NEWS & EVENTS
ROANOKE HEART GALLERY FEATURES IMAGES OF CHILDREN AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
A photographic exhibit is created to find forever families for children in foster care
Pictures really are worth a thousand words at the Heart Gallery, a photographic exhibit created to find adoptive families for children in foster care. The Roanoke Heart Gallery will be on display at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall through the months of November and December. The exhibit will feature photographs and stories of local children and youth in foster care who are eligible for adoption.
“The Heart Gallery gives a human face to what too often are just foster care statistics,” says Samantha Burnette, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter at DePaul Community Resources. “The hope is that these photographs will inspire people to consider adoption. The photos at the Heart Gallery have the potential to change lives. ”
The Heart Galley display is coming to the Roanoke area for its fourth consecutive year. The gallery, being held during National Adoption Month, is a collaborative effort between Virginia Department of Social Services, Roanoke County Department of Social Services, DePaul Community Resources and Lutheran Family Services and provides an opportunity for families to consider giving a child a “forever home.” The photo exhibit will feature 28 photos, taken by professionals and amateurs, of 31 children, ranging from ages four to 17, and three sibling groups.
“We are very excited about this event and hope anyone interested in adoption will attend. There will be many resources on hand to learn more about adoption,” says Burnette. “Adoption and social workers and any families that have an approved adoptive home study should attend the Heart Gallery.”
The photo exhibit, on display at the Roanoke Civic Center during November and December, will be open to the public. To ask about available viewing times, the public is encouraged to call 540-853-2241. An invitation-only Heart Gallery reception will be held at the Roanoke Civic Center on November 8 from 4 pm to 6 pm.
The Heart Gallery of America is a collaborative project of more than 120 Heart Galleries across the United States – and growing – designed to increase the number of adoptive families for children needing homes. Now, in its eighth year, the Heart Gallery model is being replicated in many communities across the country, including the Roanoke Valley. To learn more about the Heart Gallery visit www.heartgalleryofamerica.org.