Washington County proclaims May Foster Care Awareness Month; Heart Gallery director outlines adoption outreach

Washington County Commissioners Court voted May 12 to proclaim May 2026 as National Foster Care Awareness Month and to express support for the Heart Gallery of Central Texas.

The proclamation, read by the presiding judge, cited statewide foster-care statistics and praised the Heart Gallery’s traveling exhibits and volunteer partnerships for raising awareness and connecting children in foster care with permanent families. A motion to approve the proclamation was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

After the vote, Sarah Murray, introduced as director of the Heart Gallery of Central Texas, told the court the program has worked in the region for about 14 years and that she has served as director for four years. “We take photos of kids in foster care who have had their parental rights terminated…we install them as art exhibits,” Murray said, describing the gallery’s use of photography to put a face on children available for adoption and to connect them with prospective families. She said Heart Gallery programs now include exhibitory outreach, licensing information sessions for prospective foster/adoptive parents and post-adoption supports.

Murray cited program data, saying Central Texas adoption rates have been higher than the rest of the state in recent years and that the gallery’s statewide work has contributed to increased adoptions. Those figures were presented by the Heart Gallery as part of its outreach summary; the commissioners did not question the source during the comment period.

The court invited Murray forward for a photograph following her remarks. The proclamation text encourages local communities to support the Heart Gallery’s mission and recognizes the county’s role in raising awareness during Foster Care Awareness Month.

The court did not take further action on child-welfare programs at the meeting; the proclamation is a formal recognition and statement of support.