Who We Are

About Us

Serving Memphis children, youth, and families since 1978.

Our Purpose

Mission & Vision

Creative Life Incorporated (CLI), a youth empowerment community, promotes social change through creative & performing arts, education and leadership development. CLI's mission is to commit to embracing, educating, empowering and enriching the lives of children, youth and families.

Founded in 1978 by Dr. Carolyn Bibbs, CLI is a community safe haven for local children and youth. The nonprofit operates year-round offering services to satisfy the basic, academic, social and spiritual needs of the more than 1,500 Memphis students and families annually.

1,500+

Students & families served annually

45+

Years of continuous service

300

Seat auditorium for performing arts

24,000

Square foot facility, debt-free

Core Values

Operating our programs with integrity

Providing a safe haven, shielding youth from the adversities of life

Racial reconciliation

Empowering and equipping tomorrow's leaders

Cultivating hope by caring for the brokenhearted, healing the wounded, strengthening the weak, providing nourishment for the hungry, and educating our youth in a loving, creative environment to ensure a better life and brighter future

Our Journey

History

Creative Life was founded in 1978 by Dr. Carolyn Bibbs. We are a community safe haven for local children and youth. This nonprofit operates year-round offering services to satisfy the basic, academic, social, and spiritual needs of the more than 1,500 Memphis students and families annually.

1978

Founded by Dr. Carolyn Bibbs as a community safe haven for Memphis children.

2003

Purchased a 24,000 sq ft facility to expand programs and outreach.

2008

Retired the 30-year mortgage in just five years.

2023

Marked 45 years of continuous service to Memphis youth and families.

Our Impact

Contributions

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Invest in the lives of Memphis youth through education, leadership development, and creative arts.

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Increase the academic performance of local children and youth through its after-school programs, summer enrichment camps, leadership development training, and private school.

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Advocate the prevention of drug abuse, violence, teen pregnancies, truancy, school dropouts, hunger, and more.

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Establish a legacy of participants, serving children of those who were once in the program.

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Welcome children facing adversities with loving open arms, understanding the value of accepting the risk and benefits of a ministry where there is no "learning curve" or "limited tolerance" to be equated with learning.

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Hold performances in our 300-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and multimedia; through creative arts, our founder has brought inspiration, motivation, and real-life stories to the stage.

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Renovated a 24,000 square foot facility purchased in 2003 and retired the debt after five years of a 30-year mortgage.

The People