Guests to City Hall will notice a digital screen flashing short videos and still photos of foster children with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) who are available for adoption. Surrounding the monitor are photo displays of families who have adopted some of the children. City of Las Cruces associates completed the installation on Aug. 22.
“We are very proud to partner with CYFD to host the Heart Gallery Display,” said City Manager Stuart C. Ed. “Anything we as a municipality can do to help facilitate adoptions is a positive step forward in making Las Cruces, and our state, a quality of place to raise families.”
According to the Heart Gallery’s Nancy Woodka, “On any given night, approximately 300 children in New Mexico go to bed hoping to wake up to the prospect of joining a loving and caring family. By hosting the display, the City of Las Cruces is going a long way toward making those dreams a reality.”
In addition to running continuous photos and videos of CYFD foster children available for adoption, the monitor also displays messages from current adoptive and foster parents, advocates, and public service announcements to help raise awareness about foster care and adoption.
“We have high hopes that the display will lead to many of the children finding permanent homes with good families,” Ed said.
The Heart Gallery originated in New Mexico in 2001, and according to CYFD, 42 states have held or are planning Heart Gallery openings.
New Mexicans interested in becoming adoptive or foster parents can call 1-800-432-2075, or visit www.cyfd.org.