’s Youth Rising Lab (Director: Robyn Douglas, M.A.), our Photovoice project explores how creative expression supports mental health and leadership among Gulf Coast youth.

  • ↓ Perceived stress; ↑ Confidence & leadership (p < .001)
  • Root-cause exploration of teen mental-health challenges
  • “Toolbox for Care” (grounding tools & coping skills)

Voices

What people say

“This was the first time I felt safe to share my story. I’m proud of what I made.”

— Student participant

“CTRL+CREATE bridges creativity and well-being — and students lead the way.”

— School partner

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.