KGET Community

California State University, Bakersfield welcomes the Heart Gallery exhibit to campus with a reception Tuesday, May 13 at 5 p.m.

Just prior to the reception, children featured in the Heart Gallery will have an opportunity to tour the CSUB campus and learn about the importance of higher education for success in life.

The Heart Gallery features photographs of children who are seeking loving, adoptive homes. The gallery includes 13 Kern County teens currently living in foster care. These children have expressed a desire to be adopted, and chose to be a part of this groundbreaking effort. The exhibit will remain on display in the CSUB Student Union through May 30.

"We're pleased to raise awareness about adoption on campus and throughout the community," said Bruce Friedman, professor of social work. "Our social work program works closely with the department of human services and initiatives, such as the Heart Gallery, provide our students with practical experiences."

Now in its second year, the Heart Gallery has been successful in helping children find "forever families." Three children have finalized adoptions through the local exhibit, with several more children on the path to adoption.

For more information about adopting in Kern County, call the Kern County Adoption Agency at (661) 861-6006.