Finding Our Inner Strength

My name is JD Wade, and I was a volunteer mentor with First Exposures for 15 years. As a proud supporter and donor, my commitment to First Exposures is unwavering because I know what a transformative experience it offers, one I wish I had as a kid.

We didn’t have much growing up and my parents couldn’t afford camps or lessons, so they sent me to the library to keep me occupied. No one ever told me I could be an artist, and I never owned a camera until I joined the Navy! If a program like First Exposures had been available to me when I was 12 or 13, I’m sure I would’ve discovered my artistic side much sooner.

JD (right) and his mentee, Brennen (left). Photo Credit: Gene X. Hwang

After I retired, I began looking for ways to give back. Photography found its way back into my life, and one night I went to an exhibit, where I met Erik. The First Exposures mentees were presenting their photos from a recent trip to Ghana, and he shared how they taught photography to the Ghanaian youth while also learning about their local cultural customs. I was completely blown away at both the talent and the impact this organization was having on the community, and I knew I had to join.

2008 Ghana Youth Photo Project. Photo Credit: Yaw.

What makes First Exposures special isn’t fancy equipment or pressure to have professional pursuits; it’s the 1:1 mentoring that truly sets it apart. First Exposures offers a supportive structure where young people are given the space to be their authentic selves, build their self-confidence, and discover who they truly are. Every week, there’s a nutritious meal, gentle guidance, and a chance for a young person to pick up a camera and discover something about themselves they’d never imagined. As far as I know, there’s no other program like it.

JD and FX mentees. Photo Credit: Gene X. Hwang

The chance to give these kids the opportunity I never had is what has kept me coming back for a decade and a half. Even though I’m stepping back from mentoring, I can’t completely walk away from this amazing program and community. I feel a responsibility to do what I can to make sure this vital work continues.

Kieffer (JD’s mentee) at 2025 LFGB. Photo Credit: Nate Love

That is why I established an endowment for First Exposures. It’s my legacy to the program; my way of saying: this matters too much to let fade away. I’ve been very fortunate in my life, but for the historically marginalized youth that First Exposures serves, it’s not luck they need; it’s dedicated support from people who believe in them.

I’ve made my commitment to keep this going. Now, I’m asking you to join me. This holiday season, please donate to First Exposures to help ensure this unique, life-changing program remains available for kids who need it most. Your gift will help these young artists step into the light and discover their true selves. Give what you can, not out of obligation, but out of belief in what the program does for our youth and what more it’s capable of doing with your support.

JD and his mentees, Kieffer (top) and Brennen (bottom). Photo Credit: Gene X. Hwang.

With gratitude and hope for the future,

JD Wade
Photographer, Mentor, and FX Supporter

Polaroid of JD. Photo Credit: Carolina