We all need a reminder of how much we are loved.
This year, the Ivory House team partnered with the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center (DMPCC) to provide a portion of our $100 Headshot proceeds to the Center. I am incredibly proud to say that we were able to contribute $1225 in donations this session.
DMPCC is a legacy non-profit, rooted in providing healing for the mind, body, and spirit. They are a non-sectarian practice supporting any person needing assistance with compassion and respect, and no person is turned away from receiving help because of financial difficulties. In fact, a large portion of the Center’s clients receive financial assistance and subsidies made possible through community organization and donations. We are honored to play a small part in ensuring sliding scale mental health care for as many Iowans as possible.
The DMPCC provides a variety of specialized counseling services for children and adolescents, physiological assessments, spiritual development, suicide awareness, and renewal programs. Over 4,000 individuals in our community have been served by the DMPCC including adults, couples, families, clergy, teachers, police officers, LGBTQ people, veterans, survivors of trauma, families of addicted loved ones, people from all faith traditions (including none), and others who need quality mental health counseling.* Their motto is: No situation is too big, too small, or too insignificant to be addressed by the DMPCC staff: grief, depression, addiction, anger issues, childhood trauma, body image, family conflict, and job concerns are just some of the areas where they provide compassionate support.
The mission of the DMPCC so closely aligns with the mission of Ivory House that I could not pass on the opportunity to lend support. With every shoot and most especially with the $100 Headshot campaign, we focus on inclusivity and compassion, capturing the person in front of our camera as their whole self. We hope you always find acceptance in front of our lens as we encourage you to show up without your props. Just you is more than enough.
And the effect is pure magic.
When I’m photographing someone for the first time, the shift is palpable, with the person transforming from anxious to excited within seconds of seeing the power in the photos they are creating. I see shoulders pull back. Their smile gets bigger. There is more laughter. Confidence and joy begin to shine brighter than nervousness. Trust me, there is no filter out there that can match the radiance of a person who feels completely seen.
I can’t imagine a better photo or mission.
Thank you again to DMPCC for allowing us to support your amazing mission. We look forward to continuing the joint work of uplifting Iowans. For anyone looking to donate to DMPCC, please go to https://dmpcc.org
*information obtained from DMPCC website