I chose Jennifer Hadlock as my hero because she is simply amazing. She lives in the West End neighborhood of Hartford and was hired by the West End Civic Association to be their community organizer. This means Jennifer is the liaison between the residents of the West End and city officials. It sounds deceivingly simple but it is challenging work to bridge a diverse socioeconomic and racial group of people. Never mind the fact that it is a low-paying job that is literally 24-7. I think many people would be surprised to know that she obtained a law degree to better assist people in organizing themselves so that they may accomplish their community desires. I have been witness to two recent desires...I've played basketball at the outdoor basketball court that was built within the last year and I've seen the building that is to become the community center.
I admire Jennifer because it takes someone special to dedicate her life towards the betterment of all involved in the community. Thank God there are people like her in this world! I hope that one day I will use my time to help others and be as selfless as she is.Margee - 33 yr. old
Biracial
House Director at Miss Porter's School, Farmington, CT
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Marlo is my cousin and I have known about Act Like You Care for some time. From the very beginning I thought the project sounded wonderful and I wanted to participate and help bring her idea to fruition. I feel very fortunate I was able to do just that. Community involvement and photography are strong interests of mine and it was incredible to be able to help eleven young girls explore these two concepts through ALYC.
I think a lot of these girls (but certainly not all) signed up for ALYC because they wanted something to do over the summer or maybe they were interested in learning about photography. I know however, all the members came away from this project realizing so much more. For instance, I think the girls now have a greater sense of community and now realize how vital some people are (such as our heroes) in ensuring a better place for all of us to live in. Even though many of these people aren't making a huge salary and in some cases, no salary at all. I think the members also realize that each of them is equally important in making her community a better one. They can make a difference by how they choose to live and by their actions, big or small. It is this ultimate empowerment that made ALYC worthwhile to me.
Jennifer Hadlock
Other photos by Margee
S. Whitney Street
Sonia's Place
