WHEN: MAY 18TH, 10:30-2:00PM (or some part of this time)
WHERE: Catholic Charities Parmadale, 6753 State Rd, Parma, Oh 441134
CONTACT: Holly Spencer-Trueman or Kathryn Mahon at Adoption Network Cleveland 216-325-1000 ASAP

Moving Hearts Gallery

In 2006-2007, Children and Family Services partnered with Adoption Network Cleveland through Adopt Cuyahoga Kids to create the first Cuyahoga County Heart Gallery, located at Tower City Center in downtown Cleveland. The idea for this Heart Gallery was inspired by the original project initiated in New Mexico in 2001. A Heart Gallery is an artistic exhibit of photos of children waiting to be adopted, typically older youth with special needs and siblings groups.

In August of 2009, the project was re-launched as the Moving Hearts Gallery. Like the first Cuyahoga County Heart Gallery, the purpose of the Moving Hearts Gallery is to to create awareness and educate the community about the need for adoptive families, especially among our older youth and sibling groups. However, this gallery is designed to move throughout Cuyahoga County, being stationary in one month or longer intervals at such venues as hospitals, libraries, settlement houses, community agencies and museums.

Every photograph captures each child’s unique personality. Beside the photos are captions featuring the child’s answers to questions such as, “What kind of family they would like to adopt them?” and “What are they looking for in a family?” These heart-warming words and images illustrate the potential in each of these young people and invite the viewer to consider ways they might be able to help them reach it.

For those interested in taking the next step, an informational brochure is available about public agency adoption, who to contact to get started and opportunities to mentor and volunteer. During the time the Moving Hearts Gallery is at a site, arrangements may also be made for CCDCFS and Adoption Network Cleveland staff to host informational tables or a brown bag lunch on selected dates.

The Moving Hearts Gallery consists of two exhibit displays:
A free-standing and one-sided wall that is 20 feet in length, 8 feet tall and extends about 1foot in depth.
A four-sided kiosk that stands 8 feet tall with each of the walls extending out 8 feet wide.

Delivery to the site and gallery set-up and break-down is facilitated by staff of CCDCFS and Adoption Network Cleveland, under the guidance of site staff. Alternative arrangements for set-up and break-down may be made at site staff request.

The Moving Hearts Gallery is sponsored by The Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services in partnership with Adoption Network Cleveland. Click here for more info Mixer_Spring2012