PhotoKids
AHCMC partners with artists and social service agencies to provide arts based programs for at-risk children and youth. Programs occur during unsupervised hours when parents are at work and children are most likely to get into trouble. Participating in the arts can improve a child’s academic life as well help them improve their self-esteem, conflict resolution skills, and self-control. Grants are available for programs. Click here to learn more.
Case Study: Photokids
For ten weeks this summer, 13 children from a local public housing community met with environmental artist Joanne Miller to learn about photography. Joanne supplied cameras to each child and together they embarked on a journey of discovery--about art, about nature, about themselves. "This program was really important to our kids," says Alice, Director of the Family Resource Center in this community. "When the kids were at the Center working with Joanne, they got a lot of positive attention and support, something that is sometimes lacking at home." The arts can help children build a positive self-image which is key to preventing gang-involvement and truancy. And, having a caring adult offering positive support can make all the difference in child’s life.
Once a week, Alice and Joanne piled all the kids in a van. They visited Roosevelt Island, Butler's Orchard, Brookside Gardens and Great Falls. Confined by poverty, many of the children had never been to a farm or a national park. Their wonder at the wildness of rivers, fragility of frogs and beauty of flowers is evident in the stunning photographs they took. "Viewing and creating beauty in nature," says artist Joanne Miller, "helps children develop an understanding that they are an important part of the world around them. When looking through the eye of a camera, the connection is that much greater." 
Children living in poverty are all too often prevented from flourishing and succeeding in life by both what is lacking in their environment, and the dangers abundant in that environment. Unfortunately, sometimes children are exposed to drugs, domestic violence and gang activity within their communities. "We try to keep the kids safe," says Alice, "by keeping them busy at the Center. When they’re here I know they’re safe. I'm not worried about drug abuse and teen pregnancy.”
At the end of the ten week program, Alice and Joanne organized an exhibition of the children’s photographs at the Center and then at the Executive Office Building (EOB) in Rockville. “This was a huge self-esteem booster for everyone,” says Alice. During the reception at the EOB, County Executive Isiah Leggett visited with the children and their families. “The visit with Mr. Leggett and, of course working with Joanne, showed our kids that their life could be different. That there were options and opportunities. That their own future could be beautiful.”
“Programs like PhotoKids open up a whole new world to children and are an important part of their education. Lower-income families may not always have the resources or means to bring this opportunity to their children. We are extremely grateful to the Arts & Humanities Council and the Montgomery County Employee Giving Campaign for making this program possible.”
- Annie B. Alston, Housing Opportunities Commission’s Executive Director
What Can You Do?
Support these programs and donate to AHCMC! You can do so through the Montgomery County Employee Giving Campaign or by clicking here.
AHCMC is the 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, supporting and empowering cultural organizations, artists and scholars in Montgomery County. Donations made to AHCMC are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
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