Earlier this week, a couple of my friends and I got together to do a mini Help-Portrait session at a local organization.  Community Stepping Stones is based in one of the poorest neighborhoods, yet inhabits the most youths in the Tampa area.  Its goal is to provide for the youths a safe alternative to the dangers of street life.  Through CSS, kids beginning from age six can take classes from art to agriculture to build lifelong skills, CSS’s mission to keep them interested and inspired to pursue education and aspirations.

I was very privileged to get to know some of the volunteers who often travel many miles just to give their time to this community.  I’m deeply moved by their personal motivations for becoming involved with the organization, caring for the children they educate, and doing it all without asking for anything in return.  Because people like these still exist, we will always have hope.  And where there are people, there always will be hope.

Find a way to give back to your community.  It will refuel your passion, give you drive and hope in return.  And though none of it is monetary, the internal reward is invaluable.

A didgeridoo, an instrument I’m certain I cannot play =/

Phil and Stephen.  Proof that Nikon and Canon can get along..