Dream Chasers United | Fashion Show

Dream Chasers United invited us to photograph a fashion show runway for the students they have been working with at Washington Dual Language Academy. Each student was given the opportunity to design their own t‑shirt. This fashion show was a way to showcase their own identity, creativity, and voice. Each shirt reflected something personal, like the colors they love, messages they stand by, symbols that represent who they want to become. 

As they walked the runway, each student also shared an original “I Am” poem, offering a glimpse into their stories, strengths, and dreams. These poems added depth and heart to the show, reminding us that fashion isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about how we express ourselves and the truths we carry.

To honor their hard work, every participant received a Certificate of Completion, recognizing not only their creativity but also their courage to show up, share, and shine. The room was filled with applause, smiles, and genuine admiration from staff and peers. Moments like these remind us why youth-centered spaces matter and when students are given the tools and freedom to create, they rise with confidence, imagination, and community.

We are so proud of each student who participated in the fashion show, and thank you, Dream Chasers United, for having us there to capture these proud moments. 

Photography at Quinn Center

As our fiscal year comes to a close this weekend, June 28th, we would love to share the photos the youth have taken at the Quinn Center. For two years now, we have partnered our youth interested in photography with the Quinn Center to take pictures at the event. This way, photographers gain more event photography experience all while working within their community. Our youth were at Quinn’s Christmas event, Turkey Giveaway, Senior celebrations, and more! Thank you to the Quinn Center for always considering our youth to capture meaningful events. Click through the gallery below for more pictures!

Black and Brown Solidarity | Planning

After three brainstorming sessions, the black and brown dreaming solidarity project has commenced. The youth worked on their creative projects with their respective groups this week. One group is working on videography, another on spoken word, and all the youth are recruiting for an art project where other youth in the neighborhood submit their art supporting black and brown solidarity.

We are still recruiting for our art project! Know any youth who would want to submit their art to be displayed at our convening on June 5th and paid $20 for their submission. Fill out this link to submit a piece.

Black and Brown Solidarity | Creative Dreaming, Second Session

We hosted our second creative dreaming session last night on black and brown solidarity. After dinner, we opened up with reminders of our values on what creates a safe space. The youth then answered some of our reflection questions on black and brown communities, some of the biases we may have, and what we can learn from them. Then we continued building on ideas and topics we came up with last session. For inspiration, Maya showed the youth some of the past creative projects TFD has done. Each youth took one topic we came up with last time and brainstormed some creative projects that related to the topic. After, they shared their ideas and commented on others they found interesting.

Thank you so much to everyone who came yesterday! We are still looking for more youth who are passionate about black and brown solidarity. Contact Maya (maya@thefirehousedream.orga) for more information. Our last dreaming session is March 6th, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Art Therapy at PMSA Mental Health Club

We are so excited to continue offering our programming through mental health club at PMSA. This month, Dana of Paint on Purpose led art therapy for the students. This session, the students painted cacti to resemble growth and purpose. Cacti are able to grow in harsh conditions even without water. Dana created this piece to resemble the how we are always working to a goal and we can still achieve growth even during hard time.

Thank you Dana for extending your resources to the PMSA students and thank you to the students for your participation!