Volunteer photographers capture each child’s individuality and spirit in a powerful image that helps share their story. One photo can change everything by engaging coordinated local community networks to connect the child with families and advocates.  

Heart Galleries display beautifully captured professional portraits to connect children whose parental rights have been terminated with adults, friends and communities who support and celebrate them, including potential adoptive families. These connections are especially critical for teens, sibling groups, and children with higher medical needs.

But it’s not just about the photo. The foundation of this approach is collaboration and success centers around communities working together to collectively wrap their arms around children and build permanency through strong relationships.

With a decade-long demonstrated track record of success in Central Texas, the 88th Texas Legislative session committed to statewide expansion of this model to help every waiting child in Texas find a caring family. Working out of the Moritz Center for Societal Impact at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and in partnership with the Texas Center for Child and Family Studies, we’re rolling out an aligned, collaborative, community-based approach to establishing and supporting Heart Gallery programs statewide