Last weekend i had the pleasure of taking pictures for an incredible charity and group of people- Exodus Ministries of Dallas.
This charity takes in about 10 women as they are coming back into society from prison, and reunites them with their children.
Exodus then sets these families up in an apartment (in a complex they own)that is furnished and rent free. counseling, child care help, training, a clothes closet, are all provided- but most importantly- a group of caring community members mentor and love these women back into society. each woman has strict rules to follow to stay in the program, which lasts 9 months.
although they don't have to pay rent- they are required to put rent money into an account... an account that gets them in the habit of being responsible for providing, and when it's time to leave the Exodus apartments, the women are given the money back to help them upstart their new lives.
taking pictures of these women and their children was touching- we bonded quickly. and this little boy pictured above gave me a couple of hugs during the day.
the charity event raised 49k for Exodus- with the help of some generous shooters and a great silent auction that included big screen tvs, vacations, and lots of guns.
this is the event that will be in an upcoming magazine- and as soon as i know more about it- i'll let you know. annnnnnd..... when i know which pictures they are using to tell the story- i will post them in a slide show for you!
3 comments:
Ooooh! I can't wait to see more pictures! What a wonderful charity and what a great way to give those women a second chance. Thanks for sharing the story!
What a wonderful experience for you! I love organizations like that who are really the ones who can change things--certainly prison doesn't. Can't wait to see your spread. You do an amazing job at these things, Rhonda because you work with your heart! Love you.
How wonderful!! I can't wait to see more of the photos. What a wonderful program. I am sure it is such a great help to those who find themselves in such a difficult situation. Congrats on being published too!!
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