News from New York State Office of Children & Family Services

For more information contact: Pat Cantiello, 518-402-3130

Media Advisory: Statewide Heart Gallery Opening & Adoption Month Kickoff Nov. 5

RENSSELAER, NY (11/02/2007; 1621)(readMedia)-- WHO: New York State Office of Children & Family Services’ New York State Adoption Service, state & county officials

WHAT: New York Statewide Heart Gallery opening reception, featuring more than 100 portraits of children across the state waiting to be adopted. Also kicks off National Adoption Month. (Heart Gallery will be on display Nov. 5 through 12).

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 5, 2007

Program at 5:45 p.m.

Opening Reception: 5:30-8 p.m.

WHERE: New York State Empire Plaza

South Concourse (Madison Ave. entrance)

Albany, N.Y.

WHO: Kristin M. Proud, Director of Health & Human Services, Office of Governor Spitzer; Michael G. Breslin, Albany County Executive; Susan Savage, Chair, Schenectady County Legislature; John R. Beaudoin, Commissioner, Rensselaer County Department of Social Services; William T. Gettman, Executive Deputy Commissioner, NYS Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS); Brenda Rivera, Director, NYS Adoption Service, OCFS; foster care youth formerly featured in the Heart Gallery.

WHY: Kicks off National Adoption Month (November); highlights some of the 1,500 children and youth across New York State who are waiting for a permanent home; celebrates the collaborative efforts of professional photographers, local social services districts, voluntary agencies, OCFS regional adoption specialists, and advocates and statewide friends of adoption.

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