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| March 2009 |
Vol 2, Issue 3
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Dear Friends & Supporters:
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Javaris, Orlando, Demetrius and Beatrice have found their forever family!
The McLarys officially became a family on December 16, 2008. Deloris, their new grandmother, says "You can't even tell they aren't my biological grandkids."
After raising a couple of kids of her own, Deloris decided it was time for some more. "I love children. Period," she would say. Deloris first heard about Javaris, Orlando, Beatrice and Demetrius when she got a call from a social worker about them in early 2008. She had to put the phone down while they were talking and told the social worker, "Just give me a chance to shout a while."
She got the paperwork, and saw their Heart Gallery portrait, and knew immediately that those were her kids. "I got so excited. Like I was pregnant and the doctor had just told me."
It was July of 2008 when Deloris got the call she had been waiting on. She was going to finally meet the four beautiful children she had been wanting to call her own. "I just had to put the phone down and start to shouting again," she said.
When they first met at the airport that August, little Beatrice said, "You look just like an angel." Her soon-to-be grandmother said, "You look like an angel too." It just so happened to be Orlando's birthday that day, so they had a birthday party and welcome home party that same day.
Four months later, the adoption was finalized, just a week before Christmas. Says Deloris, "They are doing so good. And they've gained so much weight!" She also says that they are well-behaved and well-mannered. "The children are just beautiful. I wouldn't trade them for a million dollars."
I'm sure they wouldn't trade her for anything either...
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Click here to visit our website and hear the voices of the children.
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Meet Jerry
Photo Credit: Bill Crow
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Jerry, born June 1992 is described as a friendly young man with good manners. He enjoys playing video games and hanging out with his friends. He's very good at video games. His eyes simply lit up at Christmas this year when he had the money to buy a couple of games he'd been wanting.
Jerry's favorite subject in school is history. He's not currently a member of any clubs, teams or groups at school. He does go to church on the weekend. His favorite (school) holiday is Spring break -- because he's out of school for several days and gets to have fun. His favorite restaurant is Chick-Fil-a.
When he has time to spend with his friends he just enjoys hanging out and talking. Jerry says he has a pretty good sense of humor and that is the thing about himself that he is the most proud of. He says he'd like to be a movie star when he grows up.
To inquire about Jerry or any of our Heart Gallery Children please visit them on our
website and complete the inquiry form under their portrait.
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Meet Kantrel
Photo Credit: Hannah Freer-Slamen
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Kantrel, born November 1996, is a healthy, energetic, somewhat quiet
young man. He loves to be active. He enjoys being outside. His favorite
activities are biking, swimming, baseball, and football. Kantrel has a
good appetite. He enjoys lots of food, but if given the chance he would
eat pizza all day long.
Like most boys his age Kantrel likes playing video games and
watching action movies. Kantrel is possessive and he is particular
about his things. He will share toys when asked and he gets along well
with others. Kantrel loves getting presents. He also likes to dress
nice and chose his outfit for his photo shoot.
School is not his favorite thing. He does try and can does well
when he fully understands the concepts. He needs help remembering to
ask questions when he does not understand what is being taught.
When it comes to meeting new people, Kantrel be shy, but he does
warm up to you once he gets to know you. He has adapted well to the
changes that he has faced during his life. He is easy-going most of the
time.
To inquire about Kantrel or any of our Heart Gallery Children please visit them on our
website and complete the inquiry form under their portrait.
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Meet Jennifer
Photo Credit: Bill Crow
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Jennifer born January 1992 would be a warm addition to any family that
is willing to assist her with her needs. She is an affectionate young
lady that bonds easily with others. Her kindness and compassion for
others is felt by those who get to know her.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with friends and uses both verbal and
nonverbal communication to express herself. She uses an augmentative
device that will assists her with communication and she has done real
well with it. She requires some assistance with daily tasks and may
need support as an adult.
She was born prematurely and has Cerebral Palsy. Jennifer enjoys
cheering and being outdoors. She uses a walker to assist her with
mobility. Jennifer also enjoys helping out with household chores and
shopping.
Jennifer has a strong desire to have a family and a permanent home.
She needs a family that will be patient and understanding of her needs
and be committed to her for a lifetime.
To inquire about Jennifer or any of our Heart Gallery Children please visit them on our
website and complete the inquiry form under their portrait.
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Meet Naykitta and James
Photo Credit: Arik Sokol
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Naykitta and James need and deserve a family that will provide them
with the love, security and nurturing they currently get from each
other.
Naykitta, born March 1996 loves to draw, play with her dolls and
ride her bike. She is described as a "good kid" who looks out for her
younger brother and tries to protect him the best she can. She wrote a
beautiful paper telling how her younger brother is her hero because he
is always there to help her with the slight physical limitations she
has.
James, born January 2000 loves the outdoors and sports. He really
loves to play football and riding his bike. He is always very
appreciative. He always has a smile on his face and it does not take
much to please him. James is very close with his big sister and looks
up to her. He is very protective of her because he says she is all he
has.
To inquire about Naykitta and James or any of our Heart Gallery Children please visit them on our
website and complete the inquiry form under their portrait.
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Heart Gallery Alabama Exhibit moves to Troy!
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The Heart Gallery is currently on display at the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan unti April 6th when it moves to Troy! Be sure to visit the Heart Gallery Exhibit, on display at the Troy Pike Cultural Arts Complex from April 6, 2009 until April 16th. The closing reception and adoption information session will be on the 16th at 6pm. Come learn more about the beautiful waiting children in Alabama's foster care system and how you can get involved. You just might be the forever family they've been waiting for!
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Heart Gallery to Present at Alabama Probate Judge Conference
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Heart Gallery will be giving a presentation with video and portraits at the Probate Judges Conference on April 17, 2009. We look forward to the opportunity to share the vision and mission of Heart Gallery Alabama! |
HGA would like to thank all of our
sponsors and supporters:
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Suzanne Ashe
Burke Harvey & Frankowski
Cole Foundation
The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham
Extra Space Storage
Dr. & Mrs. James Krell
Lincoln Financial Foundation
Liz McCormick
Medallion Foundation
Nick's Kids
Greg & Bryna Rapp
RDS/Alatax
Pamela Ruttenberg
Southland International Trucking
Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology
White Arnold & Dowd, P.C.
Wolnek Family Foundation
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Thank You Photographers!
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We could not do what we do without the time and
support given by our amazing photographers.
Your time and talents are indispensable and we appreciate you so much!
If you are interested in becoming a Heart Gallery Photographer, please e-mail jessica@heartgalleryalabama.com.
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How to Contact the Heart Gallery of Alabama:
1801 Oxmoor Road, Suite 101
Birmingham, AL 35209
205.445.1293
info@heartgalleryalabama.com
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The Heart Gallery of Alabama success depends on YOU! If you want to learn more about the children we feature or to hear their voices go to our website by clicking on our logo. Not everyone is able to bring a child into their home, but you can still make a difference by making a tax-deductible donation to the Heart Gallery of AL directly from our website.
If you would like the exhibit to come to your city, please call us at 205.445.1293 or email info@heartgalleryalabama.com.
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