Framing Resilience: Behind the Art Start Family Portrait Project

by Dawnique Shury

Storytelling is powerful.
Storytelling is one of the most powerful forces that connects us as human beings. It has the ability to transcend barriers, give voice to lived experiences, and illuminate truths that might otherwise go unseen. Through storytelling, we not only share moments—we preserve identity, honor journeys, and create space for understanding and connection.

When Art Start partnered with our Glenmore team to capture the stories and lives of our residents, I immediately thought about the countless untold journeys carried by the women and children we serve. Many of these are stories shaped by migration, by displacement, and by the ongoing work of rebuilding in a new place. I thought about what it means for families—particularly Black and brown families whose experiences are so often overlooked or misrepresented—to be seen fully, on their own terms. I reflected on my own story—and how easily stories can remain unheard unless someone makes space for them to be told.

At Glenmore, those stories came alive in deeply tangible ways. For families who are navigating the complexity of starting over, and parents who simply longed for a first-ever family portrait around their dining table—all found a moment of recognition and joy.  One resident shared, “My parents instilled in me the courage to bounce back. When I look at our portrait, the first thing I notice is our smile. I feel happy. In 20 years, when my children are reading this, I want them to know that their mom is resilient.” These are not just photographs. They are living testaments of resilience and tenacity—captured not only in words, but in imagery that holds emotion, memory, and truth. I am deeply grateful that we were able to create a space where creativity could become a bridge to healing and connection.

As I reflect on the impact of this project, I am also reminded of the voices of our team:

Tremaine Ross, Associate Director, shared:
“The Art Start Family Portrait project created a space where families could be seen beyond their circumstances. It allowed them to express pride, identity, and connection in a way that words often can’t capture. Seeing that transformation firsthand was both powerful and inspiring for our team.”

Shalana, Recreation Specialist, reflected:
“I saw families open up in ways I hadn’t seen before since being at Providence House. Art became a bridge, helping them relax, connect, and truly enjoy the moment together. It was incredibly rewarding to witness that level of engagement and joy.”

Deloris Lennon, Program Director, added:
“This project reminded us that every family has a story worth honoring. The portraits became more than images; they became a source of dignity and empowerment for our clients, reinforcing the importance of creativity in healing and community-building.”

This project reaffirmed a simple truth: every person carries a story worth telling. And when we create space for those stories to be seen, we don’t just document lives—we honor them.

We’d like to give a huge thank you to the Art Start team, you can find more about their artistic initiatives at https://www.art-start.org/.