Innovation, the “carrying out of new combinations,” perfectly describes the past six months at JDS Creative Academy. The nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization broadcasts a monthly magazine-style television show, now called Spirit of Innovation. The new name was put in place back in May and truly emphasizes the “innovative spirit,” where change is something that is embraced, not something that is waited for. Considering the challenges presented by COVID-19, the name change was ironically timed perfectly.
The news and information magazine-style show was started to inform Riverside County, a community that is often overlooked by bigger markets such as Los Angeles and San Diego. Spirit of Innovation is uniquely formatted to present enterprising news stories to keep residents and businesses in-the-know with current happenings, without sensationalizing the information. The news presented isn’t breaking news, instead, it’s innovative, impactful, and need-to-know information. Spirit of Innovation is quickly becoming the go-to source for news and information throughout Riverside County.
The definition of Spirit can be interpreted in many different ways which is the beauty of it, as we’re all unique. However, you may understand the word, JDSCA embodies the name’s meaning by celebrating differences that infuse the community with Spirit. The meaning flows throughout the entire organization and provides an inclusive environment that involves the whole region.
JDS Creative Academy brings together a unique crew of industry professionals, apprentices, and Inland Regional Center (IRC) consumers to collaborate together in order to produce Spirit of Innovation. This hands-on-training approach provides a career pathway to the digital high-tech industry. At JDS Creative Academy, their motto is to do and teach.
In March, the COVID-19 State of Emergency shut down forced the training program to pivot to an online platform. Spirits were down, but the organization proudly lived up to its name, took ownership of the challenges presented, and thrived. As of September, the program has begun to safely welcome participants back into the studio. Even with restrictions, the #JDSFamily persevered with their mission of education, training, and apprenticeship with their IRC participants and students, providing encouragement and routine all while keeping the community informed with news and information with some Spirit of Innovation.
JDS Creative Academy’s Spirit continues to soar, as they just successfully wrapped up a Blood Drive and Haunted Drive-Thru Spooktacular on Halloween that provided the community a break from reality to enjoy some chills and thrills, which included a costume contest, a trunk or treat, and a unique take-home immersive video experience to share a little Haunted Studio fun.
With the holidays right around the corner, the #JDSFamily wishes for the community Spirit to continue to flow and for those who are able, to give back. #GivingTuesday, is December 1, 2020, this is where the community is encouraged to donate, volunteer and express acts of kindness all over the world. If you plan to participate, the #JDSFamily appreciates your consideration. Monetary donations are always welcomed, but supporting us can include a follow on our social media platforms, a google review, or a point in the right direction to someone who can benefit from our programs, classes, events, and culture. We love volunteers and offer community service hours during events and productions.