Newsletter

Rehabilitation Through Photography (RTP) is an amazing organization, acclaimed for using photography to enhance the lives of autistic children, veterans, the mentally challenged and others who can benefit from a positive influence on their lives. The group recently changed its name to the Josephine Herrick Project, in honor of the founder who in 1941 made a commitment to help WWII veterans overcome the often-debilitating emotional effects of war.

In the formative years, RTP provided portable darkrooms, cameras and instruction as a means of helping troubled vets heal both their bodies and their spirits. Today the organization partners with concerned individuals, as well as public and private organizations, to create programs in hospitals, schools, rehab centers and other facilities serving those with special needs. They also train instructors and work tirelessly to procure digital and analog photographic gear, accessories, and supplies.

And that’s where all of us come in; namely, Josephine Herrick Project programs are only made possible because of individual contributions and support from foundations and corporations, and I’d like to encourage everyone to make a donation and help make their spring fund-raising drive a success. As an added incentive, the Board of Directors of the Josephine Herrick Project is celebrating the name change with a special “Directors Matching Grant and will match a portion of all donations made before June 30.

In addition to the name change, the organization recently named a new Director, announced six new photo programs, and has mounted it’s first exhibit in several years—“Portraits of Courage, ” images by the Veterans at the Brooklyn VA. New Director Maureen McNeil notes that founder Josephine Herrick is a great role model for young people today. “Her dedication gained the support of master photographers of the day, like Ansel Adams and Margaret Bourke-White. Today we continue in her footsteps to reach underserved populations with free photography programs, and the goal of providing an opportunity for everyone to participate in society.”

I encourage everyone to learn more about the Josephine Herrick Project and consider making a gift, by visiting giving@JHProject.org.