Feature Story - November 2015 - Waiting Child Heart Gallery

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Stephanie Anderson: The Waiting Child Heart Gallery is an exhibit that goes around the whole state of Oklahoma.It features some of our children waiting for adoption. And, it just lets the people in Oklahoma know that these children are ready to be adopted--looking for a home,and gives people an idea of what kind of children we have in the state of Oklahoma. Gay Larson: The Waiting Child Heart Gallery began in 2002 when I went to a photography workshop,and there was a photographer there that talked about the Heart Gallery that was created in Santa Fe. It sounded so wonderful because I have adopted two children from DHS. I thought that it would be great that people would know more about adoption of our kids in our community through DHS.So, I went back my General Manager at my television station,and he was very enthusiastic. So, he supported me.We started it in 2002,and we've had an exhibit every two years since then and this is the sixth exhibit for Waiting Child Heart Gallery.Stephanie Anderson: My personal belief is that our children have so many different facets to themselves,and this just shows one side of them. It allows people to see just how beautiful they are and what they have to offer. Hopefully it will pique their interest enough to inquire about the children,so that we can get them moved on to adoption.Andrew: My name is Andrew,and I've been at DHS for three years.And, I've been in this year the Heart Gallery. I believe the Heart Gallery is about getting adopted,trying to figure out what family can be part of us. Stephanie Anderson: Every child deserves to have a permanent home. They deserve to be loved. I always like to think that these children may have gotten a rough start at the beginning of their lives,but maybe through adoption we can find happiness,and permanence, safety and stability, and they feel as if they are valued. Andrew: It's important because we never had nobody in our life to treat us the way we wanted to be treated. And, we want to be treated the way that we want to be treated by other people.We just want a family to love on and care on. Stephanie Anderson: I feel that the Waiting Child Heart Gallery is successful in that we find homes for these children. The last time we did this exhibit in 2013,24 children found permanent homes.I think that is an awesome number. Gay Larson: It not only helps these particular children become adopted and find families,but it also lets the general public know about adoption through DHS,that there are children out there that really need forever families. So, I hope it does so much good forever. Andrew: Before I get out of DHS, I'm going to have a family, and I think I am confident about that right family is going to be there for me. The Heart Gallery, it's helping me. It's helping me pretty much. I can give thanks to all the photographers for helping me get through this,piece by piece. So, I thank them.♪ MUSIC ♪