We're Glowing and Growing!
Brian Menjivar with his interpreter, Ajeet, at the 1st Annual Celebration of Animated Film and Art.
To Our Beloved Community,
Brian Menjivar is a bright light with a beautiful smile that radiates to those nearby. He's exceedingly determined to pursue his personal and professional goals, doing so with grace and persistence. As his mother recently shared, Brian “has remarkable tenacity when it comes to pursuing what he wants.”
Though Brian lives with cerebral palsy and is Deaf, he is determined to navigate the world on his own terms. He commutes 60-90 minutes each way via public transportation to Brainstorm’s Studio, where he works as an animator. Brian’s parents are incredibly proud of him and deeply grateful for all the support he’s received from Brainstorm, whose unwavering belief in him and commitment to his growth has made a lasting impact.
Brian is not only incredibly brilliant and positively engaging, but also wildly imaginative and boldly creative. His determination shines through his art as well. This past year, Brian wrote and directed his own animated short film, Colorful World, a delightful glimpse into a realm filled with talking bears, flying worms, and caverns that glow like rainbows.
Brian’s vibrant film was one of nine featured shorts in Brainstorm’s 2025 film anthology titled Dreams for the inspirational prompt all nine filmmakers received. It most recently premiered - and was enthusiastically received by audiences in two sold-out theatres - at AMC Rolling Hills 20 on April 9, 2025. If you were there, thank you! If you missed it, please plan to attend our next film event featuring more incredibly talented artists.
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination. ”
Determination drives all our clients and staff at Brainstorm Productions. It’s the cornerstone of our effort and mission to cultivate strength and guide each artist to success in competitive employment as accomplished 21st century citizens. Without determination, we would lack purpose. We aim to prepare neurodiverse adult clients with digital arts, workplace readiness, and professional development skills necessary for entry-level employment within the Animation and Visual Arts Industry.
Your help is vital, especially during this era when AI may offer cheaper and faster outputs than human creativity. We implore the industry to prioritize talented and gifted humans before machines. Your financial contribution today can help us build a brighter future for these skilled and eager artists who deserve a place to further hone their skills, collaborate with others, and contribute to an art-loving society.
Our determined spirit is being noticed! We were recently awarded 2025 “Nonprofit of the Year” by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, an honor we gratefully accept, and we're thrilled to be adding a second Brainstorm Productions location. Details are coming soon, so please stay tuned.
Your support turns dreams into reality! A donation today of $250, $500, $1,000, or more would greatly help us:
purchase additional (& necessary) computer equipment
add essential Adobe Suite software to those new computers
hire more staff to support our expansion and growth
pay rent for two locations, and
dream even bigger than ever!
As our community lifts us, we lift our artists even higher.
With appreciation for your role in this story,
Ginny Erxleben, EdD, BCET
Program Director
Brainstorm Productions
P.S. Financial contributions are possible through our Paypal (see QR code) and Venmo accounts or via check payable to "CLU Transitions" mailed to 2513 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505.
Your donation goes directly toward supporting our program. Any dollar amount is appreciated. Thank you!