Ann Arbor, MI — The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), a program of human services agency Judson Center, will reveal its 2024 Michigan Heart Gallery on Saturday, September 21st from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Emagine Theatre in Royal Oak, 200 North Main Street.
The Michigan Heart Gallery is an annual traveling exhibit featuring photos of older youth in the foster care system who are awaiting adoption. This year, there are pictures of 71 young people in the display, some of whom will be on hand at the premiere.
The event includes a red carpet for the arrival of the youth and guests, a film presentation, formal program, and lunch. Attendees will have an opportunity to talk with MARE’s Adoption Navigators, experienced adoptive parents who can offer guidance and personal knowledge.
“It’s a one-stop location for anyone who is thinking about giving a young person a permanent, loving home,” said Judson Center President & CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster. “Not only can they view the beautiful photos of the older children and teenagers looking for permanent homes, but their questions about the adoption process can be answered right on the spot.”
Twenty professional photographers from across the state volunteered their time to take the photos for the Michigan Heart Gallery project. The exhibit will travel across the state following the Royal Oak event.
“The young people are the stars of the Michigan Heart Gallery,” said MARE Director Michelle Parra. “The event is a celebration of these youth and their hopes for a bright future with their forever families. This is MARE’s version of the Oscars. It’s our biggest event of the year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our young people, adoption professionals, and any family or individual with an interest in adoption from foster care.”
Guest speakers at the Heart Gallery event include Demetrius Starling, senior deputy director for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) Children’s Services Administration, Judson Center President & CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster, and Judson Center Chief Strategy Officer George Winn.
Admission to the Michigan Heart Gallery grand opening is free, but attendees are encouraged to pre-register through the MARE website at www.mare.org. Parking vouchers will be available for attendees.
About MARE
The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), a program of Judson Center, is a statewide information and referral service for families interested in adopting youth from foster care and for adoption workers looking for homes for these children. The MARE website provides a list of children in Michigan who are waiting for permanent homes and information on families who are interested in adopting children with special needs. MARE is funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, visit www.mare.org.
About Judson Center
Judson Center, trusted by Michigan families for 100 years, is a non-profit human services agency providing expert, comprehensive services that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, and developmental, behavioral and physical health challenges so they can achieve whole health, well-being, and maximum potential. Judson Center also offers integrated primary healthcare for all through Judson Center Health in Warren and is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Since opening its doors in 1924, Judson Center has grown to change the lives of more than 13,000 children, adults, and families each year. Judson Center has offices in Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. As part of our centennial celebration, Judson Center has launched the “Where Care Is An Art” awareness campaign, which uses artwork to illustrate the inspirational and emotional stories of our clients. Judson Center’s headquarters are located at 30301 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3277. Learn more at www.judsoncenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Daphne Hughes, Hughes Creative, LLC
248.417.4309, daphne@hughescreativellc.com
Scott Trudell, Chief Development Officer, Judson Center
313.283.1055, Scott_Trudell@JudsonCenter.org