Give Chances continues its mission of connecting individuals and communities through education and the arts. As part of this effort, Joon Han, a young artist with developmental disabilities (DDartists), is creating meaningful work that captures the identity and history of local communities through art.

Joon Han approaches each project by researching the background and unique characteristics of a community, then translating that understanding into illustrated map-based artwork. His work goes beyond traditional map-making, offering a visual interpretation of place that invites people to see their communities in a new way.

For this project, Joon Han focused on Park Ridge, New Jersey, creating a custom community map that reflects the town’s identity and key features. This artwork has been developed into a community art T-shirt, designed to allow residents to engage with and share their local story in their everyday lives.

The project is supported by Olivia Park, a student leader from the Give Chances Junior Chance Makers program. She is helping introduce the project to the Park Ridge community and supporting the T-shirt campaign, playing an active role in expanding awareness and support for the artist’s work. Through this experience, youth leaders are able to take part in creating meaningful change within their communities.

This initiative is more than a product-based project. It represents a community-driven effort to share local identity, support the ongoing work of an artist with developmental disabilities, and create lasting social impact through art.

Starting with Park Ridge, Give Chances hopes to expand this initiative to other communities. Joon Han is expected to continue growing as a “Community Map Artist,” capturing the stories of different places through his work and connecting more people through art.

If our work and stories resonate with you, consider contributing to the Give Chances cause today!