WEST CHESTER, PA — Powerful stories of resilience, transformation, and second chances will take center stage in West Chester this month as Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) invites the community to hear directly from young people whose lives have been shaped by restorative justice and creative expression.
AHHAH’s Fourth Annual Restorative Justice Open House will be held Thursday, June 18, at the Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, featuring the premiere of Invisible No More: Part 2, Walk in My Shoes, a documentary created through the organization’s Restorative Justice Filmmaking Program. The film gives youth participants the opportunity to tell their own stories in their own words, offering audiences an intimate look at their experiences, challenges, and personal growth.
The evening is designed as more than a film screening. Organizers say attendees can expect music, food, conversation, and opportunities to connect with young filmmakers, community leaders, and supporters working to build stronger pathways for youth throughout Chester County.
Professional filmmaker Alyssa Jade, who worked closely with the participants, praised the courage of the young storytellers.
“Collaborating with these young people was an honor,” Jade said. “They opened their lives, their struggles, and their hearts to tell stories that truly matter. Invisible No More: Part 2, Walk in My Shoes is a testament to their courage.”
AHHAH Executive Director Jan Michener said the project highlights the transformative power of restorative justice and creative expression.
“The film is a celebration of transformation, truth-telling, and youth leadership,” Michener said. “Our youth are reclaiming their narratives and becoming powerful agents of change through restorative practices and creative expression. Their stories deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.”
Community leaders, including Chester County Probation managers Lindsay Walton and Jason Torres, along with members of the youth filmmaking team, are expected to speak during the program. Sponsors and partners who helped make the project possible, including the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, will also be recognized.
The event is free and open to the public. Guests will have opportunities to support the program through donations, sponsorships, and engagement with AHHAH’s creative teams. Community sponsorship boards and QR-code donation stations will be available throughout the venue.
“This program is about more than just teaching media skills—it’s about showing these kids they are seen, heard, and deeply valued,” Michener said. “We’ve seen kids who arrive defeated and withdrawn leave with confidence and connection. It’s truly life changing.”
Event Details
- What: AHHAH Fourth Annual Restorative Justice Open House featuring the premiere of Invisible No More: Part 2, Walk in My Shoes
- When: Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380
- Cost/Tickets: Free and open to the public
- More Info: www.AHHAH.org
Highlights
- Premiere screening of Invisible No More: Part 2, Walk in My Shoes
- Youth participants sharing their personal stories through film
- Remarks from community leaders and members of the filmmaking team
- Music, food, and community engagement activities
- Opportunities to support restorative justice programming
- Recognition of project sponsors and community partners
For AHHAH, the evening is about giving young people a voice and creating a space where those voices can be heard. Through storytelling, restorative justice, and community support, the organization hopes to continue building opportunities that help youth see themselves not by their past challenges, but by their potential for the future.
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