Award-winning photographer Cristina Mittermeier’s new book, HOPE, offers a powerful counterpoint to the growing sense of despair that often surrounds conversations about our planet’s future. As Mittermeier poignantly observes, “Hope may not be a plan or a strategy, but it is vital for our survival.” For decades, Mittermeier has traveled the globe, documenting both the […]
A 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer who is battling cancer got the incredible opportunity to design her own dress with the help of Make-A-Wish and some Disney pros. Inspired by the iconic ball gowns in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Cinderella, Rita wished to step into the world of costume design at Disney. As part of her […]
Homelessness is a glaring epidemic in Chicago. As of January 2024, there were 18,836 individuals in Chicago experiencing homelessness. The homeless population has nearly tripled since 2023, with projections of it only continuing to increase in the upcoming years. Many factors contribute to homelessness, and A Safe Haven Foundation is on a mission to restore […]
If a friend sends you a bouquet, says Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, the science director at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, don’t just say “Thank you.” Instead, expand it to something like, “Thank you so much for sending me tuberoses; you know that those are my favorite. I felt so […]
The devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area last week, fueled by powerful winds and severe drought conditions, have taken the lives of at least 27 people, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced mass evacuations. The Palisades Fire alone has consumed over 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 5,300 structures, while […]
Photography has the extraordinary power to document, inspire, and connect. As Director of Photography for the Make It Better Foundation, a contributing editor to photography publications around the world, and a photographer with over four decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented photographers who have captured the […]
The holiday season invites us to reflect, express gratitude, and transform it into meaningful action. Giving Tuesday, observed this year on December 3, is more than a single day of generosity — it’s a global movement encouraging us to make a lasting impact through intentional giving. Established in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd Street […]
Since its founding in 1857 as The Chicago Relief Aid Society, Metropolitan Family Services has become a cornerstone of support for families across Chicago, offering vital resources that empower individuals to overcome life’s greatest challenges. Whether helping a single mother access childcare while she pursues a college degree or guiding a family through the legal […]
On October 24, 2015, Justin Phongsavanh walked out of a McDonald’s in Ankeny, Iowa, unaware he was taking his final steps. Until that cool fall evening, the high schooler had been an avid sportsman and was gearing up for a career as a journeyman electrician. A gunman’s bullets would abruptly and irrevocably change the course of […]
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene roared through parts of the US Southeast, Hurricane Milton roared onto Florida’s west coast around 8:30 p.m., Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm. It then moved across the state throughout the early morning hours bringing high winds and incessant rain. As of Oct. 10, millions of Floridians […]
