On June 11, participants in CCH’s Horizons Creative Writing Program gathered with family, friends, and CCH staff at the American Writer’s Museum to celebrate their creative work. The annual showcase featured live readings of poetry participants wrote over the past year through the program.
Twelve participants shared original poems exploring themes like love, family, struggle, and resilience. The event was emceed by grassroots leader Carla Johnson, who also serves as Secretary on the CCH Board of Directors.
“[Horizons] is a program for people with lived experience who are able to put pen to paper and express some of those reactions or feelings that we went through while we were going through our housing insecurities,” Carla shared. “It taps into feelings that we might not have realized we were even carrying, and also it leaves a way for us to release some of the feelings that we know were hindering us.”
Carla Johnson introducing program participants to share their original poems
The Horizons program helps participants find their creative voice through poetry, expressive writing, and storytelling. Led by Special Projects Organizer Claudia Cabrera, workshops are held twice a month at two Chicago shelters: Cornerstone Community Outreach and Sarah’s Circle.
“It was an opportunity for me to engage with other women, engage with other people who were experiencing the similar situations as myself, and creating a community around that type of experience,” said participant Sonny Booker.
Sonny Booker reading their poem, “Triggers”
Coordinated through an ongoing partnership with Adler University professor Dr. Jennifer La Civita, Adler students created original art pieces inspired by the participants’ poems. These works were gifted to the writers at the event.
Originally launched in 2007 by now Director of Organizing Wayne Richard, Horizons has grown steadily over the years. It continues to foster creativity and empowerment, especially among parents with lived experience of homelessness. Today, the program welcomes 32 active participants, including CCH grassroots leaders and shelter residents.
“I like the fact that it’s put on the forefront and that people can hear you clearly,” said program participant Carmen Brown. “They can hear what’s inside you and what’s real, and what’s true, and your point of view of the world.”
Carmen Brown reading her poem, “You Came”
