Saturday I volunteered with the Rotaract club at Maryhurst. The girls of Maryhurst come from unfortunate backgrounds. They have been sexually abused or physically abused in most cases, and come from very dysfunctional homes. Many are wards of the state and have long histories of running away, being promiscuous, or taking drugs. They are under control at Maryhurst and are the best-behaved girls there to be in this program. The program is selective—Maryhurst staff picks 15-20 girls based on their behavior and needs. The girls must fill out an application and be accepted into the program. They have not had any guidance with hygiene, social expectations, or self esteem so there is a class that meets once a week for six weeks where they girls learn “model-type” behaviors as well as hygiene, social skills, and build self esteem. At the end of six weeks, there is a photo shoot day for the girls. That is where we come in!!
Once each girl had both hair and make up done they went to the photo studio area! They gor both headshots and body shots done! It was so much fun clapping and cheering and telling the girls that they looked so beautful and that they were doing great! I did a lot of stepping in and helping “style” the girls and helped them come up with poses. Had to make sure we got those perfect shots!!
The girls of Maryhurst were so thrilled. This was like Christmas to them. They are part of an elite group, and they get more freedom that day than any other. Plus, they got Pizza!
Harry the photographer will be retouching all the photos and then we will assemble Portfolios for each girl, make a DVD, a poster, and 100 copies each of their best head shot. We then will have a reception where the girls are presented with their portfolios. This is going to be something amazing to see!! They have never had pictures of this caliber and most never got even school pictures.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world-Mahatma Gandhi
1 comment:
That is so awesome! :)
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