Led by professional photographer CJ, the men from the Mental Health Transition Center within Cook County Jail have the opportunity to experience their own creativity through photography.

After a visit at the Cook County Jail and a conversation with the director of its Department of Corrections, CJ made the decision to volunteer his time and expertise to lead a photography program at the facility.  For the inmates, who will soon be back in society, the classes provide a space to look inside themselves, discover their own potential and humanity. Because of the success of the program, CJ has formed the Arts to Excel, which is expanding to serve more people with the creative energy of photography.