D S S P R E S S R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release:
July 16, 2008
Contact: Brian Hauswirth
(573) 526-0407
Third Annual Traveling Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery Opens in Marshall
Marshall — The third annual Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery opens today in Marshall at the Saline County Fair. The Heart Gallery is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Social Services' Children's Division (CD) and the Adoption Exchange — Missouri. It features professional photographs of Missouri foster children awaiting adoption. To date, more than 100 Missouri children have been placed in adoptive homes because of the Heart Gallery.
"The Heart Gallery showcases the personalities and unique spirits of Missouri foster children to help them find love and support in a permanent home," Gov. Matt Blunt said. "I am pleased we have been able to introduce the gallery and help Missourians learn more about adoption opportunities in the state."
"We are continually looking for new ideas to increase the awareness of the need for foster and adoptive families in our state," said DSS Director Deborah Scott. "The Heart Gallery is a truly amazing way for us to reach out to the citizens of Missouri about the on-going need for loving, supportive, permanent homes for Missouri's foster children."
The 2008 Heart Gallery features 238 children in 185 photos and will be on display in 22 venues in 16 cities across the state. In its first two years the gallery featured more than 330 children in 230 portraits. The photographs are made possible through the generous donation of time and talent of photographers across the state.
"There are so many wonderful Missouri children waiting for a family who will offer them safety, security and love," said Paula Neese, CD Director. "The Heart Gallery personalizes these children and their dreams of becoming a permanent part of a family."
In 2007, 1,200 Missouri foster children were adopted. Nearly 80 of those children were placed with a potential adoptive family as a result of connections made through the Heart Gallery.
"These photographs do more than capture the physical appearance of a child. They capture their spirit and desire to belong to a family," said Larry Walker, Board Chairman, Adoption Exchange – Missouri. "Without the support of these photographers, the Heart Gallery would not be possible. They are at the core of its success."
The Heart Gallery originated in New Mexico in 2001. Gov. Matt Blunt heard of the New Mexico gallery and approached the department about incorporating it into its recruitment activities. Gov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt remain involved in the Heart Gallery promoting and encouraging adoptions for children in foster care who cannot safely return home.
