'Pictures Of Hope' Empowers Homeless Children In North Philadelphia

By Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - An award-winning photographer who works the Red Carpet to capture famous personalities at the Academy Awards is bringing her "Pictures of Hope" program into focus for homeless children in Philadelphia.

At the Drueding Center, a transitional housing organization on Master Street in North Philadelphia, Linda Solomon empowered 6-12 year olds to capture photos of hope, by expressing their thoughts in words, and then images.

"It's so important to realize that with one photograph, a life can be changed."

Tigae, 8, was among the children who read aloud their lists of hopes and dreams. She wants to do well in math and science, and see her mom get a job.

Center Executive Director Anne Marie Collins was delighted to watch the children begin to share their heartfelt feelings through photography.

"I think we underestimate how deep children think, and how much they are aware of their surroundings and what they want to see for themselves and their families."

The children's photos will be made into holiday cards and will be revealed in the fall at a reception hosted by sponsor Chapman Chevrolet. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Dreuding Center.

Solomon, the photojournalist known for her style of using natural light, is on a 14-city 'Pictures of Hope' tour.