The concept of "family" is foreign to countless children. For many reasons -- including neglect, abuse, and abandonment -- they have found themselves in the foster care system. Many are filled with fear, anger, confusion, or a sense of powerlessness at having been removed from the only home they ever knew. Some have developmental, physical, emotional or behavioral problems. But in the end they are all children, with a basic longing for a life of normalcy. They need safe and supportive environments. They need love. They need families.

The HEART GALLERY OF NEW JERSEY is based on a simple idea that has already made a huge impact in other states: Photographers, all of them professionals volunteering their time, take compelling pictures of children hoping to be adopted, and the results are exhibited in a gallery format. These pictures are worth far more than a thousand words. In Hartford, Conn., for instance, portraits of 40 children were put on display. Nineteen of those children were later adopted. Now a group of friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and complete strangers has come together with some of the most famous and talented photographers in the world to introduce you to more than 300 New Jersey children who are legally free for adoption nationwide.

We think these needy children's dignity and inner beauty are evident in every photograph. But see for yourself.

Sincerely,

Najlah Feanny Hicks & Pim Van Hemmen
Co-founders, Heart Gallery of New Jersey