This past May, families gathered at Crossroads Village for GCCARD Head Start’s end-of-the-year celebration. I was honored to be there not just as a photographer, but as a volunteer and community partner.

Mother and toddler smiling and enjoying quality time together at Head Start's Crossroads Village event.

Genesee County Head Start holds a special place in my heart. All three of my girls were enrolled in the program when they were younger, and during that time I served as the Parent Policy Council Chairperson. I know this program inside and out, and I support their mission to provide all children with access to early education, and to advocate for and support families in achieving their goals. This aligns with my own values of growth, connection, and joyful exploration.

At this year’s event, I was set up next to the music station for Personality Portraits, as well as some documentary-style coverage of the event. Staff provided instruments of all kinds and invited families to join their kids as they danced and sang along to some of their favorite tunes. It was a truly a joy to witness the families laughing, staff clapping along to the music, and children twirling in pure joy. Seeing everyone just being present together made this celebration so special.

A family is spending quality time together playing music at Crossroads Village during an event sponsored by Head Start.

What really meant a lot to me was knowing that I could give something back, especially since years ago, I was on the receiving end of this very support. Many of the families who came through are not able to splurge on professional portraits of their kids. Being able to provide them with beautiful images of their children at no cost felt like a true gift.

This special celebration was a reminder to me that raising children truly takes a village. I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community, and to the celebrate the Head Start families and staff who inspire me daily through their tireless dedication to nurturing these precious little lives. Thank you! 💖

📷 See the complete gallery and download your photos here ➡ 2025 Head Start Crossroads Village Celebration

🏫 More information about Head Start and Early Head Start Programs in Genesee County, Michigan can be found here

📧 To inquire about Personality Portraits, send me a message here

Giving Back with Head Start

Photography by Tiffany