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Mall Exhibit Puts Face To Children Seeking Homes

The Heart Gallery runs through June 3 at Westfield Brandon

Photo by Amy Pezzicara

Appolonia is an adoptive child from Apollo Beach. She appears on the cover of the Heart Gallery brochure.

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By CHERYL KUCK | The Brandon News & Tribune

Published: April 24, 2007

Their faces tell their stories much better than words.
Some are freckled. Some bear toothless grins. Some carry a trace of sadness.
But all 98 faces in this exhibit tug at the heartstrings.
They are photographs of the Hillsborough County children living in foster care who are in search of adoptive parents.
Annually, the Children's Board of Hillsborough County teams up with Hillsborough Kids to create what they call the Heart Gallery.
The gallery, containing photos taken by 65 volunteer photographers along with brief biographies of the foster children, arrived at Westfield Brandon mall this week and will be on display through June 3.
Since its inception four years ago, the gallery has not only increased the number of adoptive families but also heightened awareness of the need for adoptive parents. Last year, the Children's Board matched 32 percent of participating foster children with potential families.
"We are really looking forward to coming to Westfield Brandon. Statistically, there are more adoptive homes in this area than in any other part of the county, with more than 100 foster homes in greater Brandon alone," said Carolyn Eastman, director of communications for the Children's Board.
Each child has his own story, as well as his own needs.
One such child is Javontae, a 7-year-old who enjoys going to school. When he grows up, he wants to be a teacher, despite the medical challenges and developmental delays he faces.
Ten-year-old Malcolm is Javaontae's brother and the oldest of four siblings from the Brandon area, all in need of supportive families.
"I love going to church," he said, "and I love Batman and Robin, too!"
Charles is an exceptional 8-year-old who says he likes monkeys because they're "funny" and likes to wrestle with his brothers and play football. When he grows up, he wants to be a policeman.
Brandon is the youngest of the four brothers and, at age 5, faces physical and developmental challenges. Despite those challenges, his sunny disposition and positive outlook remain a constant source of joy to all who know him.
Prospective parents are invited to take a name from a rainbow arch next to the exhibit and contact the Children's Board Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 204-1792 or visit www.heartgallerytampabay.org.

By CHERYL KUCK

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