|
Diane Granito is a Foster and Adoptive Parent Group Coordinator,
New Mexico CYFD and founder of the Heart Gallery Project.
How did the Heart Gallery began?
The idea for the Heart Gallery project started as a means to raise
awareness about adoption and find homes for older children and sibling
groups in protective custody with the New Mexico Children, Youth
& Families Department (CYFD).
The project was implemented by CYFD recruiter Diane Granito when
she was hired as a grassroots recruiter for Santa Fe and eight other
New Mexico counties. She developed the idea from photographer (and
adoptive mother) Cathy
Maier Callanan to have talented photographers create inspiring
portraits of older children and sibling groups who were waiting
for adoption.
Since funds were limited, it was necessary to obtain donations
of many of the necessary goods and services. As a first time project,
organizing and implementing the exhibit was a hands-on learning
experience. Diane’s first step, after naming the project, was to
approach the Gerald Peters Gallery, where Lisa Bronowicz gave Diane
an enthusiastic “yes” to hosting the event. The energy and generosity
of the community (photographers, framers, media, etc.) created an
impetus which resulted in an opening in March 2001 with over 1,000
people attending.
Each year the exhibit as it travels to different venues continues
to raise the awareness and interest in the children waiting for
special needs adoption.
back to top
How much has the project grown since
its inception?
National coverage in print and broadcast media has resulted in
gallery openings across the United States. Following coverage ranging
from Parade Magazine to ABC’s World News Tonight, from NPR’s "All
Things Considered" to articles in numerous local newspapers,
more than 60 new planning groups were formed, including ten in California
alone. A sampling of placements resulting from Heart Gallery exhibits
include 29 in Oklahoma, 19 in Connecticut, and 20 in Florida. [View
the News and Events
page.]
back to top
How do you choose which children to feature?
New Jersey included every child in the state who needs a
home (over 300). This method certainly has the impact of numbers
and multiple visuals, and can really draw in people.
New Mexico includes children for whom it is an appropriate
project. This can be limited by logistics for example, if you have
3,000 adoption-available children, as some areas do, it would not
be feasible to have them all included in the opening even if it
was suitable to do so, however they could all be on a website.
There can be different levels of knowledge about The Heart
Gallery for each child, but that only works if you are in control
of the exposure of the portraits. For example, if a child from
southern NM has mixed feelings about adoption, we might tell the
child this is just going to be a photograph for us and we will
get them a copy of it. The portrait can be featured at our Santa
Fe opening and other areas where the child would most likely not
see it. If the show opens later near the child we may pull it
to avoid problems for the child. However if you are going to have
widespread exposure, for example at a major mall, you must be
certain that the child is prepared for seeing his or her portrait
there.
Tampa Bay Heart Gallery is working on protocol for increased
and improved preparation of the children for adoption, as their
project is highly visible and has increased their adoption inquiries
by at least 50%.
Much of this is up to the child's social worker, who also is responsible
for the important task of preparing the child emotionally for adoption.
Children are at different points on this path:
- some have only recently been told they will never go home
again,
- others may have been waiting for a long time and be active
in their own recruitment,
- some have mixed feelings about adoption and need to be treated
with even more sensitivity than normal.
Those who are actively involved in their own recruitment are invited
to the pre-opening party where they have the chance to see their
photographers again, and, most importantly, meet families who have
already been approved to adopt.
This is largely a process of how well the social worker or case
manager who works on behalf of each child communicates with the
child and truly knows if a child is a good candidate for the Heart
Gallery. In our community this is a totally voluntary process because
not every child is a good fit for this process.
Screen the children and ensure they are emotionally in a good place
to be a candidate. That said it is not possible to avoid all problems.
We have had a teen whose picture appeared in a mall that had emotional
problems when peers saw her picture. When we probed as to why this
occurred, we found out that this young lady had reservations about
participating but had been persuaded by her case manager and was
not aware of the particulars of the project. We like to involve
the children in writing their bio that goes with the picture and
the audio message. Then they see this project as a celebration of
what makes them special and an empowerment tool if used wisely by
their care manager.
back to top
Are children in volved in the portrait
selection process?
Child helps select portraits
Minnesota Heart Gallery
This group actually asks the photographers to share images
during the shoot if possible. Later, the child is given several
shots to choose from and has the final say about which will be
featured in their Heart Gallery. This is an incredibly sensitive
way to give the children, who have so little control over their
lives, some say in their adoption process.
Orange County
The Orange County has the children choose the final shot,
but before this they have a photo editing committee which narrows
it down to the best ones. This gives the child a say in the decision
but also helps guarantee that the photographer's best work of
the child will be included.
back to top
Do you include children who were initially
available but have since been matched?
A child’s portrait remains on display until they are placed or
their plan has changed. A happy ending is the adoptive family is
given the portrait. Workers must confirm that all children are legally
free for adoption, with no parental appeal time left.
back to top
Do you periodically add or delete portraits?
A child’s portrait remains on display until they are placed or
their plan has changed. A happy ending is the adoptive family is
given the portrait. Workers must confirm that all children are legally
free for adoption, with no parental appeal time left.
back to top
What are the children told about the
project and how do you get them to be involved in a positive way?
A Heart Gallery presentation to the children can be adapted to
fit what they are capable of understanding and handling. Some are
very excited about being involved in their own recruitment efforts,
others (younger or more sensitive ones) may just be told that we
are taking a nice picture of them and that they will get a copy.
Most of the children especially like attending the openings if special
food or entertainment is available.
Ask the kids (and the foster parents) for photo shoot suggestions
to give them "ownership" of the portrait and project.
They are often very creative.
back to top
Are the featured children from a geographically
diverse representation of the state (are they all from the Santa
Fe or from the whole state)?
Each state/city is different. Here in New Mexico we include kids
from all over the state, a total of about 50 portraits, representing
approximately 60 children because of sibling groups. New Mexico
generally has a maximum of 200 children without a resource needing
a home at any given time.
Boston had under 30 portraits in its 2005 exhibit, Tampa has 100
kids in their second exhibit (and added sound!). NJ will feature
each of over 300 children in the state who are available for adoption.
The opening will be at the Newark Museum, and the exhibit will tour
the entire state.
Currently there are states that have different groups working on
Heart Gallery exhibits in several cities or regions. We would advise
each group to let their protective services or adoption coalition
representatives know that others in the state are working on the
project. The state may decide to have separate but simultaneous
openings, but even if they don’t, they will want to know what other
areas are photographing the children so there is no overlap.
back to top
Will the children's worker consider a family
outside of the child's local area?
Most social workers are very happy to have a valid and viable family
inquire about adopting a child on their caseload. The main duty
of the child’s adoption social worker is to follow up on prospective
families. If someone sees a child in the show and "goes child-specific"
here in NM for example, they are “fast-tracked” so their homestudy
is done in 6 wks. We have had at least 18 kids adopted out of the
Heart Gallery here and only a few families were already licensed.
back to top
What are some of the recommended photographers'
guidelines and protocol?
Avoid talking to the children about their situation; if they start
to open up to you, support them but don't ask questions. A foster
parent or social worker should always be present and should help
the child set boundaries.
Make sure to capture the child's face (i.e. shots from behind can
be touching but you can't recognize the child!)
- Try to involve the children in the shoot as much as possible,
asking for ideas, etc.
- Try to give the foster parents "ownership" of the
project by asking for suggestions (what does Billy like to do?
Do you have any pets he is close to? And, if you are allowed to
travel to nearby venues, are there any interesting places nearby
where you can take us?)
- Remember there should always be a foster parent or social worker
with the photographer and child during the shoot.
- Expect to be emotionally touched by the child; don't forget
3 photographers have actually adopted the child they photographed.
- Others have applied to do foster care for the child.
- If possible, stay in touch and/or send some small snapshots,
etc from the shoot.
- In regards to writing off expenses, remember that services cannot
be written off, only goods.
back to top
How do you publicize the event to the
public?
Prior to the exhibit opening, articles and interviews are published/run
in area papers, in local broadcast news and calendar announcements,
in mailings to members of the venue holding the exhibit. The opening
features speakers, foster and adoptive parents and their children.
A newspaper insert could go out to several thousand readers and
could double as a program at the event. The brochure can contain
information about the opening, adoption, and the children in the
exhibit, as well as success stories about adoptions resulting from
past Heart Galleries.
back to top
How long does it take from selection
of the children, photographs, and framing to the first show?
- Schedule photo session no more than 4 or 5 months before the
Gallery opening. The status of the children can change from assignment
to opening day.
- Allow time to schedule and possibly rescheduling photo shoots
if weather or other factors interfere.
- If you get funding and don't have to get everything donated
the printing and the framing can be quick.
- You need to allow time to get the prints made and for the framing.
Sample time line for a November 2005 opening):
May: Identify venue(s), book dates.
Approach sponsors for donations of money, frames, film, printing,
etc.
Gather names of and commitments from donating photographers,
determine who will travel if necessary.
June:Start media outreach.
Identify children needing homes, start making charts with their
names and contact information, social worker information.
July:Assign children to photographers.
Call foster parents to tell them it is an agency project approved
to help find homes for the children, and to expect a call from
the photographer. (Photographers will set up the shoots themselves
with the foster parents, sometimes they want to spend an entire
morning or afternoon with the child. They are never left alone
with the children though.)
August:Prints start coming in.
Frames are being made (we recommend choosing two sizes only,
22 x 28 and 16 x 20 for example, so photographers have some
choice but there is consistency; some places use special mounting
instead of frames.)
CYFD takes the prints in to the six or seven framers, discussing
matting; or the photographers can do it. Photographers make
the decision about which shot to use but CYFD has veto power.
Create/print invitations to opening, print ads, etc.
Identify entertainment and speakers.
Line up sound system, stage, etc.
September:More prints, framing completed.
Step up media outreach.
Send out invitations.
Donation of food for opening if necessary.
October:Final print, framing details.
PSA’s, print ads, TV and radio appearances, pitching newspaper
and magazine articles, etc.
Work with venue re: detail of opening, volunteers for food pick
up etc.
Printing of inserts, programs
Confirm entertainment and speakers.
November:Same as October, but more intense plus...
Create name badges for children (no last names) and other attendees.
Confirm parking details.
Hang portraits or get easels to venue. BREATHE!
back to top
Who pays for things like frames, film
processing, food, space?
- In New Mexico almost everything is donated. Our allocated Heart
Gallery budget this year was $3,000 which we used for the program/newspaper
insert.
- The film, printing, frames, Plexiglas, food for the opening,
graphic design and many other items were donated. Even Randy Travis
donated his time again, and the broadcast media love the project.
- Some states get grants or have money available for recruitment
projects. Others get underwritten, like Connecticut where Northeastern
Magazine donated the insert and publicity, and the American Pediatric
Assoc covered expenses.
- In NJ the Newark Daily Star is covered many expenses and they
obtained grants.
- One idea totry is to ask businesses or individuals to sponsor
a child by paying the cost of a portrait. The portrait can then
have a label which, in addition to giving the child’s first name
and last initial and the photographer’s name, would say “Susie’s
portrait donated by....”.
People planning Heart Galleries are often amazed by how quickly
and enthusiastically others agreed to help.
If you have large companies or organizations you can approach them,
otherwise you can divide up the work/donation load. Here we have
five or six framers, lots of caterers who donate. Once on board
they are almost always happy to help each year (Sept 2005 will be
our fourth Heart Gallery.) If you hook up with a nonprofit (or your
coalition is one) people can write off donation of goods. You can
create joint letterhead using that of a state agency, if you work
for or are working with one, and the nonprofit, and close by stating
that donations of goods and funds (not services) can be written
off to the nonprofit. Many states and cities have Court Appointed
Special Advocates, nonprofit volunteer groups which act as the voice
of the children in court, and they are usually happy to collaborate
as the project directly affects the children they try to help. Some
groups are setting up their own regional nonprofit Heart Gallery
association, which is wonderful if you can do it. Keep in mind that
in most states, if someone makes out a check to the state agency
it will go into the general fund and you will not be able to use
it for your project.
back to top
What is the actual opening of the Heart
Gallery like? Who attends, publicity, information provided, etc.?
This year we did something special which we will repeat: in the
garden of the gallery we had a big party for the Heart Gallery kids,
photographers, foster parents, special sponsors, and waiting licensed
families. We had children and families “click” at the party! Then
we opened to the public, let them peruse the portraits and sign
up for more information and to be contacted if they wanted to. An
hour or so later we started with speakers and then Randy Travis
inspired everyone with his music. Kids read poems they wrote.
We specifically invite all the Heart Gallery children for whom
it is appropriate (their workers know) and their foster parents,
legislators, waiting adoptive families who are licensed and not
matched, etc. The rest is done through media coverage, including
print ads and articles, ALL of which have been positive.
You can get a lot for free, like going on local radio stations,
calendars, etc. Our NBC affiliate, KOB-TV is especially supportive
of the project and their morning anchor, Monica Armenta, promotes
the upcoming openings with her co-host, Steve Stucker (an adoptive
father). Monica also makes time to speak at the openings.
Get the media involved early (we had them sit in on our very first
photographers' meeting and they did a big article four months out.)
Give them a copy of the Parade article and any other press you have
available. NJ and Washington state prepared a Powerpoint presentation
to help recruit sponsors. You will find that one media story will
lead to more. For example, Parade’s recent article by Rosemary Zibart
brought in inquiries from over 500 people who have been grouped
together into planning committees all across the country. That lead
to interest from 20/20. Among 60 other cities in 45 states, the
Parade article caught the attention of photographer Najlah Feanny
and other wonderful people in NJ, and thanks to their huge effort
there, a story went out on March 11, 2005 on NPR’s All Things Considered.
In turn, this caught the attention of the New York Times, which
is now doing a piece on the Heart Gallery (they had featured the
CT show in a smaller piece some time ago.) The Christian Science
Monitor’s March 23, 2005 article, thanks to the Boston Heart Gallery,
and the March 2005 People magazine article (NJ again) will bring
more attention to this important issue and can be used by planners
to bring sponsors on board.
back to top
What time of year is best for the event?
In areas with cold winters, timing is important for two reasons:
many of the photographers shoot outdoors and it is hard on the kids
(and adults!) in winter. Also if you hold the event in the winter
you can risk low turnout due to bad weather. A good time to start
shooting might be April/May which would place the event in the early
fall.
The gallery where we have the big Santa Fe opening has a nice garden
with a waterfall, sculptures, etc so we had a great private party
there with a magician and stilt walker, and wonderful food (all
donated of course). The Heart Gallery kids here are from all over
the state so many were hungry by the time they arrived. Having the
great food there for them at 4pm worked well. The public came in
at 5pm to see the portraits and hear speakers, Randy Travis, etc.
Of course you could have the party indoors. We had a canopy one
year in the garden and it was a good thing as it rained earlier.
back to top
What type of places are used for venues?
In addition to allowing for space for people to circulate and see
the portraits, it is nice to have space for a small stage (known
as a “riser”) so people can hear and see the speakers (the children
especially.) A sound system is usually needed and easily set up
(ours is donated.) We are fortunate enough to have a beautiful gallery
(The Gerald Peters Gallery) in New Mexico, and a PR person there,
Lisa Bronowicz, who is completely supportive of our project, as
is the gallery owner, Gerald Peters (he has offered the use of his
NYC and Dallas galleries to planners in those areas.)
Some of our most successful openings have been in smaller galleries
around the state, in hotels (the Las Cruces Hilton), or even in
library galleries. The “flavor” of the town will often dictate the
venue...Santa Fe is very art-oriented for example. Obviously our
Santa Fe “kick-off” opening is the biggest each year but the stops
in smaller towns have resulted in some amazing adoptions, including
that of a sibling group of five teens and pre-teens we were trying
for years to place together!
Parking was an important consideration here as in many places.
Canyon Rd., home to many galleries in Santa Fe, is narrow and has
very limited parking. The Gerald Peters Gallery happens to be across
the street from the state building where CYFD is based, thus we
have a huge parking lot at our disposal. The gallery even provides
guards and parking attendants.
Businesses are usually very happy to donate the space if they have
an opening so you should not have to pay for it.
back to top
How long do the portraits stay in each venue?
Again, this depends on your traveling schedule (we show the exhibit
at least 4 to 5 times and in three years have covered every corner
of the state.) If you need to move on to another opening, it can
stay up just a week or two. (Our Santa Fe show usually remains up
two weeks as space is at a premium in this town.) Rather than have
the show in storage between shows, leave it up on the walls longer
if possible.
back to top
What are the pros and cons of forming your
Heart Gallery as a non-profit?
If you are a group of volunteers, the decision to become a non-profit
or not may depend on whether Heart Galleries are something your
group (or other volunteers) will want to continue in the future.
If not, or if your state/agency would like to assume responsibility
for the volunteers in the future, doing the work of creating a non-profit
corporation may not be worth the effort.
Cons:
- The amount of work required to set it up and keep a non-profit
running.
- Completing and filing the paperwork for incorporation and non-profit
status.
- This is best done with the help of a pro-bono attorney.
The Heart Gallery is a wonderful cause and time spent in advance
finding a pro bono attorney will be well worth the time and
money saved in the long run. Forming a non-profit corporation
also requires creating and keeping an active board – this
is a big project in itself. I recommend keeping it as simple
as possible, and tailoring it to the needs of your group.
The anticipated financial benefits and outreach possibilities of
your project are also important considerations. For example, New
Jersey’s Heart Gallery website was donated by Sprint in the early
stages of the project. Their proximity to NYC, a large concentration
of corporations, and potential donors helped NJ decide there were
advantages for them in setting up a non-profit corporation.
Pros:
- Heart Gallery's name recognition is increased when you form
your own non-profit. Individuals and organizations are encouraged
when they see that the name of the non-profit is the same as the
project they want to support.
- Ability to write off donations is very important to many donors.
(Of course they can still do that if you decide to partner with
another non-profit.)
- Forming a new, independent, non-profit organization can give
your group greater purchasing flexibility because you will not
have to wait for the partnering non-profit to disperse funds.
You may have more direct access to the donations and decision
making can be quicker and easier. Of course partnering also means
figuring out how donations are dispersed or what administrative
fees may be required. However, if you are working with a child
advocacy non-profit (like CASA, foster/adoptive parent organizations,
etc.), the shared funds would go to benefit children like those
The Heart Gallery supports.
Since I work for CYFD, New Mexico Heart Gallery has existed for
many years without its own non-profit. Our current goal is to incorporate
Heart Gallery New Mexico because we know we will continue our efforts
into the future. New Mexico kids will certainly benefit from the
already established name recognition of the Heart Gallery. We plan
to expand our articles of incorporation to allow us to use the funds
for other events and projects to benefit our foster children.
That said, for the December 2005 Heart Gallery in New Mexico, we
are happily partnering with our CASA group even though our own non-profit
should be up and running soon. The reasons are two-fold: first,
it (CASA) is a wonderful, well-run organization which directly helps
our New Mexico foster children; second, the CASA volunteers and
staff will provide hands-on planning and support to the project
this year.
Some groups start out without becoming a non-profit, and then as
the project continues and grows, end up forming one. This is a good
plan for those who don't have immediate access to a pro bono attorney
or can't set up the corporation themselves. After a successful exhibit
it is easier to recruit support for the project. If attorneys see
that a Heart Gallery has helped to find homes for children in their
community, they will be more inclined to donate their services.
back to top
|
