“In a non-assuming house in the heart of Athens, Ohio, Scott Kreps sits with a cup of coffee. “The good comes and goes with the people,” he tells me; he is referring to a 27-year-old program called The Gathering Place. It is an outreach program aimed at giving adults living in the Athens area with mental handicaps a place to talk about issues they may be facing with those who are quite possibly going through the same thing. As program director, Scott has seen most every situation unfold at the gathering place. He makes it perfectly clear to people there, however, that they are ultimately responsible for the overall mood in the house.. This mindset, Scott says, promotes a solid sense of community.

I only spent about three weeks photographing, but it was enough to see that the people there truly care about each other. I formed relationships in ways I never thought I would by simply listening and being completely honest with everyone I met. It was rewarding to know that they were having as much fun with me being there as I was and the unparalleled sense of trust is something I have come to value greatly. My time there will never be finished simply because of the people I met.” – Dan Sohner

Daniel Sohner is currently a third year photojournalism student at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Originally from Hilliard, Ohio, Daniel enjoys traveling, hiking, rock climbing, sailing and exploring in general. He spends his time either working on photography projects or climbing in the South Eastern United States.

He has a strong passion for telling stories and gravitates towards issues or people that are a little less well known.

Daniel has worked at Ohio University’s Post, the Athens News and for South East Ohio Magazine. He was part of the 2008 Scotland Field School and photographed at the inauguration of Barack Obama. More of his work can be viewed at dansohner.blogspot.com. Feel free to contact him at d.sohner@yahoo.com with questions regarding photography, climbing, Ohio University or life in general.