About
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Mission
Heart Gallery Alabama is a nonprofit organization that connects youth in foster care with supportive adults who provide the stability and guidance they need to thrive.
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Featured Children
Children featured on the Heart Gallery entered care through no fault of their own and have experienced some form of trauma or loss. While this should not define who they are, unfortunately it often does. They deserve connections with adults who can provide them with unconditional love and commitment to help them grow throughout their lifetime.
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HGA
HGA advocates for youth living in foster care by listening to their needs and introducing them to adults they can rely on. Through our traveling exhibit and online gallery, we help introduce communities to the youth we serve. For prospective supporters and families, these images can spark a life-changing connection.
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Mentor. Foster. Adopt.
We are never too old to need a family. Our family is our foundation and safety net that is there for us throughout our lifetime, no matter what.Help them find their forever: Mentor. Foster. Adopt.
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S.O.A.R.
The S.O.A.R. mentor program is designed to create lasting connections for Alabama’s youth in foster care who are at risk of entering adulthood without a lifelong relationship with a stable adult. Developing these relationships dramatically improves outcomes for older youth in the foster care system.
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Heart Squad
Heart Gallery Alabama’s Heart Squad is made up of a group of dedicated volunteers who want to make a positive impact on our youth. The Heart Squad ensures that children featured on the Heart Gallery feel special on their birthday by providing personalized gifts and hosting individual birthday parties that support a child’s sense of self-worth.
Our wonderfull staff make it all possible!
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Michelle Bearman-Wolnek, LICSW
Co-Founder and Executive Director
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Joycelyn D. Haywood
Communications & Marketing Manager
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Sharon Jones
Development Director
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Emma Vo
Program Manager
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Samone James, LMSW
Mentor Match Specialist
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Rosalind Fournier
Exhibit Coordinator/Volunteer Support
2025 Board of Directors
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Devyn Gilmer
Board Chair
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Marcus Skipwith
Board Chair Elect
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Daiquiri Steele
Governance Chair
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Sue Hengel
Development Chair
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Jonathan Fleisher
Finance Chair
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Necole Ezell
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Christopher Flint
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Jennifer Goodloe
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Margaret Lane Hollingsworth
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Andrew Loehr
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Keturah Nolan
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Leslie McElheny
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Bernard Nomberg
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Matthew Varagona
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Donna Welling
2025 Junior Board
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Aliyah Curry
President
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Yuvraj Verma
Vice President
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Elizabeth Armistead
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Katie Day
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Jourdan Elliott
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Jane Gardner
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Sara Hogue
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William McMahon
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Brad Utsey
Heart Gallery Alabama Advisory Council
- Suzanne Ashe
- Laura Atkinson
- Lisa Baggett
- Angie Brown
- Steve Crocker
- Elizabeth Curtright Kristiansen
- Elizabeth Dunn
- Diane Dunning
- Wendy Evesque
- Suzy Harris
- Terri Harvill
- Bill House
- Nancy Kane
- Brannette Marshall
- Cathy Miller
- Melanie Nichols
- David Nomberg
- Angela Rasheed
- Linda Sewell
- Brooke Shands
- Tessa Smith
- Susan Trimm Hardekopf
- Drew Whitmire
- Chere Wood