Stories.
Project Life Caretakers: Meet Maria Luisa
In 2018, I returned to Mozambique with Children’s Relief International to focus on documenting stories from the Project Life caretakers. We interviewed the caretakers in Project Life as well as shadowed them to document and photograph the work they do in the community.
When we returned stateside, we crafted individual profiles of each of the caretakers. We also created a web platform that showcased one story and provided a call to action to sponsor a caretaker.
Green Door Family Portrait Series
Refugee Non-Profits in Dallas, TX
For the last several years, I have had the privilege of working with several local non-profits in the DFW metroplex that help refugees assimilate into the culture. Their services included everything from reading circles, providing community events, and English lessons, and working alongside caseworkers to get legal documentation finalized.
Fundraising: Global Water Program
In 2016, I worked with Children’s Relief International to develop the Global Water Program. Our goal was to raise $100,000 to expand the program and build wells not only in Africa, but Haiti as well. We worked with the Global Water Program Developer to establish branding, create a social media strategy, email strategy and web platform. We paired our communication strategy with the story of Monte Siluvo and how their well has impacted the families in their community. We also showcased this story locally through a partnership with a local tea shop and an event at a local Crossfit gym.
Fundraising: Tessa Grace Nutrition Program
In 2015 and 2016, I traveled to Nigeria and Mozambique with Children’s Relief International to document the life-saving work with the Tessa Grace Nutrition Program, that supports and cares for moms and babies.
Fundraising: Green Door Haiti
From 2015-2018, I traveled to Haiti to document the growth and expansion of the Green Door Project. With this program, I documented multiple stories that was able to help with the constant, steady growth of Green Door: Haiti. When I first traveled to Haiti, I documented the first 3 homes that were built in order to start the campaign to build more homes. After that, businesses and supporters jumped on board and the project has continued to grow.
Fundraising: Shalem Christian Academy
The walls began to crumble for Cing when her father died of cancer. A short time later her mother left to find better work in another village. Cing has not heard from her since. When she is not caring for her grandmother and younger siblings she tries to learn something, anything, in her overcrowded 6th-grade classroom. Between the noise and hunger pains, even her best attempts fall short.
I am Second with Navy SEAL Remi Adeleke
As a Navy SEAL, Remi Adeleke recalled “living in a foreign country where you know people want to kill you; you kind of live on edge; you always have to be attentive.”
I am Second with Breast Cancer Survivor, Dani Slaton
Reality collided. Her hope collapsed.
How can you be Second in the midst of grief? Is it really even possible? We all experience it. Maybe you grieved over a loss of a friend, a family member or over a personal battle. Maybe you’re living through the pain on your own. Is there really any hope? For Denny Slaton, grief stormed into her life taking her for a spin of a lifetime. What she anticipated as a regular check-up at the doctor’s office spun out of her control.
I am Second with MLB player, Albert Pujols
"We did not choose Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome chose us."
Albert Pujols’ storied Major League Baseball career has been filled with frequent moments in the media spotlight. 500 plus career home runs will do that. However, only recently were audiences able to get a glimpse into his passions beyond baseball - God and Family. Any conversation about those passions eventually leads to the subject of Down Syndrome.
Exclusive with the Producer of War Room
Is your marriage falling apart? Are you losing sleep over your family’s debt? Every year the amount of broken homes continues to grow. In 2000, 60% of all children were born into broken homes. The health of our economy isn’t as it should be. What does this all mean? Does all this leave us helpless and doomed?
Ironically, Alex Kendrick, whose personal I am Second film debuted two--plus years ago, has a suggestion. “It’s time to go to war,” says Alex and his brother Stephen, the producers of the upcoming film, The War Room.
OurCalling Photojournalism Article
“If the church does not go, they will always be lost and never be found.”- Wayne Walker, Executive CEO at OurCalling
No matter the circumstances, hope can tear down the barriers and offer some rest. OurCalling drives out to meet, serve, and invite these men and women to the facility for food, water, Bible study, and a visit to the warehouse. It is not so much about getting them off the streets, as it is about the restoration business—restoring lives, bringing hope, and teaching life skills.
Green Door Project: Meet Aghosta
In 2016, I traveled to Mozambique to document multiple stories with Children’s Relief International. One of the first stories I worked on was with a woman named Aghosta. I witnessed her receive a new concrete home. The community gathered around singing and dancing to celebrate with her. Her pastor dedicated the home to her family and spoke words of encouragement to them. Her pastor challenged the family to use their new home as a haven, a safe place for others in their community. He challenged them to use their home as a way to love their neighbors and care for them.
Project Life Caretakers: Meet Maria Verniz
In 2018, Maria Verniz invited me into her home to document her story. I was sent to meet her to document stories of men and women serving as caretakers in a program called Project Life. All of the caretakers in Project Life are sponsored and supported by families in America.
When we returned stateside, we crafted individual profiles on each of the caretakers. We also created a web platform that showcased one story and provided a call to action to sponsor a caretaker.