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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

Credit: Corcoran Collection (Gift of Donna Ferrato)

1999

Gelatin silver print

2015.19.5138

Image © National Gallery of Art, 2020

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National Gallery of Art

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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