Manifest Works is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating paths of opportunity for individuals impacted by foster care, homelessness and incarceration. Their mission is to connect these populations with meaningful job opportunities in the creative economy, particularly within Film & Television, and equip them with the personal and professional skills needed to achieve long-term success. 

Manifest Works recognizes the challenges faced by individuals leaving foster care, experiencing homelessness, or re-entering society after incarceration and offers a unique, rigorous 12-week training program that connects participants with industry leaders, job placement and interpersonal care. Many Manifest Works participants “are in disbelief,” says Executive Director and Co-Founder, Dan Seaver- “they don’t believe it’s real!” Many participants have experienced traumas and hardships that limit the vision of what they believe is possible for their own lives. Manifest Works aims to bridge the gap of transformative possibility by providing comprehensive services that address both employment and personal development.

In the hands-on learning model of this program, students are guided through the lifecycle of a creative project, from ideation and production to post. Participants work with agencies, production companies, VFX and editorial houses to fully immerse in the process of what it takes to work within the world of Film, Television and New Media. Many of the companies who hire Manifest Works alumni boast of the impressive dedication they bring to any production– check out some inspiring testimonials here. From the in-and-outs of set-life, training on what makes a stellar PA, networking events and resume-building workshops, Manifest Works understands that it takes a village to open doors of opportunity, build careers and maintain positive outcomes. 

Over the last 10+ years, Manifest Works has helped to nurture a profound professional and communal resource for the hundreds of participants it’s served throughout the years. “Tackling generational poverty” is at the core of what motivates Dan and the incredible Manifest Works team. It is the thoughtfulness and dedication of the crew, mentors and alumni collectively that contributes to the lasting impact of this program. As of 2022, over 1000 graduates have received PA roles for a number of productions and over $47,000 worth of emergency assistance grants were issued to support participants in need of childcare, housing, food and transportation. Manifest Works knows that with the transformational power of trust, love and grace new outcomes are inevitable.

In response to the shifting, post-2020 entertainment landscape, the program has developed ManifestMore, an offshoot for the organization to deepen relationships with alumni and continue servicing the goals of skills and wealth development. ManifestMore provides the Office PA Training Program, a financial education & investment matching program called ManifestMoney, and a women's group for mid-career professionals. ManifestMore will continue evolving to meet the needs of alumni, their new lives and serve the community they’ve so graciously cultivated together.