Laurie Sherman Graff, Executive Director - Heart Gallery NYC
Laurie Sherman Graff is the founder and director of Heart Gallery NYC. It’s a small nonprofit that helps kids in foster care find adoptive families. She started the NYC chapter in 2006 after seeing the idea work in New Mexico.
Heart Gallery NYC works with pro photographers to take special pictures of kids in foster care. These photos help show who the kids really are, so families can see more than just a name or file.
Over time, the group has done more than just help with adoption. Now, they also work with people across New York and even take photos to support other causes, like helping people who are homeless.
Laurie’s goal is to spread kindness and help others. She believes that even small actions can make the world a better place.
In this episode:
- 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Laurie Sherman Graff
- 00:24 – What is Heart Gallery NYC?
- 02:14 – The Power of Photography: From Blurry Snapshots to Soulful Portraits
- 03:57 – From NYC to Nationwide Projects: Mentorship, Internships, and Empowerment Through Art
- 05:38 – The Secret to Sustaining a Nonprofit: Volunteers, Donors & the Power of Gratitude
- 06:59 – Best Practices for Relationship Management
- 09:51 – Best Part of the Job: Purpose, Kindness & Making a Difference
- 11:19 – Where to Learn More & Get Involved
"Keep them updated as to what's going on, to have a newsletter come out, keep them engaged, invite them to events that you do. Just keeping everybody excited."
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