Everything from the cake to the singers was adorned in red, and though this wasn’t a Valentine’s Day party, the theme was most definitely love.
The Heart Gallery Gala, held Feb. 7, in the Junior League of Bakersfield building, is a gallery made up of photographs of 13 teens, but these are no ordinary teens.
They are teens from Kern County who need homes. The gallery, which is organized by the Department of Human Services, started in 2007 and has been in 14 locations around the community so far.
According to Jana Slagle, the Heart Gallery coordinator, they started with 22 teens last year, and three have been adopted. There are 3,000 kids in the foster system right now. Some kids go back to their families or live with relatives, but there are those who cannot have permanent homes. This gallery was only a small representation of the teens who need a home.
At the gala, people were able to mingle with some of the organizers, and later, there were a few speakers, including Slagle, Melissa Grahek and Pat Cheadle, the Director of Human Services. The gala itself was a way for prospective parents to meet the teens featured in the gallery.
“I think it’s nice that people are taking time and effort to do this for the community. I just wish there was more publicity,” said Angela Cross, a prospective parent, who heard about the event through a friend.
According to Slagle, it takes about a year to adopt and requires filing the necessary paperwork, undergoing background checks and various other legal issues. The kids in the system are growing up, and when they turn 18, they find themselves on their own. This is a process Slagle says is often called “aging out of the system.”
The exhibit will remain in the Junior League building until March, then it will reside for a couple of weekends in the Olive Knolls Church, but according to Slagle, they are looking for new venues all the time to house the gallery.
“I think the Heart Gallery is an exciting way to get these kids homes,” said Delfino Neira, an attendee.
Anyone interested in adopting can call 868-8901 for more information.