Activating the power of pop culture to uplift underserved youth and help them drive lasting change, for themselves and others.
What We Do
Hollywood Cares was launched in 2022 by Founder and President of Hollywood Unlocked Jason Lee, because he recognized the tremendous untapped potential in the world of pop culture to uplift underserved youth, particularly in brown and black communities.
Our work unlocks critical resources from the culture — from brand and individual influence to big media reach — to provide life-changing programming for these young people. We help our youth see the very best in themselves, and equip them with the tools to empower themselves and others, with programming centered around:
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Youth Leadership: Skilling youth to lead culture and tackle the issues around them.
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Civic Engagement: Giving youth ownership as active civic leaders, who give back to their community.
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Personal Development: Helping youth grow their social and emotional intelligence and develop confidence through mentorship.
Our Impact In Action
I AM READY
A local youth initiative, with national aspirations.
Our core focus for Hollywood Care’s inaugural year is to establish our I AM READY initiative, in partnership with the City of Stockton, California. We are starting our programming in a city that means so much to our foundation. The ultimate vision? Taking this program national. Through a community organizing model — youth-led after-school clubs and conferences — we are preparing young people to embrace their lives with the hope and skills necessary to say “I AM READY” for all of the opportunities and challenges ahead. We provide rich character and community-building content, built on four core pillars: Behavior and Mental Health: Cultivating positive interactions across communities. Practice: Developing an attitude of respect for self and others. Decision-making: Choosing outcomes that lift up, rather than limit. Policies: Developing individual and collective efforts that support personal development and community impact. Download: Stockton Proposal (NOFA) IAR Pilot Overview
YOUTH SUMMIT
In July 2024, over 100 Stockton youth joined HCF for a special back-to-school summit to attend workshops about civic leadership, goal-setting, and dreaming boldly–for themselves and their community.
GIVING BACK
HCF successfully launched the 1st Annual Toys for Joy Christmas event at Aspire Stockton Secondary Academy, where over 3,000 children and families were impacted by receiving toys, food, and a festive experience, bringing hope and care to the community.
STOCKTON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
In parallel with our I Am Ready initiative pilot, we are building momentum for a grassroots movement that equips and empowers Stockton residents to reclaim their city.
In response to almost a year of organizing efforts led by our founder Jason Lee, the Stockton City Council voted to approve its first youth services fund resulting in $2.086 million.
From regular appeals for leadership accountability, voter registration initiatives, organizing against community violence, and designing grant programs, HCF’s efforts in Stockton are pursued in partnership with local community leaders.
Partner With Us
HCF is growing, and you are part of this movement. Here’s how you can get involved:
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In-Kind Support: “Holiday Giveaway,” providing thousands of toys to children ages 10 and younger with toys, free haircuts, and take-home meals.
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Host a Donor Dinner: Sponsor a Hollywood Cares intimate dinner by having your brand and presence at this exclusive dinner.
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Become a program partner: Invest in our programming specifically centered around youth leadership, civic engagement, and personal development.
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Provide a training: Train our youth in community building and organizing tactics that foster collaboration in addressing their unique needs.
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Financial Giving: Make a financial contribution to the Hollywood Cares Foundation and power the programming that invests in the next generation.
