LAC LA BICHE - They might be smiling from a distance, but the FCSS Porch Portraits program is bringing families and communities much closer.
Since Easter and during the time when many area families are coping with stay-at-home lifestyles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at the Family and Community Support Services of Lac La Biche County have been delivering pick-me-ups with pictures.
"Porch Portraits are a way we are hoping to help people to stay positive and resilient," says Anita Polturak the municipality's FCSS manager. "We are celebrating families in th midst of a struggle."
The department has budgeted funds that have sent a local photographer across the municipality, taking socially-distanced photos of families outside their homes. After five weeks of social distancing measures, school closures and economic uncertainty, the opportunity to create smiles is something FCSS staff want to bring.
"We really want to help people stay well, both emotionally and mentally," said Polturak, crediting her staff with finding the idea for the program and bringing it to life in the community."Our staff have done a great job getting the program ready. We saw it online and really wanted to bring it here."
At one of it's most basic levels, the program is also simply something out of the "new-normal routine" for families to do during social isolation.
"This brings people into the world again, in a non-obtrusive way," said Polturak, explaining that the no-cost photo sitting lets families plan and prepare for something different. "It can be something to look forward to."
After appointment times are confirmed, the photographer contacts the family by phone when they arrive. Families can stand or sit on the front steps of their home or on a deck, patio or driveway. The photographer snaps pictures and organizes the poses from several feet away. Once the session is over, the photos are uploaded to an online storage file where only the families can access them. So far, dozens of appointments have been made, with several Porch Portrait recipients posting their appreciation in online comments.
Safe smiles
Photographer Jamie Beilstein is happy to be spreading the good cheer — one picture at a time. The avid photographer says she enjoys photography and hopes the work with FCSS may lead to more camera work.
On a photo location at the Sunset Bay home of Chad and Shawna Black and their two kids, Beilstein — who has been fully trained by AHS staff on pandemic protocols — set the family up in several poses on their deck — keeping a large space of real estate between herself and the subjects at all times.
Despite the spacing, the photographer and the families realize the connection that the project can make.
"It's just nice to see people smiling and enjoying the moment," said Beilstein.
Any local residents can register
The photo sessions are open for any Lac La Biche County resident.
"I'm guessing that if there's someone on the third floor of an apartment building, Jamie can get their photos on the balcony, or at the front door of the building," said Polturak who has been pleased with the feedback from the project. "I think anyone can get in touch —families or if there's a senior living on their own and they want their picture taken — this is for everyone. It's a feel-good moment."
Anyone wishing to sign up for an appointment can contact the Lac La Biche ParentLink offices at 780-623-6365 or 780-404-3953. More information can also be found on the local Porch Portrait link here.
The Porch Portraits project is based on dozens of similar programs taking place around the region and around the globe as a way to keep communities connected.
"It's a way to celebrate the family and the community... and to give an inspired message that eventually all will again be well with the world," said Polturak.
