Photos from this project will be coming soon.

I am currently creating a photo documentary about people with disabilities who live in supervised independent home environments run by a non-profit organization called New Hope Center.   New Hope Center is an organization in the South Side neighborhood where I grew up that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities, including residential services, day training services, and specialized recreational services. The organization manages group homes, or Community Integrated Living Arrangements, called CILAs.    CILAs provide 24 hour supervision by Direct Service Personnel (DSPs). The goal of CILAs is to promote independent living, which aims to provide meaningful life experiences for each individual. I began the project because I am interested in learning more about this non-profit organization and the individuals that it supports. If people do not know someone who lives with a disability, they know very little about their lives, their struggles and successes. It is this lack of awareness that can lead to stereotypes and indifference. Through documenting these individuals with photographs, I hope to raise awareness about people with disabilities, as well as New Hope Center and other organizations like it.