ADOPTION INSIGHTS

Gallery Helps Match Children & Families
BY leslie castillo

CHRIS greg hren

Like a magnet, the photos capturing the wide grins, smiling faces, and warm embraces of the children will draw you in.

This year's 2008 Heart Gallery features 34 children, ages 4 to 16, who are currently in the state's foster care system and have been waiting to find their forever families for at least a year.

Lisa Funaro, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange, Inc. (MARE), hopes a visit to this display will serve as one of the inspirational first steps in the journey for many families planning to adopt.

"People can stop by, take a card with the child's photo and information, place it on their refrigerators, and call us when they are ready," said Funaro.

Thanks to the Heart Gallery, in conjunction with other MARE resources, two children found permanent placement in 2005; last year the number grew to 10, and this year an additional 30 children will be featured as the display travels to various locations throughout Massachusetts, with the hope of matching as many children as possible with loving, permanent families.

MIKEY jaime caron

The 2008 tour kicked off with a reception at the State House. There, on March 5, Ruth Bodian and her son Jaron of Jamaica Plain spoke in support of the Heart Gallery, answered questions, and shared their story.

In her speech, Ruth said she had always hoped to adopt but initially had planned to adopt an infant or toddler. She then described her experience the first time she saw her son, Jaron at a Jordan's Furniture adoption party for older children and sibling groups. She didn't expect to find the child she would adopt that day but when she noticed him playing at the Disney station, there was a special something about his sweet smile, and she just knew. When she crossed the room to inquire about him, she learned that they shared the same birthday.

Bodian, who adopted Jaron in February 2007, said they were "a destiny match" and that the adoption has gone very smoothly. She said their favorite routine is goofing around at home. When asked individually about the other's best trait, neither mother nor son missed a beat before replying, "Funny."

BRITTANY jay groccia

Another speaker at the State House reception that day was professional photographer Jaime Caron, who is also a social work supervisor for the Depart- ment of Social Services. She has been involved with the Heart Gallery since its inception. Caron was honored and thrilled to be invited by MARE to be a part of the Heart Gallery. She said taking these portraits for the gallery is the perfect blend of her interests and skills, as a social worker and an artist.

"In meeting with each of the children I photographed," said Caron, "some of whom I had met before within the department, it became another opportunity for me to know them, which assisted me in our efforts to recruit a family for them."

Caron estimated from start to finish, taking the photos, editing them, and making a CD for the social worker, children, MARE, and the foster families, can take about four hours per child.

Caron, who has taken photos of children flying kites, climbing trees, and playing soccer said, "I really want to capture the child's spirit."

JOEY jaclyn mastromatteo

So too does photographer Howie Hecht.

"I have always taken the opportunity to learn a bit about the child, about previous placements as well as his/her current foster (or group) home, but most importantly, the child's interests. Basically, what makes them glow, what brings out their most genuine smile," he said.

Hecht learned about the Heart Gallery through his friend Rachel Glazer, whose friend Lisa Seidel was already involved.

"One of my distinct memories is when I first learned that a child I photographed had been adopted shortly after the initial Heart Gallery reception. While I could not be sure that my photograph had anything to do with the adoption, I was very proud and happy to have been part of the process," said Hecht.

Funaro credits much of the Heart Gallery's success to the photographers, professional and amateur, who volunteer their time. Currently, there are about 50 photographers signed on to the project. She said they generally join the endeavor via word of mouth and return annually to photograph children for the next Heart Gallery and the online photo gallery.

RJ winslow martin

The Whitney family adopted two children featured in MARE's online photo listing and are considering adopting another child in the future. Their story is particularly poignant because their boys had formed a really tight bond in foster care and have now ended up together in this loving home.

Mom, dad, and brothers have blended in nicely as a family. Mom beamed when speaking about her sons and notes that one has grown 6-7 inches in a year and the other has gotten glasses, and is reading chapter books.

"Every day is a learning process for all of us. There have been so many firsts for us, like rocking together on a chair. We talk things out as a family and we are honest about the boys' histories. The bumps in the road are a sign that things are alright," she said. "The Heart Gallery is worth inquiring about. While there are no guarantees in life, even with one's own birth child, with foster care you know what you are getting, you get disclosure."

DANIEL frank siterman

"The process is not as scary as you might think. These kids need what every child deserves - stability and a loving home. If you ever thought of building a family non-biologically this is a great way to do it," concluded Funaro.

Leslie Castillo is a Massachusetts-based freelance writer.

2008 Heart Gallery Schedule

 

May 5 - June 2: Worcester City Clerk's Office & Shrewsbury Public Library

June 2-30: Berkshire Mall, Lanesborough & Yankee Candle, South Deerfield

June 30 - July 28: Eastfield Mall, Springfield & Springfield Public Library

July 28 - August 25: Saint Vincent's Hospital, Worcester: Burlington Mall, Burlington Nov. 10-24: South Station, Boston Nov. 24 - Dec. 29: Children's Museum, Boston

This schedule is subject to change.

Families with questions about the Heart Gallery or seeking more information, can contact Kristin Erekson, MARE's public relations and fundraising associate, at 617-54-ADOPT or 1-800-882-1176.

CASSIE brian phillips RAFFImelissa tirado CHRISTOPHER tereza kern DAVID jay groccia MARIANNE elizabeth dunfo DYLAN laural irwin