The hopeful search for a forever home: The Nebraska Heart Gallery

My sister Stephanie Heller, who volunteers with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was the one who told me about the first Heart Gallery in New Mexico. She learned of the concept from an article in Parade Magazine earlier this year. Stephanie is passionate about helping children and she knew a heart gallery would be a wonderful thing for the children in Nebraska needing homes.

In case you aren't familiar with the idea, Heart Galleries are exhibits of photographs of children who need to be adopted. Working with adoption agencies photographers all over the United States have been lending their talent to help children have a better life.

Over the years Malone & Co has adopted families at Christmas, but this was a way to really help. A way to give the ultimate gift, one that cannot be out grown, one that would keep on giving, one that has the potential to be the perfect fit. We have the opportunity to help a child find a home FOREVER.

As Child Saving Institute(CSI) took on The Nebraska Heart Gallery project, Malone & Company agreed to photograph and make prints of 50 of Nebraska's many children currently searching for adoptive homes. Mike and Patty Malone, Geoff Johnson, Andrew Marinkovich, Angela Fehringer, Stephanie Kimberling and myself were all on board! Other area photographers have stepped up as well, and I hope many more will kick in as this continues.

So far our crew at Malone & Co has photographed over 30 children, from age 2 to age 16, sibling groups or indiviually, from the quiet to the energetic. Some opening up to us immediately knowing this was a way to reach out. Others started out tough because they have been hurt and let down so many times. They all ended up happy to think there is a little more hope.

The people at CSI, Shana, Christie and Brenda to name a few, have taken this head on. Working with our schedules, those of the children, case-workers and foster parents, to bring as many children as possible to the attention of caring people who might to give these children a home.

To say the least these children have touched our hearts!

Please meet these children that we are so fond of by visiting this site: Nebraska's Heart Gallery

Please spread the word about this awesome project to anyone, anywhere that you feel might be able to help or could help get the word out. THere will be a kick-off event held in October where large photographs will be on display of children who need to be adopted. The more awareness the better to help make a connection.


For more information about adoption please visit these websites:

Child Saving Institute

Adopt US Kids

Lutheran Family Services

Adoption Links Worldwide

New Mexico's Heart Gallery

New Jersey's Heart Gallery