Program Spotlight

Miami Heart Gallery Children Look Sharp for Photographs on Miami Beach

Darrell Dukes got up extra early to choose his outfit – tie, v-neck sweater, sport coat and dress slacks. It was his first trip to South Beach, and the 16-year-old Coral Reef High student wanted to be sure he was dressed just right.

Darrel Dukes and Kyrie Salters, an intern at of One Hope United

Later in the day, as Dukes waited along with the other Miami Heart Gallery children to have their photographs taken, he knew his classy combo had made a hit. 

“You gotta be sharp,” Dukes said, flashing a toothy smile as he moved to the make-up table. “Just a touch-up – I probably don’t need it, but just in case.”

There were plenty of smiles and first experiences to enjoy for Dukes and the other 47 foster care children and teens photographed on South Beach on March 30 and April 1 as part of The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery. The project is a partnership between The Trust and Our Kids, the private agency responsible for foster care and adoption in Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys. This year marks the third year of the initiative that seeks to locate permanent homes for kids in the foster care system.

The Miami Heart Gallery follows a national model where award-winning photographers, donating their time and talent, capture the children in museum-quality photos that then form part of a traveling picture gallery. The children chosen to participate are often the most difficult to find homes for, such as teens, siblings and children with special needs. The project has helped find happy and loving homes for at least half of the children featured.  

Maurice Rodgers, a 9th-grader at Southridge High School, waited patiently to have one of the volunteer hair stylists trim his hair. Rodgers currently lives in a foster home that accommodates up to five boys. His older brother is deceased and his younger sister lives in Canada. He hopes to live in a family with dogs as pets and one where he’d be the middle sibling.

At school, Rodgers enjoys learning about American history and especially likes art class. The walls of his room are covered with his portraits and designs. He’s a linebacker too on the school football team and expects to play on the varsity team next year.

Children were photographed on the beach and at other identifiable Miami Beach settings

Lisa Jongs, a free-lance make-up artist, was one of the many volunteers who spent the day prepping the Miami Heart Gallery children to look their best for their photos. Jongs usually works with celebrities on the beach, readying them for music videos and photo shoots. A friend told her about the Heart Gallery and she was immediately interested.

“A little bit of make-up, a hair cut – at least they’re getting this attention. I’m sure a lot of these kids are neglected,” she said. “To take a day off from my life and do something like this is worthwhile.”

She talked about having 7-year-old Tarrius sit in her chair for make-up. “He was so quiet and afraid to speak. He sat for a long time and I didn’t want to rush him – my heart went out to him,” said Jongs, who admitted that, though she has no children of her own, she has a soft spot for children and they enjoy her.

“Hopefully every kind word, every kind person will help bring them out of their shell. It’s good that The Children’s Trust is helping to save him.”

Kyrie Salters, an intern with One Hope United, helped transport the children to the Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive and stayed with them during the day along with other case managers from a number of agencies.

Hair trims, make-up and wardrobe were part of the preparations for the photo shoots

She’ll graduate in April and says that her studies have led her to what she wants to do with her life.

“These kids are our future. The kids in the system – someone needs to be there for them, she said. “You have to have love for the job – and I do.”

Isaiah Peets and Yidareus McIntyre, both 12, sat side by side, waiting to look through the wardrobe and select solid-color shirts. Both boys have lots of interests and hobbies. Isaiah reeled off a string of things he enjoys – music, games, sports, oh, and math, too. “If I can pay attention to it, I like it – the teacher’s good, she treats us with respect,” Isaiah said.

Yidareus especially likes history in school. “It’s easy to learn about people,” he said.

Both boys have lived in foster-care homes since they were five or younger. They’re hopeful that their current foster families will adopt them and a little hesitant at the thought of changing families again if adopted. The dream of a permanent family seemed almost too much to hope for.  


The Children’s Trust 2010 Miami Heart Gallery hosts a reception on Friday, June 4 at the Historical Museum of South Florida, 101 W. Flagler Street. The exhibition opens to the public on Tuesday, June 8.

See the portraits and watch videos of all the children in previous Miami Heart Gallery exhibits by visiting www.miamiheartgallery.org. For more information, call The Children’s Trust 211 Helpline 24 hours a day.

Written by Michael R. Malone