Picturing Hope Initiative Connects and Empowers Young People
CHICAGO, IL (October 30, 2025) – Launched in 2023, Growing Hope is a JCC Chicago initiative that amplifies messages of acceptance, understanding, and kindness through year-round programming and events.
Picturing Hope is a joint project of JCC Chicago and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, designed to engage teens in conversations and activities that explore the bigger concepts of identity and hope through the medium of photography. Picturing Hope evolved from JCC Chicago’s Jewish Lens program which similarly connects Jewish teens in Chicago with teens in Kiev, Ukraine, and is part of the organization’s Growing Hope programming.
“JCC Chicago has its arms around 10,000 young people and reaches more than 100,000 people each year. The Growing Hope movement is our approach to bridge-building, acknowledging that today’s youth are seeking spaces where kindness prevails and where they can become hopeful about the future,” said JCC Chicago President & CEO Addie Goodman.
A recent Picturing Hope session took place at the Chicago History Museum where the teens learned about single subject framing, where a photographer’s aim is to focus on a primary image in the foreground of their shots. After some practice, they were set loose in the museum to practice this technique and then came back together to share their work. Week to week, participants are building a digital portfolio from which they will select three images that represent hope to them.
The six-week session will culminate in a Gallery Celebration hosted by the YMCA on Sunday, November 9 featuring the photography with the teens acting as docents of their work.
“At the Y, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to find their voice and imagine a bright future," said Adam Alonso, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. "Through Picturing Hope, teens aren't just taking photos, they’re capturing what it means to believe in themselves, connect with others, and build a more hopeful world.”
Growing Hope Director and Picturing Hope instructor Kevin Pease added, “At the heart of the Growing Hope movement is JCC Chicago’s belief that repairing the world is not the work of a few, but the work of us all. Picturing Hope empowers teens to join us as they discover themselves, one another, and the world around them.”
The program represents the first collaboration between JCC Chicago and the YMCA since announcing their partnership at the second annual Growing Hope Concert in Summer 2024. The organizations are joining hands, wrapping their arms around the 40,000 youth served between their institutions, and standing together to make Chicago a City of Growing Hope, and an example of how to repair and reimagine our world.
Picturing Hope is generously funded by the Vivo Foundation.
About JCC Chicago
JCC Chicago works to ensure a vibrant, thriving and connected community through meaningful and impactful programs inspired by Jewish and human values. The largest Jewish community center in North America, JCC Chicago serves tens of thousands of children, teens, adults, seniors and families through an array of award-winning, life-enriching programs, services and experiences. To learn more, visit, www.jccchicago.org.
About YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is a regional leader in accessible, inclusive programming for more than 300,000 individuals each year, strengthening community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other. With multiple locations and community programs across the Chicago metropolitan area, the YMCA of Metro Chicago provides inclusive spaces and services that help individuals and families thrive — from child care and afterschool programs to fitness, wellness, and community outreach.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Karen Goodman Minter
JCC Chicago
[email protected]
847-946-6069
Jack Segal
Director of Marketing Communications
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
312-805-8838
[email protected]