“Every child deserves a loving family and a place where they belong. The expansion of the Heart Gallery of Greater Houston is not just about spreading awareness; it’s about igniting action and fostering connections that can change lives forever.”
– Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director of BEAR
We are excited to share that our newest program, Heart Gallery of Greater Houston, is growing exponentially, now reaching 12 additional counties. The Heart Gallery is a powerful, traveling photographic exhibit created to ignite awareness and help find forever families for children in foster care.
In Texas alone, over 30,000 children are under the care of Child Protective Services (CPS), with more than 6,000 eligible for adoption. Many of these children, particularly those of color, older youths, sibling groups, and those with special needs, face steeper odds and graver futures. Without families, their prospects are bleak, with high risks of homelessness, substance abuse, and incarceration post-emancipation.
The successful expansion of The Heart Gallery of Greater Houston is possible in no small part to BEAR’s valued donors and partners, including key contributors Jim and Cathy Anderson, Spindletop Community Impact Partners, and Brookfield Properties, who were just recently named BEAR Champions due to their commitment and support of the Heart Gallery program.
Nationally, the implementation of a Heart Gallery in other cities has increased the adoption rate for these children from a mere 1% to over 60%. Locally, the expansion to additional counties, which include Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Waller, Montgomery, Walker, Liberty, and Chambers counties, is a call to action for residents to engage, host exhibits, and change lives of children in foster care in our communities.
Event organizers, businesses and other organizations in the 13 counties are encouraged to participate by hosting a Heart Gallery exhibit – whether there’s space for just one photo or to fill an entire room. BEAR delivers the photos and assists in setup for either temporary or long-term displays. In turn, each Heart Gallery provides invaluable support in raising awareness and assisting in the search for families for these deserving children.
