From Mugshots to Headshots

The Fortune Society, one of the nation’s most respected nonprofit organizations serving and advocating for people with criminal justice involvement, reported today that more than 150 members of The Fortune Society community received free, professional photographs and services offered by a licensed make-up artist to improve self-esteem while navigating the reentry process and growing as positive, active members of their communities.

At “Headshots Day,” a first-ever event for The Fortune Society, participants also were able to choose business attire from a wardrobe of ties, dress shirts, dresses and blazers for the photos.

Rob De Leon, Associate Vice President of Programs, said, “The individuals participating in today’s event are actively enrolled in Fortune’s programs where they are getting the necessary supportive services to improve wellness, reclaim healthy self-images, gain skills, earn educational certificates, and boost confidence to obtain employment and thrive in the workplace. Headshot Day is a first-time event for us, but judging by the demand and the enthusiasm of our clients, we’ll be doing this again for sure.”

Philindia Smith who is receiving services at Fortune is eager to land a job. She said, “This is a beginning, a stepping stone to stay out of the system.”

Through the employment services program specifically, Fortune offers robust services that help job seekers begin their careers and advance professionally. These services include job readiness workshops, sector-based skills trainings in Green Construction, Environmental Remediation, Culinary Arts, Job Development, and Transportation, as well as job placement assistance and retention services.

Professional photographer Grayson Barrett and make-up artist Marissa Proto donated two full days of their services for multiple sessions that took place on July 23 and July 24 at Fortune’s headquarters in Long Island City, Queens, and at The Castle, Fortune’s residence facility in Harlem. In all, 150 clients and Fortune staff were served. All received digital portrait images.

The Fortune Society is one of the nation’s most respected nonprofit organizations serving and advocating for people with criminal justice involvement. It serves more than 7,000 people every year.