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Brilliant Artist and Activist, Hillary Raimo Captures the Essence of our Social Climate in her latest piece entitled “Apparition”

Published

4 years ago

September 15, 2020

“Hillary has a brilliant mind that is focused on healing and consciousness, and she is drawing together some of the most meaningful teachers and thinkers of our time.” – Barbara Hand Clow, internationally acclaimed ceremonial teacher, author, and Mayan Calendar researcher.

Raised in part by her activist grandparents, who were Quakers, it would be natural to assume that Hillary Raimo would automatically have a sense of activism herself, and a curiosity for truth, running through her veins. And, after discovering the inner-being of a woman who is well on her way of becoming an artistic icon in her own right, it is clear to see that she is by all means a truth-seeker. Raimo is a breath of fresh air in that she is incredibly open-minded and finds value in all perspectives; compiling all information to form a true, educated opinion that she whole-heartedly calls her own. Raimo is not only a gifted artist, painter and photographer, but a businesswoman who is a licensed NYS real-estate and insurance agent, radio broadcaster, producer and writer. She has traveled the globe and has had the opportunity to immerse herself into ancient cultures and religions. She has accumulated a lifetime of experiences derived from many diverse civilizations, and people, and has wondrously added the countless number of perspectives into her various collections of art.

A recent luxury that Raimo has had the pleasure of experiencing is to work alongside Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Essdras M. Suarez. As she now opens up her schedule to collaborations, mentoring, commissions and curating Raimo’s mentoring, partnered with her high-level business skills, will surely make her a valuable resource to many. As an already well-known artist in New York, Raimo’s works have been featured in NYC galleries including the Salmagundi Club in Manhattan, the Spring Street Gallery in Saratoga and is regularly featured in the traveling exhibits of the Schenectady Photographic Society. Raimo, noticed and celebrated for her ability to translate a wide range of realities and issues of today’s social climate, into beautiful works of art, has quickly become a highly sought-after artist, by collectors, and has inspired many up-and-coming artists.

Raimo, IrishRoots Photograph 2019.

And now, the esteemed honor, of being chosen as 1 of 25 women artists from NJ, NY and Pennsylvania whose work will be highlighted at “The Space Between: Questions of Place in Times of Uncertainty” for the Women’s Caucus for Art New York Chapter (WCA NYC), has been given to Hillary Raimo. The exhibit, held from September 5^th – September 26^th, in the Alfa Gallery in NJ, will be open as an all-media exhibition and was formed in an effort to build bridges between certain regions, focusing on women artists living in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. A diverse female audience, was encouraged, in order to empower voices who are often suppressed. This unique display of art, that is a diversified assortment of work by women artists from a variety of backgrounds, will shed light on new viewpoints of the connection between female identity, circumstances and the environment, placing value on the foundation of space, in an ever-changing, uncertain climate where public skepticism has become an inherent concern. As this exhibit began with multiple ideas for themes, it ultimately was decided that “The Space Between” was the necessary choice to provide interesting interpretations of our current position and was juried by Jeanne Brasile, Director of the Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey.

As Hillary Raimo herself is quite open to all interpretations with a true appreciation of viewpoints far from her own, observers of her selected photograph, Apparition, are in for a true delight. Her eye for art is refreshing, captivating and inspiring. As her work is highlighted at this current exhibit it is important to note that the exhibition overall will allow audiences the opportunity to pinpoint patterns between women’s circumstances and their surroundings on both an individual and a collective level. For those eager to learn more about Raimo, or collaborate with her, she is eager to help you get to the next level. With 20 years of guiding clients to a higher consciousness Raimo is the perfect guide to take you on your next meaningful journey! And, to follow her on her exciting journey, subscribe to #YinRadioTV.

US

Creating Safe Havens: Inside Genesis USA’s Vision for Inclusive Housing

Published

3 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Jimmy Lerner

Photo Courtesy of GenesisUSA

GenesisUSA, a nonprofit based in Arlington, Texas, works to improve the lives of disabled veterans and children who have lost their parents. Led by Charles Ford, the organization goes beyond providing financial aid. It focuses on long-term solutions, like building wheelchair-accessible homes, to support independence and dignity for those in need. With rising housing costs and growing inequality, GenesisUSA’s mission addresses a critical gap.

Ford and his team create supportive environments that help promote self-reliance in underserved communities. As a smaller, community-based organization, it addresses challenges that can be difficult for larger organizations to manage. Its work shows how local initiatives can make a noticeable difference.

A Growing Crisis: The Need for Accessible Housing

The demand for affordable and accessible housing continues to grow. A 2023 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimated that more than 11 million U.S. households need homes with accessibility features. This challenge is more pronounced for disabled veterans, with nearly four million living in homes that do not meet their physical needs.

“Our veterans have sacrificed a lot for this country, but many still face housing that doesn’t suit their needs,” Ford says. “Beyond merely providing them shelter, we’re creating a space where they can live comfortably.”

GenesisUSA is responding by building homes designed for accessibility. These houses include ramps, wider doorways, and modified kitchens and bathrooms to allow veterans to live more independently. The organization also plans to create supportive environments for children who have lost their parents, many of whom also face mobility challenges.

Ford’s Community-Driven Leadership at GenesisUSA

Ford’s years of experience in construction and his dedication to charitable work have shaped his leadership at GenesisUSA. He stays closely involved, often meeting veterans and families to learn about their needs firsthand. “For me, it’s about building personal connections,” Ford says. “Large charities sometimes miss the individual stories.”

The community focus defines Ford’s leadership. Although some wonder if a smaller nonprofit can make a meaningful impact, Ford is confident. “We don’t have celebrity endorsements or huge budgets, but we have real relationships with the people we help,” he says. His dedication to grassroots efforts sets GenesisUSA apart from larger, more structured organizations.

GenesisUSA has already helped over 100 people and aims to expand its impact with affordable, accessible housing solutions. One notable feature is the inclusion of a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool, which has received positive feedback. Ford says, “We’re creating spaces where people can enjoy life fully, just like everyone else,” which reflects the organization’s mission to support independence and inclusion.

Building More Than Homes: A Reflection of Hope

Ford looks back on GenesisUSA’s progress with a clear sense of purpose. “We’re not simply building homes, we’re offering hope and building opportunities for independence,” he says. “We’re here to support veterans who face mobility challenges and children who have lost their parents, offering them a chance at a more self-reliant life.”

As the organization’s reach expands, so does its ability to impact lives across the country. Its work embodies Ford’s dedication to ensuring that no one is overlooked. Ford envisions scaling their efforts while maintaining the personalized approach that defines their model.

“We’re still in the early stages,” he notes. “As we grow, we’ll continue to prioritize individual needs. Our success hinges on the improved quality of life for each person we help.”

As the demand for accessible, supportive housing rises, organizations like GenesisUSA play an important role in filling gaps left by larger institutions and government programs. Through its focus on tailored support and community-driven solutions, GenesisUSA is building a model for how smaller nonprofits can significantly impact and address pressing social needs.