Meet Jonathan

“I really haven’t been that much of a creative person since I was a kid,” said Jonathan.

For years, creativity felt like a luxury from another lifetime to him. But that changed during his very first day participating in Outreach’s art program. The class unlocked a new side of himself, helping to get the creative juices flowing.

After moving from Gary to Indianapolis, Jonathan was adjusting to a new city, figuring out next steps, and how to get a handle on his life. A couple of months ago, a friend told Jonathan about Outreach and how he might be able to get some support and guidance. From the moment he arrived, the atmosphere felt different. “The people here are amazing and full of love,” he said.

One of the most memorable experiences so far has been a photography class. He always enjoyed taking photos with his phone, but this class taught him to slow down. He started to learn the fundamentals. How to adjust the aperture. How to frame a shot so that it tells a story. How to see things from a new perspective.

That class sparked something Jonathan hadn’t felt in years. He was finally being given space to experiment and the resources to make something of his own. Creativity stopped being a distant memory. Jonathan is still exploring what that means as he tries new things, but the interest is alive again.

Transformation doesn’t usually happen in a single dramatic moment. It starts with new opportunities and consistent encouragement. For Jonathan, Outreach is a place where a door he thought was shut opened again.

Now, Jonathan is looking forward to what he might create next. And Outreach will continue to be there for all those moments he captures along the way.