People ask me quite often if photography is my “side gig” followed by asking if I would like to go out on my own, open a studio and take photographs full-time. Yes, my photography business is my “side gig,” but I also love my full-time job at The Arc Wayne. (That’s not to say I wouldn't love to open my own studio.)
As the Development Coordinator at The Arc Wayne, I have the privilege of taking all photographs for the agency, updating our social media accounts (for The Arc Wayne and Erie Shore Landing), managing our websites, fundraising for the Arc of Wayne Foundation, planning events and much more.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Arc Wayne, we are a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with and without developmental and intellectual disabilities. We do this through about three dozen programs with more than 550 employees across Wayne and surrounding counties in Western NY.
Staff photo I took during Employee Appreciation Week in 2018.
I’m blessed to be able to take photos of some of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever had the chance to meet. The individuals we support at The Arc Wayne are, more often than not, ecstatic about having their picture taken. When I print the photos out and give them a copy, it’s almost like they just won the lottery. It’s an amazing feeling. In the two years I’ve been at The Arc Wayne, I have never once had an individual ask me to re-take a picture. They see the beauty in themselves through an image better than anyone I’ve ever photographed. It helps me to understand the power of a picture and how much more joy comes from accepting ourselves for who God made us to be.
An individual supported by The Arc at PT. Due to HIPPA regulations, I am not able to post photos organically of individuals served by The Arc Wayne. This is a screenshot of a photo I took for our agency’s Facebook page.
I thought Katie (pictured above) was going to cry when I talked to her about how well her physical therapy was going because of new equipment we purchased with grant money I helped secure. Many people like Katie rely on wheelchairs for mobility, but with this Lite Gait system, those individuals are able to stand up and walk on a treadmill without fear of falling during their clinic sessions. It’s a feeling that I’ve never personally experienced, but I could feel the joy just in speaking with Katie and her clinicians. It’s a highlight of my career that I won’t soon forget.
The #SeeMe campaign I organized was hands-down my favorite one when I saw David’s face light up seeing himself on a billboard. Due to HIPPA regulations, I am not able to post photos organically of individuals served by The Arc Wayne. This is a screenshot of photos my boss took for our agency’s Facebook page.
I love when people get excited about photographs. David’s reaction was hands-down one of my favorite memories of someone looking a photograph I took of them. This #SeeMe campaign spread across Wayne County in an effort to show people that Wayne ARC had rebranded to The Arc Wayne, and at the same time, to have people see individuals with disabilities as neighbors, coworkers, friends etc. It was my favorite campaign I’ve created since starting my career post-graduation.
I created social media posts, ads and various print materials – among other things – that looked similar to this billboard featuring different individuals with different attributes. It was incredible to witness the outpouring of support because of the stories I told through photos accompanied by a positive message.
Janelle working on packing lunches for The Arc Wayne’s free Summer Meal Program that provides lunch to kids who might not get enough to eat in our community. Due to HIPPA regulations, I am not able to post photos organically of individuals served by The Arc Wayne. This is a screenshot of a photo I took for our agency’s Facebook page.
My favorite part about working at The Arc Wayne, however, is just spending time with the individuals we support. Janelle is one of my best buddies at work, and I wouldn’t trade her warm smile and genuine laughter for anything. It’s people like her that make my day and help me love my day job.
All of the food at Erie Shore Landing is made fresh from scratch, and every purchase supports our nonprofit to help employ more individuals with disabilities.
Taking pictures of food at Erie Shore Landing isn’t a bad gig either.
Erie Shore Landing has amazing daily power bowl specials.
There are countless reasons why I love my day job, but overall, I am blessed that photography can play such a big part in the joy I find Monday-Friday for 40 hours of my week.
If you’re interested in joining our team at The Arc Wayne, apply online and list me as a referral. It’s a great, rewarding place to work. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments about this blog post!