The intimate portraits project, a literacy initiative of the UIC Office of Community Engagement and Neighborhood Health Partnerships (OCENHP), was based on the work of Professor Hal Adams and his work with the UIC College of Education’s Community Writing Project, where writing workshops were held for “people who do not ordinarily consider themselves to be writers, and publishes their reflections on everyday life in the magazine Real Conditions.” In a similar vein, and in consultation with Hal Adams, the intimate portraits project sought to provide a literary space for community residents to express their voices - thoughts, feelings, and experiences - in writing. During these sessions, conversations and reflections revolved around issues the parents were facing in the community, personal experiences, and other topics as they were raised by the authors. As the parents were encouraged to put their thoughts on paper, workshops were held on learning writing strategies such as how to begin writing letters, personal journaling, and literary devices to help the authors discover the various ways one can express one’s thoughts.

Program Dates

2004

Partners

   • Mile Square Health Center

Past and Present Investors

   • UIC Office of Community Engagement and Neighborhood Health Partnerships