About Us

Heart Gallery Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding forever families for children in Alabama’s foster care system by raising awareness and educating the public.

Heart Gallery’s volunteers and staff collaborate with the Alabama Department of Human Resources to create a photographic portrait exhibit of children in foster care, which travels to public venues across the state. Our photographs serve as a compelling and authentic representation of children across Alabama who are searching for loving, permanent families. Heart Gallery Alabama interviews each available child, and these interviews can be found on the child’s web page.

Heart Gallery Alabama recruits professional photographers to capture each child’s individual spirit in a moving photographic, multi-media, and narrative journey – featured online and in public venues.

Heart Gallery Alabama responds to inquiring families with questions regarding foster care adoption.  We partner with local and statewide media resources to inform the public of the need for foster care adoption.

Since its founding in 2005 and with the support of its donors, child advocates, and volunteers, Heart Gallery Alabama has helped find permanent homes for more than 65% of the children photographed.

Staff

Co-Founder and Executive Director – Michelle Bearman-Wolnek, LICSW
Communications & Marketing Manager – Joycelyn D. Haywood
Development & Operations Coordinator – Sharon Jones
Recruitment Response Coordinator – Helen Johnson, LMSW
Mentor Match Specialist – Kaylyn Oliver
Book Keeper – Amy Haywood

2020 Board of Directors

Board Chair – David Nomberg
President Emeritus – Wendy Evesque
Governance Chair – Brad Rodgers
Development Chair – Chris Sullivan
Finance Chair – Melanie Nichols

Terri Harvill
Amber Flint
Cathy Miller
Judge Janine Hunt-Hilliard
Brooke Shands
Marcus Skipwith
Devyn Gilmer
Jamie Wade
John McElheny
Morgan Clements
Kristi Crossland

2020 Junior Board 

Kristin Kenney
Brannette Marshall
Markia Nation
Tamika Pilgrom
Jessica Rush
Tameria Smith
Elizabeth Armistead
Aliyah Curry
Jane Gardner
Jasmine Knox-Cleveland

If you are interested in learning more about HGA’s Jr. Board, click the link below or call Joycelyn Haywood at 205-445-1293.

HGA Junior Board Application