Non-profit organization returns to Lubbock after closing due to the pandemic

Lubbock, Texas — The Heart Gallery of the South Plains has made its comeback since it stopped when the pandemic hit.

Jaimie Havens, executive director of the Heart Gallery of the Panhandle Plains told EverythingLubbock.com that there are 364 kids in this region, waiting to be adopted.

Havens said, “It’s a girl named Alisha, who is 16 and wants younger siblings and a dad to play sports with. And it’s a kid named Caleb who loves dinosaurs and just wants to have a family to have fun with. And spend time with.”

Both kids are looking to find their forever homes. The Heart Gallery posts professional pictures around town of the kids in the South Plains awaiting adoption.

Havens said, “We really hope to change the narrative for these kids who are going to age out of care. We hope that by helping connect them with adoptive families, they’re able to, you know, just that it changes their life. And I think that our goal is to see more adoptions in our region. Spans across Lubbock, Amarillo and all 41 surrounding counties.”

Stories like Malakai’s will be displayed somewhere in Lubbock soon.

Havens said, “He’s ten years old. He has autism, and he is just so full of energy and life. He is the most loving, gentle kid; he lights up in any setting. He just has this beautiful smile and he laughs. It’s infectious.”

His dream family is someone that just loves him for who he is.

Havens said, “celebrates autism and champions his goals, who can see his potential and know that he’s capable of so much, he has so much to offer the world.”

Now, being back on the South Plains, Havens hopes telling the stories of these children will set them up for a better future.

Havens said, “Just getting involved in the first place is a huge first step. We hope the more people think about it and know that it’s on their mind and see these photos and think, I can do something for these kids.”

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