About

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Nonprofit
Heart Gallery Alabama is a nonprofit organization that connects youth in foster care with caring 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!

Michelle Bearman-Wolnek, LICSW
Co-Founder and Executive Director

Joycelyn D. Haywood
Communications & Marketing Manager

Sharon Jones
Development & Operations Coordinator

McKenzie Bussman, LMSW
Recruitment Response Coordinator

Amber Lewis
Mentor Match Specialist

Amy Haywood
BookKeeper
2023 Board of Directors

Melanie Nichols
Board Chair

Devyn Gilmer
Board Chair Elect

John McElheny
Governance Chair

Amber Flint
Development Chair

Marcus Skipwith
Finance Chair

Terri Harvill

Brannette Marshall

Joshua Gilmer
Andrew Loehr

Sue Hengel

Jonathan Riley

Melanie Talbot

Denise Barton

Daiquiri Steele
2023 Junior Board

Alexis Johnson

Sara Hogue

Aliyah Curry

Bradley Utsey

Elizabeth Armistead

Haley Evans

Jane Gardner

Jasmine Knox-Cleveland

Kaitlin Higginbotham

Sidney Nomberg

Katie Day

Lydia Wherry

Nastassia Myhand