GLOVERSVILLE - The smiling faces of Capital Region children looking for a place to call home are scattered around the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry's lobby, the lofty space filled with echoing Christmas music and the smell of fresh pine.
Each child's picture is framed and covered in glass, and a short paragraph with information about their hobbies and personalities is tacked onto the bottom. Ten-year-old Breanna loves horses; Jacob, 11, likes to camp and hike, and also is a math wiz; Will, 15, wants to study forensic science in college.
As varied as their interests and hobbies are, all the children have one thing in common - they have no permanent home.
The photos on display at the chamber are part of the Heart Gallery, a statewide event meant to draw attention to the need for foster parents and adoptive parents.
Fulton County Department of Social Services employee Elizabeth Slade, who handles foster care and adoptive services, said many people don't realize there are children looking for adoption in their own county. Two of the children featured in the Heart Gallery at the chamber are from Fulton County, she said.
The Heart Gallery is being featured for the first time in Fulton County, Slade said. She said she hopes the gallery shows people how wonderful the children are and also informs people about how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Slade said she has successfully completed four adoptions this year, including an 18-year-old boy, typically a difficult age bracket to place.
DSS Homefinder Diana Cameron said people incorrectly believe adoption is an expensive process. She said families often receive subsidies, particularly if they are adopting older children, who are harder to place. It doesn't cost anything to take a class to become a foster parent, Cameron said. Anyone interested in adopting must first become certified as a foster parent, she said.
"Each child has different needs," she said. "We work with the foster parents to help them. It really is a team effort."
DSS Supervisor Alicia Korona, who oversees all adoption processes, said she hopes the Heart Gallery becomes an annual event in Fulton County.
"I think the pictures really capture the children," she said. "We're hoping some people take an interest and possibly sign up for a foster class."
Johnstown resident Debra Kolsrud was browsing the gallery Thursday evening. She said the children featured in the gallery are not looking for a pile of gifts over the holidays - they just want a warm, welcoming home to call their own.
"I think the pictures are outstanding," she said. "You can see in their eyes the longing they have for a home. This is a wonderful, safe way for these kids to put their best smile forward."
Kolsrud said she hopes someone interested in fostering or adopting is inspired by the gallery.
"It's easy to give these kids what they want, because their only wish is to be wanted," she said. "It's not their fault they don't have a home."
The gallery will be on display until January. Those interested in more information may call 736-5615.
Kayleigh Karutis covers Gloversville news. She can be reached at gloversville@leaderherald.com
