LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY, USA
100CAMERAS X EXHILARATING, INC.
MADE POSSIBLE BY FRAMEBRIDGE
100cameras X Exhilarating, Inc. is a part of a 8 class course that is custom designed by 100cameras to equip passionate creatives with the tools to empower youth in a community they care about with the opportunity to learn how to process their stories and create change. Pictured here are 100cameras students during the course. This program was made possible by Framebridge.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
100cameras X Exhilarating, Inc. took place in Lexington, Kentucky USA in partnership with Exhilarating Inc, an organization that provides a safe, structured and holistic environment through an array of quality-driven educational enrichment and recreational activities and programs that educate, empower, and promote social and emotional development. Through offering community-wide workshops for personal growth that will enable participants to acquire and develop new skills, build self-confidence, and have fun while doing it, their goal is for participants within their community to successfully become leaders who are confident, compassionate, and progressive leader's within the community.
“I saw growth in all the participants. Many of the participants were introverts and some were dealing with issues beyond what the program could address. I saw them bond and interact with each other. At the end of the program, many became best friends and continued with the friendship.
Every class after the first, the students started opening up and feeling comfortable...The participants started coming out of their comfort zone and started sharing information with the group.
The biggest surprise to me was realizing that the participants have never utilized a camera. They do everything on their phones and knew nothing about the camera.”
The 100cameras program took place alongside the Saving My Sista' program, a girls collective that focuses on self-esteem, respect, friendships, anger management, communication and much more. "This group of females range from ages 12 through 18. Many of the girls are shy and have a passion for writing, visual art and drama. This program will be an excellent way of allowing them to express themselves through the eye of a camera. They are very eager to learn new skills and techniques. Most are from single parent households and are in advanced classes in school,” reflected Morton.
“My experience through this program - it did come with anxiety. But it also came with me making friendships and risk taking, being around other people and being open to other people, also, because I am antisocial. So when I first meet someone, I’m mostly just observing their personality and how they act.
Storytelling in my own words would be - you demonstrating your experiences and the outcome of that experience. So whether it’s verbal, whether it’s through physical action, or whether you’re just demonstrating it through art, whatever it is, but in my opinion, it’s how you demonstrate your experience or show your experience or explain it - like how does somebody understand your experience or whatever you’re trying to explain.”
MEET THE STUDENTS
“When I started reading the journals, I realized the participants were dealing with a lot. Many of them expressed the excitement of being able to let others experience life through their eyes.”
ABOUT THE PROGRAM LEADERS
Mattie Morton. Mattie is the Executive Director/Founder of Exhilarating Inc. She recently retired from working in youth services with the local government after 27 ½ years. Mattie is a graduate of Morehead State University with a Bachelor’s degree in social work(BASW), a master level certification in mental health coaching (MMHC), certified in administering substance abuse and mental health assessment and parenting classes. Mattie has been working with youth for over thirty years. She is single with two adult daughters (Rebecca and Lelia) and one grandson (Leland). Mattie is very active in the community and has won many awards. “The 100cameras program was a great opportunity for us to combine with our Saving My Sista’ program. This gave introverted females the opportunity to learn how to tell their stories through photography and journal writing. Many of the girls in this program are very shy. This gave them the opportunity to meet girls just like them and to share their experiences and life journey with someone without feeling judged. We watched the girls grow through the weeks and become more active. Many friendships were formed that will go beyond the 100cameras program. We watched confidence and self-esteem increasing. We really appreciate being selected for this opportunity.”
Rebecca Morton. Rebecca serves as vice-chair of Exhilarating Inc. She is a graduate of the University of KY with a degree in Political Science and works for the Commonwealth of Kentucky in Local Government. Rebecca is very active in the community and enjoys designing buildings and websites and is very artistic.
Teado Reyes. Teado owns his own photography company and enjoys photography and is currently engaged. This was Teado’s first experience working with youth and teaching a photography class. He stated he enjoyed it and would like to do it again.
Wanda Lindsey. Wanda is retired and loves volunteering in the community. She has been volunteering with Exhilarating Inc.for many years. She is single with 5 adult children and transported food to the participants every week during the program.
STUDENT IMAGE GALLERY
Follow us on social media to see images from the field as captured by the 100cameras X Exhilarating, Inc. team and the student photographers. Thank you to Framebridge for making this program possible!