Jana Released:

Yesterday morning I received a call from Jana. She was being released from jail, as we spoke on the phone, and asked if I could transport her to the halfway house. This was an answered prayer, for sure. One of my concerns, since I learned of her parole, was being able to photograph her as she arrived at the halfway house. This also gave me the opportunity to meet, and briefly talk with, Karen Van Camp, the Executive Director of the halfway house, called Re-Entry.

After greeting Jana, on the front porch of the house, Karen invited me to come in. As I stepped through the front door I was taken back by the comfort and warmness of the dwelling. Refinished hardwood floors, three large sofas, and two large leather armchairs. I was also introduced to two of the women who also reside there, one of whom is the house mother. For the next hour we sat and talked, as a group. For the most part Karen and Jana did the talking, while the remaining three of us listened. This also gave me an opportunity to begin making photographs – more to get others comfortable with me and the cameras.

I still need to spend time talking with Karen, to solidify how best to work within their environment. My goal is to follow Jana through her time at Re-Entry and then back into society, as they say, and reunited with her two daughters – something that occupies most of her thoughts.

I will also begin filming the second phase of Jana’s story, as soon as possible, which I am overwhelmed at having such an opportunity. I truly feel that this will be a piece that will do a great deal of good.

Until next time….