This summer, One Accord for Kids is at it again!!
With 60% of our kids in foster care outside of West Texas, we knew that we would have to get creative to recruit for our Heart Gallery of West Texas kids. This past year, the statewide network created by Heart Galleries of Texas, has made taking portraits much easier. Heart Galleries across the state help us find volunteer photographers, let our kids join in on their mass photoshoots, and have even coordinated individual photoshoots. There is no doubt that without this network it would be very difficult to get the many portraits we need.
Capturing stories for the news, on the other hand, is harder because West Texas reporters can’t travel. So we do this ourselves. We plan Summer Adventures for them and capture footage of the fun we are having. This ensures that we capture their excitement, wonder, and smiles so that we can see them shine.
In addition to great footage, our Summer Adventures allow us to treat them to a day of fun and lifelong memories. We dote on them with a unique experience, a good meal, treats, and often souvenirs.
On Sunday Matt visited Zander at his placement’s home. He shot pictures and videos of him. Talking with his caretakers, they said he is doing well and that he enjoys music, going outside, and of course eating.
On Monday, Matt met Cayden and Dalton at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco. With these brothers living in different cities they really enjoyed the extended time together. They also enjoyed a very special behind the scenes tour of the zoo and getting up close to some of the really cool animals.
On Tuesday, Matt visited with Payton at the Cidercade Austin. There, they played some classic arcade games but probably enjoyed the NBA basketball shoot-out the most. Payton certainly taught Matt a thing or two.
With all of the action, Wednesday was a lot slower with Danny. Danny took Matt to a local pond for some fishing. For the past couple of years Danny has become quite the angler and has developed a reputation among his friends. He caught 5 beautiful bass while Matt did not catch a thing. Danny credits his success fishing to YouTube and help from his friends.
If you are interested in adoption, we invite you to check out the wonderful kids on the Heart Gallery of West Texas by going to HeartGalleryWTX.org, and if you want to get started on your adoption journey go to AdoptWestTexasKids.org.