Frequently Asked Questions about The Bay Area Heart Gallery

Why a Heart Gallery

A picture does say a thousand words. Heart Galleries gives a human face to what too often are just foster care statistics. The Heart Gallery is an opportunity to take foster children out of the shadows, from invisibility into a presentation of what they truly are -- alive and vibrant human beings who need families, as we all do.
It is a hugely successful child specific recruitment strategy. Over 300 children have been adopted in just six heart galleries across the country.
The average person in our communities knows little to nothing about children and youth that live in foster care.
In California 4000 youth “age out” annually – most without a lifelong connection.
- 25-44% have experienced homelessness.
- Only 54% have earned their H.S. diploma.
- 62% were not able to support themselves.
- 38% were coping with serious emotion problems.
Many of these youth age out feeling alone and insolated and suffer from anxiety and depression. As such, they are primed for situations such as alcohol and drug abuse, homelessness and incarceration.
People are inspired by the pictures, and The Heart Gallery plants a seed.

Primarily through word of mouth, many local photographers have come forward.
Photography Lead, Robin Fryday, a Professional Photographer is one of Project’s original Co-Chairs. She reaches out to photographers across the region.
Some photographers have contacted us and come from across the country, including a few who have volunteered for other Heart Galleries.

Children and youth waiting for adoption or older youth who want a permanent relationship with a committed adult.
Children of all ages, including older youth and sibling groups that have waited longest for an adoptive family.

Social Workers from 3 Bay Area Counties refer children and youth that are in need of child specific recruitment and older children and youth who are open to this method of public recruitment for adoption and permanent connections.

Most youth who age out of the system say they wish they had been adopted.
Many children and youth have an incredible resiliency and do well.
Studies have shown that if a child has 1 committed and loving adult in their lives, this can make the all the difference.