Jennifer Snider, owner of Simply Taken by Jen and Finley Collective Photo Studio & Event Center, has been a volunteer photographer with On Angels’ Wings since February of 2014, just four months after the organization was founded. She also served on the board of directors for five of those years.
Learning about the organization from the founder, Jennifer says she gave volunteering thoughtful consideration and decided to join “to try and help those who are hurting.” Thus far, Jennifer has provided nearly 70 donated photo sessions during her tenner with the organization. These sessions have included journey sessions for children still fighting their at-risk diagnosis to Santa minis, giving families an opportunity to continue celebrating joyful moments. Jennifer has also provided services for many infant loss sessions. “I feel bad for the parents having to go through such a heartbreaking loss,” she says.
Jennifer adds that it’s important to her to stay involved, giving back through the organization. “Life is precious,” she says. “I continue to volunteer so I can do whatever I can to help the families through the grief of such a loss.”
During a portion of her time on the board of directors, Jennifer served as Vice President, assisting with managing the pool of volunteer photographers and organizing photo session needs. She has and continues to convey a powerful message to those interested in volunteering, based upon her own experience: “We are all capable of handling more than we think.”
She finds this to be especially true for our recipients. She’s observed many go through heartbreaking realities and yet manage to press on, working toward finding joy in their lives again. Jennifer counts it a privilege and honor to forever capture both the joy and the sadness for these families, encapsulating their journeys – and celebrating the life of their children – indefinitely.