The Heart Gallery of North Texas: Changing Lives with Photos
Every child deserves a loving home. Yet, in Texas, thousands of children in foster care are still waiting for a family to call their own. For many, the idea of finding a permanent home seems like a distant dream. That’s where the Heart Gallery of North Texas, presented by the Gladney Center for Adoption, steps in to create hope, awareness, and action.
The Gallery uses powerful portraits to tell the stories of children in foster care who are available for adoption. These photos capture each child’s individuality, highlighting their personality and spirit. Displayed in public places like malls, YMCAs, and office buildings, the portraits serve as more than just art—they are a call to action, inspiring families and individuals to consider adoption.
Why the Heart Gallery Matters
The gallery’s mission is urgent. At any given time, there are between 5,000 to 7,000 children in Texas foster care who are legally eligible for adoption. These children have faced hardships and uncertainty, and many are at risk of aging out of the system without the support of a permanent family. According to Tanya Houk, Director of Child Advocacy for the Heart Gallery of North Texas, aging out of foster care without a family often leads to significant challenges, such as homelessness or difficulty finding stable jobs.
Each child featured in the gallery has a unique story. These are often older youth, sibling groups, or children with medical needs who may wait longer to find a family. The Heart Gallery is their voice, their advocate, and their opportunity to find someone who will see them not just as a foster child but as a future son or daughter.
How It Started
The Heart Gallery model originated in New Mexico in 2001 and has since spread nationwide. The concept is simple but powerful: use professional photography to raise awareness about children in foster care and inspire adoptions. In Texas, the program took root in Central Texas, where it saw tremendous success in increasing adoptions. Building on this success, the 88th Texas Legislative Session provided funding to expand the program statewide, making it possible for Heart Galleries to serve all 11 regions in Texas.
The Heart Gallery of North Texas, launched in 2021, operates in 19 counties, including Tarrant, Dallas, Collin, Denton, and others. The Gladney Center for Adoption was selected to lead the program, thanks to its deep experience in connecting children with families.
Success Stories That Inspire
Behind every portrait in the gallery is a child with hopes, dreams, and a desire for belonging. One story that stands out is that of a teenage boy who had spent more than six years in foster care. For older children, finding a forever family can be especially challenging. Yet, thanks to the Heart Gallery, this young man was adopted by a single dad who saw his photo and felt called to make a difference. Stories like this remind us of the transformative power of connection and the role the Heart Gallery plays in changing lives.
As Mark Melson, President and CEO of Gladney, shares how it’s been a great resource to invite people in a very easy, non-pressure way to learn more about kiddos who may be available for adoption.
Where to Find the Heart Gallery
If you’re in North Texas, you can see the Heart Gallery at several locations, including:
- Stonebriar Mall in Frisco
- Town East Mall in Mesquite
- Hulen Mall in Fort Worth
- The Parks Mall in Arlington
These galleries are permanent installations, with photos updated regularly as children are adopted. Additionally, several YMCAs and professional office buildings host Heart Gallery displays, bringing the portraits to even more people in the community.
How You Can Help
The Heart Gallery of North Texas relies on the community to make its mission possible. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Adopt a Child: Families are always needed for older kids, sibling groups, and children with special needs. If you’ve ever considered adoption, now is the time to take the first step.
- Volunteer Your Time: The Heart Gallery often needs help with special events, mentoring, or photographing children for the galleries.
- Host a Gallery: Businesses can support the cause by displaying Heart Gallery portraits in their offices, storefronts, or community spaces.
- Donate: Financial contributions help ensure that programs like the Heart Gallery continue to thrive and expand.
Even if you’re not ready to adopt, your involvement can make a difference. Whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, you can help connect children in foster care with the love and stability they deserve.
Looking Ahead
The Heart Gallery of North Texas is more than just a program—it’s a movement to ensure every child in foster care has the opportunity to find a forever family. As Tanya Houk explains, the focus is on reducing the number of children who age out of the system without permanency. With continued support from the community, the Heart Gallery can bring hope and change to countless lives.
As we welcome a new year, let’s commit to making 2025 a year of new beginnings for the children waiting in foster care. By supporting the Heart Gallery of North Texas, you can help transform lives—one portrait, one family, and one child at a time.
