WHITE PLAINS, new york, USA
100CAMERAS X SAFE HARBOR
100cameras X Safe Harbor 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.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
During the Fall of 2020, 9 students learned to process and tell their stories through 100cameras X Safe Harbor in Westchester County, New York USA in partnership with the Westchester County Department of Social Services Safe Harbor Program, a Preventive Services program that provides support and rehabilitative services to youth that have been identified to have been trafficked, sexually exploited, or are at risk of victimization. Their services are specifically created to respond to all youth identified as at-risk of trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation and include Youth Outreach programs, trainings to educate providers about the indicators of trafficking and provide action plan response pathways for youth in need, as well as conduct public awareness campaigns.
“The youth that we serve are either at high risk of trafficking/exploitation or victims of trafficking/exploitation which may be their only commonality. Youth are from an array of family backgrounds and have experienced different obstacles. There are youth that come from intact two parent households to youth that have been placed in foster care,” shared Molly Johnson, Planning and Outreach Coordinator for Safe Harbor.
This program took place with measured safety and health precautions during the times of Covid-19. “It has been a hard time for all of us. Having remote school, Covid-19, having to socially distance, navigate politics, and manage all the changes we have incurred - this program has been pure LIGHT”, reflected Christine Wexler, local photographer and program teacher.
The students of Safe Harbor demonstrated that even in times of great uncertainty, we can come together and respect one another and create, experience, and grow from art. Together, their courage coupled with their openness to share made this program a success. “Each student brought their own sense of humor, eye and creative flare to the program. All shared a piece of their journey and their photos give a glimpse inside to all the beauty that they are made of,” shared Wexler.
“Over the years, we have found that artistic expression can serve as an integral therapeutic support that allows our youth to tell their stories without the use of words.
The 100cameras program and the use of photography affords our youth a normative experience and an additional tool in their continued path to restorative healing/resiliency.”
MEET THE STUDENTS
ABOUT THE PROGRAM LEADERS
Christine Wexler is a local photographer, documentary filmmaker, and social impact producer with a background in the fine arts. She has a passion for art and love of the outdoors, and it is through the arts that she strives to create awareness and long lasting social impact of change. Christine reflected, “Leading a 100cameras Program offers me a different perspective as an artist. Watching young eyes bloom is quite inspiring and humbling.”
Anne Carpenter always enjoyed taking pictures from the time she got her little red camera for Christmas when she was 8 years old. However, it was during the last few years when she began to explore taking photos of everyday things when she embraced that there is much to see right outside the front door. Through her background as an educator and through her experiences with motherhood, teaching alongside this group of youth for this program gave Anne the chance to share her appreciation for the beauty found at our fingertips and reconnect with her love for teaching. Anne reflected that she also became a student through this process — that everyone has a story to tell and it was her honor to help these students tell theirs.
“The use of the Bethany Arts Community was a great addition. It not only provided a social distant meeting place for youth, but also allowed them to explore and experience the Bethany Arts Community campus/residence and admire the art on its grounds.
It was also amazing how the lesson topics were fluid and tailored to the interests of the youth that participated. Christine and Anne’s approach with the youth created a safe environment in which the youth were able to share some of their personal stories. They took the time to connect with the youth and help them build and expand their interests and knowledge.”
STUDENT IMAGE GALLERY
Follow us on social media to see images from the field as captured by the 100cameras X Safe Harbor team and the student photographers.