The Lamoille Family Center was pleased to co-host the HIGHLOW Project art exhibit at the Helen Day Art Center from August 20th - 23rd. 

The Vermont Coalition of Runaway & Homeless Youth Programs (VCRHYP) commissioned photographer Ned Castle to collaborate with youth at-risk of becoming homeless to re-enact high and low moments in their lives. The resulting large-scale photographs and audio narrations by these young participants provide insight into their struggles and triumphs, their incredible resiliency and the importance of a strong support network as they work to overcome multiple challenges and become successful members of their communities. This exhibit is traveling throughout Vermont, with a stop at the Helen Day Art Center co-hosted by VCRHYP and the Lamoille Family Center.

While sharing thoughts about his experience with the HIGHLOW Project, Jake, a Lamoille Valley youth, simply said, “Wow.”  Jake’s low moment was being homeless and sleeping on a church lawn.  His high moment was helping his former girlfriend’s baby daughter to take her first steps.  He further commented, “You don’t see the full impact of your experiences until they are captured in the large photographs.  I am scared to death of becoming homeless again.”  Jake remains involved with a number of community supports including the Lamoille Family Center as he moves into adulthood. 

This exhibit proves that strong community support is critical to ensuring the success of local youth.  Last year, the Lamoille Family Center’s youth programming reached nearly 400 at risk youth.  298 youth received case management, conflict resolution and crisis intervention services, 27 youth, including 6 graduates, participated in the Learning Together program (an alternative high school providing education and support services for pregnant, parenting and at risk young women), 10 youth were sheltered for a total of 236 nights, and an average of 26 youth attended the Youth Rocks Café Teen Center weekly. 

In order to maintain these services in the coming year, the Family Center must raise $23,000.  Thanks to a very generous donor, $15,000 has already been pledged.  You can help to raise the remaining amount by making a donation by clicking here. 

To view a select group of photos and audio narrations, go to www.highlowproject.org.

The HIGHLOW Project was generously sponsored by:
Peter and Bari Dreissigacker
Idoline Duke
Harvest Market
Helen Day Art Center
Jamie's On Main
Pall Spera Company Realtors
Pie In the Sky