Reframing

The more things change,

the more they stay the same.

This narrative begins a story about institutions and changes in them over the past 60 years. Some of the pictures are from institutions or the sites of institutions - Rome State School (NY), Eastern State Penitituary (PA), Haverford State Hospital (PA).  Others capture feelings and impressions of institutional care and settings. Some are of homes and neighborhoods. I grew up on the grounds of a large state institution for the mentally retarded. It was my home and home to many people for whom we had no better alternatives. These experiences informs my views of children, families and communities. The issues are complex and our solutions remain tenous.