Pictures of recovery: Center for Women and Families, others come together to preserve memories

Clark County

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Cindy Harrison of Charley’s Barber & Beauty Shop does Summer Kelly’s hair as she prepares for her glamour shot at the photo shoot. Photo by Amanda Arnold
Anthony “Mark” Patrick prepares a backdrop for the photo and makeover event at the Center for Women and Families. Photo by Amanda Arnold

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May 1, 2012

Pictures of recovery: Center for Women and Families, others come together to preserve memories

BY AMANDA ARNOLD newsroom@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Tue May 01, 2012, 09:15 PM EDT

JEFFERSONVILLE — When Cindy Tatgenhorst came to an end of a bad divorce, she had to leave in the middle of the night with only her daughter and a suitcase.

Their only option was to stay at the Center for Women and Families.

“When we did move into an apartment, we didn’t have anything because we left it all behind,” Tatgenhorst said.

Many women experience such situations that require them to leave and drop everything because of a domestic situation, and some of their abandoned belongings include photos. On Sunday, Tatgenhorst helped others as she volunteered with Anthony “Mark” Patrick, who also donated his time to take portraits of the clients of the Center for Women and Families.

New Beginnings Church, located in the 300 Spring Building in Jeffersonville, donated space so 50 women from Louisville and Southern Indiana could have a professional portrait.

“We like to help anyone in the community, and any organization. That’s what we are all about,” said Tracy Patton, minister of New Beginnings, a nondenominational church.

Also present during the event was a Mary Kay representative, who did the makeup, and the clients had their hair done by stylist Cindy Harrison of Charley’s Barber Shop in New Albany.

“I love doing hair, and I love helping people. They asked if I could do some hair, so I said yes,” Harrison said.

“Everyone came out to help. The barber shop, Mary Kay and many more. We are looking forward to doing more with the church,” Patrick said.

Summer Kelly, who brought her 11-year-old son Britt Moore for a photograph, was very pleased to have her hair done, and to receive clothing that was donated by Pink Door Boutique and Box of Chocolates.

“I live at the Center for Women and Families and when I saw that they posted the sign, I was excited right away. I am having a lot of fun, and I am excited to have our picture taken,” Kelly said.

She explained that she had only one baby picture of her son and just a couple of the two of them.

Patrick said the event will be one of many such events for the Center for Women and Families. Once the photos are taken, he will edit them as glamour-type photos, and each family will receive a photo CD.

“This is really great. We are hopeful that they [clients] will be able to replace the photos that they had to leave behind,” said Renee Pierce, children’s advocate, Center for Women and Families.

For Patrick, it was a perfect event. He explained that he has been an amateur photographer for 15 years, and he is excited to now start his own company. Next, he would like to take photos of the tornado victims, so they can have some family photos as well.

“I believe, the more you give, the more you can get back. He’s a really great guy and always the first one to see if someone needs help. He’s good at helping his fellow man,” said Jennifer Day of New Beginnings.