Hands on the Environment

A couple months ago I had an opportunity to work with a local organization, Hands on Charlotte. Hands on Charlotte provides volunteers to different organizations and companies around the area. for example, this specific group i photographed takes monthly visits to the Raptor Center and does landscaping and simple tasks around the grounds. Hands on Charlotte also provides tutors for at-risk youths, builders for Habitat for Humanity, etc. even though it was freezing outside and pretty early in the morning, this group was ready to work. not only were they ready but they were happy. and that is what volunteering is all about. this is what my photography is all about, documenting the effect volunteers and non-profits are having on our world. (and while i was there i got to meet an owl named Dumbledore, made it even better)

Play and Pay...It Forward

Playground Build!!

I was able to photograph the local playground build that takes place every year at a school here in charlotte. this is an awesome opportunity for businesses and schools to participate in making our education system a little brighter. these volunteers built an entire playground in less than 24 hours. it was hot, sweaty work but never did i hear anyone complaining or whining. and now the kids at the elementary school have somewhere safe and awesomely fun to play.

Women Empowering Building

I recently had the opportunity to photograph the dedication of two houses built solely by women in the Women's Build by Habitat for Humanity. it was awesome to see all the women involved and the beautiful houses they built.

Educating the Arts

I was able to travel to a local middle school and work with a representative from The Light Factory. The students learned some photography skills and used their newly honed skills to interpret their idea of "courage" and portray that in photographs. they then presented their photographs in a presentation along with presentations from the rest of the middle school as well. I loved getting to know the kids and learning their styles and what their stories are and how they think courage is shown.

Family Promise

Thursday night was an awesome example of how my church is involved in missions that affect our immediate community. We are part of an amazing program called Family Promise. Family Promise is a program that hosts struggling families in different churches through the area until they can become completely independent. The families stayed at Warehouse for a week and our small group provided dinner Thursday night and hung out with the families. It was an awesome community bonding time and I definitely think we'll participate in every Family Promise we can. The kids were adorable and the adults were so friendly and thankful. My church is awesome.

Art Conveys All

Last quarter I was able to work with the Urban Ministry Center. A center that helps the homeless and poverty stricken people of charlotte. they have an arts division that allows participants to learn techniques and express themselves through art. i had an amazing time working with the teachers and people involved in ArtWorks 945. I hope to work with UMC again in the future and I'm so glad i could incorporate non-profits into my project.