Donna Ferrato

American, born 1949

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American photojournalist and activist

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Donna Ferrato, In the CARA job-training program, Margie is hungry for knowledge and eager to participate in her studies. She takes copious notes and never hesitates to ask questions. I can see her sense of self-worth returning. I was lucky to meet Margie at a time when she was ready to take control over her life. I spent time riding with her to CARA, and met many people in the same situation. I realize now that being homeless is nothing like the fantasy sleeping on the street, wearing shabby clothes, begging for money. The homeless people I met looked just like me., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5130

In the CARA job-training program, Margie is hungry for knowledge and eager to participate in her studies. She takes copious notes and never hesitates to ask questions. I can see her sense of self-worth returning. I was lucky to meet Margie at a time when she was ready to take control over her life. I spent time riding with her to CARA, and met many people in the same situation. I realize now that being homeless is nothing like the fantasy sleeping on the street, wearing shabby clothes, begging for money. The homeless people I met looked just like me.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5130

Donna Ferrato, All the other mothers loved Margie, who gave kids free professional haircuts every night. Hopefully, with luck and hard work, her positive attitude will take her far up and away from homelessness. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5135

All the other mothers loved Margie, who gave kids free professional haircuts every night. Hopefully, with luck and hard work, her positive attitude will take her far up and away from homelessness. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5135

Donna Ferrato, The bathroom at the mission is dreary at best, with holes in the walls and floor, peeling lead paint, no toilet paper, showers without handles. Mothers nevertheless keep their children scrupulously clean, singing praise to God. Here, Renee cleans her daughters face with plenty of elbow grease. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5134

The bathroom at the mission is dreary at best, with holes in the walls and floor, peeling lead paint, no toilet paper, showers without handles. Mothers nevertheless keep their children scrupulously clean, singing praise to God. Here, Renee cleans her daughters face with plenty of elbow grease. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5134

Donna Ferrato, I rarely saw kids in the shelter play. Shelter life is a serious game. This baby waits anxiously for his mama to take him to bed. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5132

I rarely saw kids in the shelter play. Shelter life is a serious game. This baby waits anxiously for his mama to take him to bed. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5132

Donna Ferrato, At 5:45 a.m.Tuesday morning, Margie sprints out of bed to wash and dress herself for her second day of job training at CARA in downtown Chicago. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5140

At 5:45 a.m.Tuesday morning, Margie sprints out of bed to wash and dress herself for her second day of job training at CARA in downtown Chicago. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5140

Donna Ferrato, Boys in the shelter hug Pierre Garrett after a tearful confrontation with his mother. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5131

Boys in the shelter hug Pierre Garrett after a tearful confrontation with his mother. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5131

Donna Ferrato, 7:00 A.M.: Margie rides the train to her job-training class in downtown Chicago. Accompanying her is Cherilyn, a resident at the Olive Branch who recently found a job as a home-care worker., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5129

7:00 A.M.: Margie rides the train to her job-training class in downtown Chicago. Accompanying her is Cherilyn, a resident at the Olive Branch who recently found a job as a home-care worker.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5129

Donna Ferrato, Sunday morning, Margie demonstrates the love and affection she has for her son, Pierre. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5141

Sunday morning, Margie demonstrates the love and affection she has for her son, Pierre. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5141

Donna Ferrato, The Olive Branch is a dark, oppressive space, but it gets the message across to the women who stay there that the solutions to their problems are in their own hands. Ignoring distractions, Margie finishes her homework for job-training class. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5138

The Olive Branch is a dark, oppressive space, but it gets the message across to the women who stay there that the solutions to their problems are in their own hands. Ignoring distractions, Margie finishes her homework for job-training class. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5138

Donna Ferrato, A young woman holds her baby brother high. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago., 1999, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato), 2015.19.5136

A young woman holds her baby brother high. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago.

Donna Ferrato · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5136