About Us
Get to know CREATE! We’re a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through art, employment, and community-focused programs. From skill-building and creative expression to friendship and independence, CREATE is all about opening doors to new opportunities and celebrating every person’s potential.
Who We Are
At CREATE, we are a non profit organization committed to providing high-quality, person-centered services to individuals with a wide range of disabilities and mental health needs. Our goal is to provide professional, compassionate support and encouragement to empower each individual live the life they choose.
We offer a wide range of social, recreational, pre-vocational, and employment programs tailored to meet each individual’s unique goals and interests. Our team offers exposure to new experiences and provide opportunities for collaboration and community engagement.
Creativity, connection, and community are encouraged through our Studio Art Program and the Tin Ceiling Gallery, where individuals can express their artistic talents for fun or employment. Participants are also encouraged to take part in integrated education, volunteering, physical wellness activities, woodworking, welding, and other hands-on experiences that promote self-sufficiency, engagement, and joy.
CREATE fosters a welcoming environment where the people we support, along with our staff, guest artists, and volunteers, can build lasting partnerships based on mutual respect and shared purpose.
Our History
CREATE was founded in 1973 as the Hubbard County Developmental Achievement Center (HCDAC), by a group of dedicated parents with a mission to support adults with developmental disabilities. Initially created to provide Day Training and Habilitation services to seven individuals who had resided in state institutions, the program was designed to foster and build skills for independence.
The program continued to expand with the needs of the community. In 1979, the program added a licensed work activity component and built a work center to support clients’ employment needs, eventually evolving into what was known as the HCDAC.
Today, CREATE continues to evolve, operating four business locations and offering a variety of services focused on personal growth, skill development, and community involvement. CREATE partners with local businesses to provide purposeful opportunities for participants to contribute to our community.
Board of Directors
Holly Shaskey-Platek
Chair
Matt Brandt
Director
Joel Vorhes
Vice Chair
Ashley Ylitalo
Secretary
Scott Hewitt
Director
Debbie Tostenson
Director
Temporary Vacancy
Treasurer
Dawn Kovacovich
Director
Steve Schoener
Director
Management Team
Laura Johnson
Executive Director
Lacey Hanisch
Designated Manager
Nancy Westby
Manager, Bearly Used
Shannon Hoggarth
Manager, The Depot
Eli Gomez
Manager, The Tin Ceiling Gallery
CREATE Moments
At CREATE, we believe life is made up of meaningful moments - and we’re proud to help create them every day. Through our programs and services, participants discover opportunities for education, inspiration, and personal growth, while also building independence, friendships, and strong community connections. Whether it’s learning a new skill, expressing creativity, achieving a goal, or simply sharing a laugh with friends, CREATE is committed to making every moment count.
Shop at CREATE
Shop with CREATE and make a difference! Every purchase you make at one of our stores, or through our online eBay shop, helps support meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities in our community. At Bearly Used, you’ll find a little bit of everything: gently used clothing, home décor, kitchenware, kids’ toys, books, antiques, and one-of-a-kind treasures waiting to be discovered. At The Depot, we specialize in second-hand furniture, office furnishings, tools, building materials, and construction components; a perfect spot for bargain hunters, DIYers, and anyone looking to give quality items a second life. At the Tin Ceiling Gallery, you can browse fine art in a variety of mediums, showcasing the creativity and talent of local artists and CREATE participants.
Whether you’re shopping for everyday essentials, searching for that special vintage piece, or looking to invest in original artwork, CREATE has something for everyone. And the best part? Every purchase directly supports programs that empower individuals with disabilities through skill-building, employment, arts, and community engagement. When you shop at CREATE, you’re not just finding great deals, you’re helping create opportunities.
Want to Join CREATE?
Ready to get started with CREATE? Finding the right services for you or your loved one is just a click away. Simply fill out our quick online form or email us at info@CREATEpr.org, and our team will connect with you to learn more about your goals, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps. Together, we’ll find the best path forward to support independence, creativity, and community connection.