News

March 30th is Joesphine Herrick Day celebrating  the 75^th Anniversary of the Josephine Herrick Project (JHP), an amazing organization that uses photographic instruction to enhance the lives of military vets, autistic children, the mentally challenged and others who can benefit from a positive influence upon their lives.

Formerly known as Rehabilitation Through Photography (RTP), the group was founded back in 1941 to help returning WWII veterans overcome the often debilitating emotional effects of War. Early on, JHP assisted troubled veterans by providing instruction, cameras, and access to darkrooms as a means of helping them overcome their demons and heal both their bodies and spirits. Today the organization trains instructors and solicits private and public donations of digital and analog photo gear, accessories and supplies.

JHP, which provided the images used in this story, partners with concerned individuals and public and private organizations to create programs in hospitals, schools, rehab centers and other facilities serving those with special needs.

Board Member (and Editor of Popular Photography) Miriam Leuchter recently noted that JHP receives funding through grants from governmental agencies like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the New York State Council on the Arts. Equipment donations are received from photographic companies like Canon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Ricoh and SanDisk.

But personal contributions are also vital and that’s where all of us come in. Therefore, I’d encourage everyone to visit the JHP website and get involved with a cash contribution, digital camera gear or both. Your support of JHP will really make a difference.