For five years, Emmie Jones has volunteered with a group based out of Lewiston High School that helps homeless and at-risk students. She’s seen that challenge up close.

A young girl who started out as Jones’ babysitter found herself homeless at 14 and lived with Jones’ family for several years.

“Now she just graduated from massage school and she’s doing really well,” said Jones, 32. “We’ve kind of experienced it, being a part of a kid’s life that’s going through homelessness and needing extra help. They want better for themselves.”

Jones, who opened Emmie Jones Photography last year, takes senior portraits for students in the Students Transitioning, Experiencing Progress program. When they have their pictures taken, the students are close to graduating. She gets to be part of their happy.

“We do the whole senior portrait experience,” she said. “It’s fun, and it’s cool to be able to experience that.”

Jones, who grew up in Greene and lives now in Auburn, said taking shots of her own kids, now 10 and 12, as they were growing up inspired her to start her photography business.

“I can set my schedule and I can work on things I’m passionate about,” she said. “I love bringing my camera to the beach, that’s my favorite thing.”

One of her favorite things about living in Lewiston-Auburn: “I feel like there’s always something really cool to do.”

It’s often free or inexpensive, like the Great Falls Balloon Festival, the Ice Festival of Lewiston/Auburn, the Great Falls Brewfest.

“The vibe of the area is definitely changing. I didn’t really see that until I started getting involved,” said Jones. “‘Oh, Lewiston-Auburn, why would you want to live there?’ Those people are not really seeing what’s happening in our area and what it has to offer.”

kskelton@sunjournal.com