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
Board Chair-Elect – Melanie Nichols
Governance Chair – Devyn Gilmer
Development Chair – Chris Sullivan
Finance Chair – Cathy Miller
Terri Harvill
Nancy Yarborough
Brannette Marshall
Joshua Gilmer
Brooke Shands
Marcus Skipwith
John McElheny
Morgan Clements
Kristi Crossland
2020 Junior Board
Tamika Pilgrom
Elizabeth Armistead
Aliyah Curry
Jane Gardner
Jasmine Knox-Cleveland
Jonathan Riley
Whitney Eiland
If you are interested in learning more about HGA’s Jr. Board, email info@heartgalleryalabama.com or call the office at 205-445-1293.
