WEST CHESTER, PA — Arts Holding Hands and Hearts, Inc. (AHHAH) will host its Restorative Justice Open House on Thursday, July 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester. The evening will feature the premiere of Invisible No More, a moving short documentary created by youth in AHHAH’s Restorative Justice Filmmaking Program.
The event aims to celebrate storytelling, art, and youth empowerment through a mix of film screenings, art exhibitions, live music, and community conversations. Guests will also have the chance to view the Justice Restored 3.0 traveling art exhibit and meet the young filmmakers and photographers who helped bring these stories to life.
“This is more than a film screening—it’s a celebration of transformation, truth-telling, and youth leadership,” said Jan Michener, Executive Director of AHHAH. “Our youth are reclaiming their narratives and becoming powerful agents of change through restorative practices and creative expression.”
The program will include remarks from Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, community partners from Chester County Probation, and creative mentors including photographer Sandrien De Bruijn and filmmaker Sean Taylor. The project received critical support from sponsors like the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Chester County Commissioners, PECO Powering the Arts, The Foxwynd Foundation, and the Independence Public Media Foundation.
Special recognition will be given to the Coatesville Area School District for providing the high school TV lab for this year’s filmmaking program.
Alyssa Jade, filmmaker and mentor to the youth team, described the collaboration as deeply meaningful. “They opened their lives, their struggles, and their hearts to tell stories that truly matter. Invisible No More is a testament to their courage,” she said.
The event will also include a live digital interaction for audience members to share emotional responses in real time, as well as certificates and gifts for the student filmmakers. Attendees will have opportunities to support future projects, including Invisible No More: Part 2, through donations and community sponsorship boards.
Justin Brown, CEO of JB Trainings and master of ceremonies, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “What AHHAH is doing through restorative filmmaking is what every community needs—real conversations, real youth leadership, and real investment in justice.”
The evening is free and open to the public. Supporters can contribute on-site, add their names to sponsorship boards, or learn more about becoming long-term partners.
“This program is about more than just teaching media skills—it’s about showing these kids they are seen, heard, and deeply valued,” said Michener. “We’ve seen kids arrive defeated and withdrawn, and leave with confidence and connection. It’s truly life-changing.”
The Restorative Justice Open House promises to be an inspiring evening of art, storytelling, and community building, with the goal of empowering local youth and advancing restorative justice practices in Chester County.
Event Details:
What: AHHAH Restorative Justice Open House
When: July 24, 2025, 5:30–7:30 PM
Where: Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 N. High Street, West Chester
For more information or to RSVP, visit AHHAH.org.
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