I firmly believe that an important part of being a photographer is giving back to the community. When you invest in me, you’re investing in two remarkable charities that deserve way more attention and support than they’re getting.
These groups don’t have big marketing teams, and they don’t have big benefactors. That’s one reason why I give part of my business sales each month to them. I’ve had the privilege of spending time with the people behind these organizations. They’re genuine, and they’re genuinely doing incredible work. So while I enjoy taking photos, I also enjoy supporting organizations like these.
Front Porch Ministry
Thom and Michele Hazelip started Front Porch Ministry back in 2008 right here in Nashville. They moved from a well-off, private “backyard” suburban lifestyle into an economically challenged inner-city neighborhood, almost on a whim. They saw a need in a neighborhood for a loving family with open arms, and they filled it. The crime and drug rates there are higher than anywhere else in the city. But Thom and Michele have devoted their lives to helping the people there stand up on their own by taking the kids on field trips and babysitting for the parents. It’s transformed their front porch into a de facto public park, and it’s been amazing for them. But funding their projects is tough, because their kind of hands-on action is so geographically particular – but so desperately needed – that it’s hard for them to grab public attention.
Both Hands Foundation
Both Hands helps families fundraise for their adoptions. A family gathers a team of volunteers and Both Hands coaches them to coordinate a service project fixing up a widow’s home. The family and their team send letters to raise sponsorship for their day of service. The funds raised help an orphan become adopted into a forever family.
Both Hands – One for the Widow. One for the Orphans.
There are 160+ million orphans in the world and while we can’t change the world, we can make a world of difference to some. One of the main reasons people don’t proceed with the adoption process is because of the huge price tag, often times between $15,000-$30,000. Both Hands goal is to help reduce the financial barrier to adoption for families.