Our Story​​
In June of 2019, Deena Saunders-Green, MSW, launched Green Pines Creative, Inc. as a grad student in the M.S. Social Entrepreneurship Program at USC Marshall.
The mission of this for-profit Benefit Corporation was to help monetize exceptional art & music for creatives who have "aged-out" of systems like foster care. The ultimate goal was to teach life skills to foster care alumni using art, music, and entrepreneurship.
During the pandemic, the company released original music, created artwork, and sold merchandise under the Green Pines Media brand. They also hosted events to showcase their artists' work, while advocating for fair payment. The team quickly realized that they needed a proper headquarters. They also needed affordable event space.
In 2021, the company secured a 10,000 sq. ft. building in Downtown Long Beach, California. In addition to serving as the company's headquarters, the space was large enough to serve as a creative coworking & event space for allies within the community. After 14 months of improvements & inspections (including a name change due to a trademark issue), Green Pines Creative Coworking & Events (aka The GPC) finally obtained their Certificate of Occupancy. The proceeds from coworking memberships and event space rentals help fund the company's work with underserved artists.​
UPDATE​
The GPC closed its doors on October 31, 2024, after the owner of the building refused to adequately address fire hazards and other safety concerns.
Instead of purchasing (or leasing) a similar building in Long Beach, the company opted to build an 18-acre sustainable community in Lower Alabama.
The Green Pines Retreat & Learning Center will offer long-term housing, short-term rentals, meeting & event space, life skills, and workforce development related to agriculture.
