D S S   P R E S S   R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release:
September 29, 2006

Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 751-4815

Missouri’s Adoption “Heart Gallery” Comes to Joplin

Joplin - Beginning Saturday, September 20th, Missouri’s "Heart Gallery" will bring photos of children awaiting adoption to Joplin’s Northpark Mall.  The gallery, which began its tour throughout the state in May, will be on exhibit in Joplin for two weeks.

The Heart Gallery features photos of Missouri foster children who are in need of permanent, adoptive homes.  The photos were taken by professional photographers who donated their time and talent to create photos that depict the personality and spirit of each child.  The gallery is sponsored by The Adoption Exchange-Missouri in collaboration with the Missouri Children’s Division.  The Adoption Exchange is a private group dedicated to connecting prospective adoptive parents with children who are waiting for homes.

Governor Matt Blunt and his wife, Melanie, have been strong supporters of the Heart Gallery.  They premiered the gallery in Jefferson City and also attended the opening of the gallery in their home town of Springfield.  Gov. Blunt became familiar with similar galleries in other states and urged that one be developed for Missouri.

“I am pleased to see that the Heart Gallery is generating interest among prospective adoptive families in Missouri,” Blunt said.  “The Children's Division and Adoption Exchange have received many calls asking for information about how to provide these children with ‘forever homes.’  I encourage the residents of Joplin to visit the gallery while it is in their area.”

Joplin is the fourth stop on the Heart Gallery’s state tour.  Since the premier in Jefferson City in May it has been on display in two St. Louis shopping malls in June, two Springfield YMCA facilities in late July and early August, and two Kansas City shopping malls in late August and September.

The gallery will be on display in Joplin from September 30th through the 14th.