There are thousands of kids in Texas foster care who are waiting for a permanent home. Last year alone, 860 youth aged out of foster care and and had to embark on the journey of being an self-sufficient adult without support, or continued hope of being being adopted. Of the 5,000 children eligible for adoption in Texas right now, about 1,500 are older, part of sibling groups, or have complex needs, which can be more challenging for adoption.
Heart Galleries of Texas is helping facilitate adoptions through public photo exhibits in local communities that showcase children waiting for adoption. Each child’s story, personality, and interests are highlighted, helping families see the real child behind the statistics. The photos increase awareness about al of the children looking for homes and often lead to permanent placements, as was the case of Erica Bright, who was adopted as a teenager 10 monthw after taking a photo for a Heart Gallery.
In the year July 2024 to June 2025, Heart Galleries featured 1,094 youth in 1,810 exhibits which resulted in 324 adoptions. There are currently Heart Gallery displays at IKEA, where canvases are showcased in the children’s area by the restaurant, at Lakeline Mall near the play area in front of Dillard’s, Dell Children’s Hospital in the registration area and the Menchaca Library. Additionally, every Thursday KVUE shares a photo taken by Heart Galleries highlighting children eligible for adoption
“When families see a child's portrait they can see their personality, their hope and their joy,” says Kori Gough, Heart Galleries of Texas Executive Director. “It creates a connection that isn’t possible on paper and that connection often becomes the spark that leads to a permanent home. With thousands of Texas children still waiting, these exhibits truly change lives.”
Visit https://heartgallerytexas.org/ for more information