About
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Mission
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 Director
Emma Vo
Program Manager
Samone James, LMSW
Mentor Match Specialist
Rosalind Fournier
Exhibit Coordinator/Volunteer Support
2024 Board of Directors
Devyn Gilmer
Board Chair
Melanie Nichols
Past Board Chair
John McElheny
Governance Chair
Sue Hengel
Development Chair
Marcus Skipwith
Finance Chair
Necole Ezell
Christopher Flint
Jonathan Fleisher
Andrew Loehr
Denise Barton
Daiquiri Steele
Melanie Talbot
Matthew Varagona
2024 Junior Board
Aliyah Curry
President
Yuvraj Verma
Vice President
Elizabeth Armistead
Katie Day
Jourdan Elliott
Jane Gardner
Sara Hogue
William McMahon
Brad Utsey