Las Fotos Project, a local non-profit that teaches youth photography skills and techniques, was robbed in the early morning of March 5th, according to a video the group posted on social media. Along with losing photo equipment, the 2210 E Cesar Chavez Ave office reports damage to the back door and backyard fence.
“While we are still assessing the extent of the losses, we can confirm that all the cameras, lenses, and studio equipment used in our creative career training program, CEO, and social enterprise were stolen,” the group said in a statement.
The organization has a fundraising goal of $75,000 to cover the losses in equipment and repair damage to the property. Its online donation page said the stolen gear is integral to the students’ daily activities, including studio classes and on-the-job photography assignments.
“The equipment taken is not readily accessible to communities like ours, and our students’ ability to freely access and utilize this equipment is crucial for their success as creative entrepreneurs and artists.”
According to Lucia Torres, the executive director of Las Fotos Project, the non-profit has paused some of its creative professional development programming until losses are recouped and stolen gear is replaced.
“It’s actually like a double hit. The equipment was taken, and their means of income were also taken because when these students go on these jobs, they get paid, and a lot of them save that money for school,” Torres said. “It goes deeper than just losing the equipment.”
Fortunately, Torres said, cameras used for the project’s core programming were on loan to students and not taken. Torres also said some of the fundraising will go to adjusting Las Foto Project’s security measures and ensuring students feel safe in the space moving forward.
The community-focused group compiled a list of items it needs to replace and a donation page for monetary donations.
