Heart Gallery of Alabama Exhibit Connects Children in Foster Care with Adoptive Families

MONTGOMERY – First Lady Dianne Bentley hosted an event at the Governor’s Mansion to display a portion of the Heart Gallery of Alabama Exhibit.  The exhibit is now on display in the Alabama State Capitol and will remain there through March.

Heart Gallery of Alabama is an outreach program aimed at connecting children in foster care with adoptive families.  Heart Gallery recruits professional photographers to take meaningful portraits that capture the unique spirit of each child.  The portraits are put on display in a variety of venues across the state where prospective adoptive parents can learn more about the children in Alabama who are waiting on a family.

Mrs. Bentley became involved with Heart Gallery of Alabama after attending an exhibit in Tuscaloosa.  She chose to be an advocate for this program because, as an adoptive parent, she understands the blessings one receives through adoption.

“Heart Gallery is a program that deserves more attention. It is a wonderful resource for prospective parents, and it provides forever families to Alabama children,” Mrs. Bentley said.  “Every child deserves to have their birthday celebrated, a present on Christmas, and to know they are loved every day.  It is my hope that other families will feel called to open their homes for these foster children.  But even if you cannot adopt, I encourage you to be a mentor and a champion for such a worthy cause.”

Mrs. Bentley was joined at last night’s event by Nancy Buckner, Commissioner of Alabama’s Department of Human Resources, as well as representatives from Heart Gallery of Alabama and families who have adopted through the foster care process.

During the rest of the month of March, the exhibit will be on display at the Alabama State Capitol Building in the Old Supreme Court Library.  The full exhibit is also available online at Heart Gallery of Alabama’s website, http://www.heartgalleryalabama.com.