The Heart Gallery, which exists online as an interactive exhibit, was birthed in 2009 out of a collaboration between The Children’s Trust and Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe. It aims to “find forever families” for foster children who cannot safely be returned to the custody of their biological parents.
This is 16-year-old Juliet’s story, in her own words:
Q: How’s your day been?
Juliet: Good!
Q: What’s your favorite thing about school?
Juliet: We like to play, talk when we go outside. We play tag or soccer.
Q: What’s your favorite subject?
Juliet: Reading.
Q: Why reading?
Juliet: Because it’s fun to read.
Q: Like what?
Juliet: Harry Potter. The Simpsons.
Q: There’s a Simpsons book?
Juliet: Yes, its a novel!
Q: What do you like to do after school?
Juliet: Hang out with my friends, Go to places like the mall and buy stuff.
Q: Like?
Juliet: Jewelry, shoes, bracelets.
Q: So you’re a shopper? What else should I know about you? Do you like animals?
Juliet: Yes.
Q: What kind of animals?
Juliet: All kinds of dogs
Q: Do you have a dog?
Juliet: No, I have a cat.
Q: What’s her name?
Juliet: Mamita.
Q: If you could have any dog you like, what would you like?
Juliet: Rottweiler.
Q: Why?
Juliet: Because they’re big and strong and they can protect me and my family.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Juliet: A veterinarian because I love animals.
Q: Don’t you think it’d be a hard job, all those different animals?
Juliet: Yes, I have to study really hard, but I love animals so it would be worth it.
Q: If I can ask your friends to tell you three things about you, what would they say?
Juliet: I’m beautiful, smart, funny.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
Juliet: “Pretty Little Liars.”
Q: Why “Pretty Little Liars”?
Juliet: Because I like the action and drama.
Q: What about movies?
Juliet: I’ve seen “Enchanted” — it’s a princess movie.
Q: Are you into princess movies?
Juliet: I’m into it.
Q: Who’s your favorite princess?
Juliet: Cinderella.
Q: Do you like to eat, what’s your favorite food?
Juliet: Salad
Q: Why salad?
Juliet: I like the chicken, lettuce, vinegar and salt.
Q: What about sweets?
Juliet: Cookies
Q: Chocolate chips? With nuts or without?
Juliet: Without.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Juliet: Fly
Q: Why?
Juliet: I would fly around and save people.
Q: That’s pretty sweet! So what’s the perfect family for you?
Juliet: No fighting, no arguing, just being happy.
Q: That’s a pretty good thing. If I had a magic lamp and I can give you three wishes?
Juliet: I would want to be rich. I want a Ferrari and I want to be a superhero.
Q: What about sports?
Juliet: I like football, soccer, basketball.
Q: Which do you like to watch and which do you like to play?
Juliet: I like to watch and I like to play all of them, but my favorite is basketball because it’s fun to throw the ball.
Q: 2 points, 3 points…
Juliet: Yes!
Q: Did you have fun today?
Juliet: Yea!
Contact
Families interested in temporarily fostering or permanently adopting a child can contact Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe at 305-455-6000 or visit their website at fosteringourkids.org.
Comments