March 18th - April 8th
Open to the public for gallery viewing: Tuesday–Saturday | 2:00–8:00 pm
Come visit our new exhibition at our Oceanside Art and Cultural District hub location designated by the California Art Council.
In 2022, Jewish Family Service of San Diego rolled out San Diego for Every Child, a Guaranteed Income Project which provided direct cash assistance to families in need. To share the moving stories of those impacted by this pilot program, JFS has created “The Bigger Picture: Guaranteed Income for the Future of San Diego” – a traveling photo exhibit featuring vibrant oversized photos that give a poignant glimpse into the everyday lives of the families assisted.
The families pictured here are 4 of the 150 households who received $500 dollars a month for 2 years to spend on whatever they need with no restrictions, no work requirements, no strings attached. These parents and children opened their homes to fine-art photographer Michele Zousmer who has captured moments of connection and intimacy that become more and more possible when the burden of financial stress is eased.
“Social justice starts with economic equity,” says Khea Pollard, director of San Diego for Every Child. “Our guaranteed income project is designed to support families who were not only hit hardest by COVID-19, but who were struggling to make ends meet before. Similar programs throughout the state have proven that direct, unconditional cash programs lead to greater success for participants, alleviating cumbersome processes and in turn, enriching their personal and professional lives.”
This project was funded in part by a 1.4 Million dollar allocation from the California state senate,
supported by senators Ben Hueso (District 40) and Toni Atkins (District 39). In a press release at the project’s launch, Hueso said, “It's time to end the narrative that people experiencing poverty simply need to work harder or make better choices. Income inequality is at its highest rate since right before the Great Depression and is, at least in part, a result of policies and laws in this country that perpetuate poverty and racial inequity.”
Special thanks to Lashawnda, Wendy, Kelvin, Abdul and their families for sharing their stories with us.
Fine Art photographer Michele Zousmer employs her camera as a powerful instrument to amplify the voices of individuals and communities often marginalized by society. With an unwavering commitment, her photographic journey encapsulates the essence of human existence and emotion, capturing moments that resonate with life's profound experiences – love, loss, vulnerability, and strength.
About San Diego for Every Child
San Diego for Every Child is a nonprofit initiative housed under the 501(c)3 of
Jewish Family Service of San Diego, one of San Diego’s oldest and most impactful nonprofit agencies. The SDEC coalition is dedicated to cutting the experience of childhood poverty by 50% by 2030. Their mission is to create a San Diego County where every child has their basic needs met by ensuring all children in our region have nutritious food to eat, live in stable housing, receive adequate healthcare, and have access to quality childcare and education.
Editor : Akiko Surai
"THE BIGGER PICTURE" COMMUNITY RECEPTION
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Hillstreet Country Club | 530 S Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054
Learn more about why guaranteed income works and Jewish Family Service’s Economic Mobility and Opportunity programs by visiting the Jewish Family Service’s Economic Mobility & Opportunity page.