My favorite mantra from this past Tuesday, two days before todays deadly church shooting in Charleston is  “Our Faith is Strong.”  Ann, Kim, Mara and I  visited York Street Project two days ago. York Street’s mission is to help end the cycle of poverty.  It was our third meeting there, and the first time I was able to create  portraits for the the most incredibly strong, beautiful women I have met in a long time. Some women are living at St. Joseph’s Residence, part of York Street.  All of the women are raising amazing children, some of whom are attending the Nurturing Place  while their mothers are finishing their high school diplomas at the Kenmare School which is a part of York Street. Some women are running from abusive relationships.  All of the women have jobs. I feel like we barely scratched the surface in our conversations about mantras, positive self talk, and the challenges/joys of motherhood.  The images we created together will be shown on July 9th at 7:00 pm at The Squirrel and the Bee  515 Millburn Ave  in Millburn New Jersey.  My new friends from York Street are invited. You are invited. Kids too. Join us.