OKC Program Gives Hope To Children In Need Through Photography

A program is providing a new vision of hope for a group of kids in need here in the metro.

They're capturing their dreams in life through a camera lens. It's called "Pictures of Hope." Children at the City Rescue Mission downtown got a big surprise on Saturday: brand new digital cameras to share their dreams for the future.

Their hopes are heartfelt, and their dreams are big. But for families who have fallen on hard times, it's hard to picture a better life. That's why celebrity photojournalist Linda Solomon brought a special program to Oklahoma City.

She's teaching 15 children at the rescue mission how to look at life differently, through a camera lens.

"Let's hope they realize that through photography they can share their lives with us, to share a story of what they're dreaming about," Solomon said.

Each child here received a camera after writing down lifelong hopes. Eight-year-old Justice Moore has big plans.

"[I want] to be a basketball player," Moore said.

She also tells me she wants to help people someday and become a doctor. Others write down things most of us don't have to think about. 

One child wrote, "I hope for a home."

"I mean, you don't see iPads or things like that. You really do see things that truly matter, expressed from the hearts of children," Solomon said.

The goal of the program is to show the children their dreams matter, building their self-esteem, and maybe even changing their focus.

"I think that when they photograph a dream, it really puts the child on the path to achievement because it becomes much more than just a dream. They can actually visualize it," Solomon said.

The cameras were donated by Hudiburg Chevrolet. The children's photos will made into holiday cards and all of the proceeds will go to the City Rescue Mission.

If you'd like to order the holiday cards, go to the city rescue mission's website: www.cityrescue.org