A New Family for Valentine's Day

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jacob and Alvina proudly hold the photographs of themselves that helped them find their new forever family.

"I had more hair then," says eight-year-old Jacob, pointing to his picture. "She has more hair now," he says of his five-year-old sister.

Jacob and Alvina were among 13 foster children adopted Friday just in time for Valentine's Day. Their photographs had been featured in the Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando, a traveling photo exhibit featuring foster children who are awaiting adoption. The Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando is a program of Family Services of Metro Orlando.

"We see too many children who grow up without the love and security of a permanent family," said Greg Kurth, CEO of Family Services of Metro Orlando. "This Valentine's Day weekend, thirteen families chose to make the bonds of love between parent and child permanent."

Last year, a record 3,777 children were adopted statewide, including 204 foster children adopted in Orange and Osceola counties. Nearly 200 Central Florida children remain in need of the love of a family.

Photography for the Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando is provided by Jeff Hawkins Photography and the Professional Photographers Society of Central Florida.

About Family Services of Metro Orlando

Family Services of Metro Orlando is a private, non-profit organization responsible for the management of services to vulnerable children and families in Orange and Osceola counties. Through its innovative programs and extensive community partnerships, the organization provides oversight of child protection services, such as prevention, intervention, foster care, adoption and independent living services. Family Services maximizes public and private resources and coordinates community partnerships toward holistic services for children and families. For more information, visit www.fsmetroorlando.org or call 877-6-MY-KIDS.

SOURCE Family Services of Metro Orlando