In our Transformation Education Program (Journey INC), our clients work extremely hard in our life skills classes.

For 12 weeks at a time, they show up, complete homework, and participate in classes which help to encourage life and heart change. At the end of our class “Boundaries” we had an idea to not only celebrate each participant’s graduation with a certificate, but also a gift the whole family could enjoy.

Just before Christmas, one fabulous volunteer – Phil Burt – offered up the gift of a family portrait. Because let’s face it, how many of us actually take the time to sit for regular family portraits? Whether it’s lack of funds, space, or time, we wanted our families to not have a single reason why they couldn’t enjoy a picture to look back on for years to come. The announcement to our clients rang out. There was a buzz throughout the room. Overall we knew it would be a hit. But it wasn’t until later that we truly felt the impact that a single picture had.

One family was moved to tears. They explained that the last time they had a family portrait was when their oldest child was born…he is now 26 years old. Another mother/daughter pair had recently received a fatal diagnosis. They explained that this past December might be their last Christmas together, and this picture would be the sweetest memory to hold tight. Some families were starting new memories, and were so excited with what the past year brought. New jobs, a wedding, the birth of a new child.

All of these things are commemorated by a simple picture in a frame, presented to them at the Celebration & Orientation that took place January 10, 2023. The excitement and gratitude from the recipients was evident all over the room. You see, to our families it always meant more than a picture. This family portrait tracks growth, progress, and new found joy in the changes that are being made. New found self confidence. Acceptance and love.

Sure, it may be just a picture, but that picture is worth a thousand words.