BCA features Charlotte photographer

Coco (Huigi Wu), Gigi and Jinshun Zhong are mother, daughter and father who visit the VNA Family Room. This portrait and more are on display at City Hall in Burlington. Courtesy of Steve Mann.

Folks gathered on Jan. 6 to view portraits of the Visiting Nurse Association Family Room community photographed by Charlotter Steve Mann. The BCA event took place at City Hall on Church Street in Burlington. The exhibit will be on display there through the first week in February.

At the event, community leaders spoke of the critical importance of the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Family Room. African, Nepali and Burmese traditional foods were offered as refreshments. More than 400 families frequent the Family Room each year. These are people from more than 50 countries who speak about 28 different languages. Programs and services at this center are provided at no cost and are designed to help parents, children and communities thrive.

Steve Mann, of Charlotte, took this portrait of Adhieu and Aluel, a mother and daughter who visit the VNA Family Room. It’s on display at City Hall in Burlington in a BCA exhibit. Courtesy of Steve Mann.

The Family Room aims to shine as an example of a place that celebrates diversity and families of all races and socio-economic and religious backgrounds and promotes peace, friendship, wellness and understanding. Last spring a group of parents and community members responded to budget and staff cuts at the Family Room with a fundraising campaign that raised just over $70,000 and allowed for the return of two staff members whose jobs were cut.

This is a time of great uncertainty for the center. Learn how you can help ensure that this organization continues its vital role within our community by visiting the VNA Family Room or by emailing.