Projects:
Webs of Compassion
Starting New
Journey for a Cure
Webs of Compassion: A documentary film focusing on social service providers in Santa Barbara, CA
Webs of Compassion focuses on the altruistic and empathetic culture of social service providers working at Transition House, a shelter for homeless families in Santa Barbara, California. Through emotional one-on-one interviews, as well as glimpses into daily activities, the documentary highlights the complexity of the inner workings of Transition House and explores the cultural atmosphere of the organization. This documentary studies how the social service providers see their contributions making an impact on the families, as well as in the larger picture of homelessness. Webs of Compassion reveals why certain social service providers work in the service of others, how they do so, and explores how they feel about their efforts.
Due to the rising issue of homelessness, individuals working with organizations such as Transition House bear the burden of this epidemic. They face the challenge and responsibility of helping individuals get off of the streets, providing the support they require, and working to transition each individual into a safe and secure living situation. The documentary reveals that despite the diversity in cultural influence, the social service providers share a commitment to build a culture of care and support in Santa Barbara. Webs of Compassion explores this desire to work in social service.
Entrance to Transition House Family Emergency Shelter
Board member touring the main dining room
Volunteers prepare flowers for the families' dinner tables
Volunteers collecting shelter supplies at the Foodbank of Santa Barbara
Volunteer preparing shelter meal
Volunteers prepare lunches for the families daily
Volunteers setting the tables for the families
Some volunteers will treat the families to barbecue
Volunteers serving dinner
Volunteer shopping in the freezer for dinner supplies
Shelter employee discusses his motivations for social service
Children play, create and learn before dinner is served
The front door of the shelter is made of stained glass and contains an illustration of Transition House
Starting New: A photographic exploration of three women from the Inner city who are rebuilding their lives
Women in underserved communities have a unique path to success. It can be intense. Inner city education budgets are being tightened considerably and access to critical technological tools are limited. Arts education has become sparse and navigating social and economic situations in ways that positively impact personal development can be a constant challenge.
Some women find themselves on a misguided path for a time and have the courage to embrace constructive change in order to rebuild their life. These women have essential perspectives on daily life within their communities. Some find their strength and identity in their duty of parenthood, some in their faith, others in education, and still others find it in social change. Starting New was created to highlight a few of these women who are reframing their identity with fresh hope.
Journey for a Cure: A photographic immersion into a social cause
Every year the Susan G. Komen organization has a 3-Day Walk and Fundraiser. Each participant pledges to raise $2300 and subsequently participates in a 60-mile walk through the streets of San Diego in an effort to raise awareness, show support and invest in cutting edge research for more effective breast cancer treatments. The commitment is considerable, and each participant’s motivation is deeply personal. Their persistent fundraising efforts and their endurance while feeling the physical strain of the 60-mile walk is powerfully motivating. During the 3-days a strong sense of community is developed among the walkers, organization volunteers and San Diego residents.
I actively participated in the entire event, while documenting the walk and getting to know the other patrons. The women and men were an inspiration and the sense of community and camaraderie became infectious. Everyone pushed themselves to their limit and the community picked each other up during troubling moments, nurturing the members that couldn’t continue. During that 60-mile journey our small corner of the world moved in solidarity to support a cancer that threatens both women and men at alarming rates.
