Michigan Heart Gallery Features Faces of Foster Kids

DETROIT - Hundreds of Michigan children have a simple wish. All they want is a family that they can call their own. Friday marked the grand opening of the Michigan Heart Gallery. It offers a chance to be introduced to some of Michigan's children who are waiting and hoping for a home.

Smiling, laughing, serious, siblings, daughters, sons -- what these children all have in common is the need for a forever family.

"To have a family is one of the most important things," said Heidi Raubenolt with Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange. "Kids need support in their lives."

The Michigan Heart Gallery pairs professional photographers with waiting kids. More than 4,000 Michigan children are in the foster system. 500 are waiting to be adopted. Many of them are ten and older and harder to place. They may have siblings or special needs, but they have so much to give.

"A lot of love, a great sense of humor, energy. They're amazing kids. They really are," Raubenolt said.

Each year, 500 children age out of Michigan's foster care system when they turn 18. On their own with little support, some end up homeless or in jail. That is just one of the reasons it is so important to get them out of the system and into loving homes.

"There is a new generation coming that... aren't paid attention to that will become problematic. So, why not pay attention to our future now and not have to pay a price for it later on," said Edd Snyder with the Charles H. Wright Museum.

The Heart Gallery will travel the state showcasing some of the many Michigan children who may just be waiting to join your family. The exhibit will be at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History until May first.

For more information, please visit www.miheart.org.