During November, which is National Adoption Awareness Month, a portrait of a Rhode Island teenager will hang outside Langevin’s Washington, D.C., office in an effort to highlight the need for people to consider adopting.

“This is a cause that is very near to my heart,” said Langevin. “Hanging a portrait is the least I can do to make people aware of the great kids in our community looking for a loving family. I hope we are able to raise awareness and encourage families to explore the adoption of legally free children in the Rhode Island foster care system.”

The professional portrait taken by a Rhode Island photographer features “Josh,” a 14-year-old who has lived in a residential program for the past three years.

“I have been through some difficult times in my life and I have worked hard to overcome challenges,” writes Josh. “I am intelligent and I have a good sense of humor. I love art and I love to draw. I also enjoy hobbies such as making model cars, playing basketball and riding bikes and go-carts. I am very sociable and enjoy being with people. I am interested in finding a family who can respect me and care for me. I am looking for a family who will be there to help and support me in my life. I would love a family where I could be loved for me and be the center of attention.”

Josh looks forward to family vacations, holidays, pets and a home to call his own. He wants a family that will help him stay in contact with his sister.

Josh’s photograph is also featured in the Rhode Island Heart Gallery. Adoption Rhode Island has collaborated with local photographers to create this unique and powerful recruitment tool for Rhode Island’s waiting children. The Heart Gallery is an exhibit of professional portraits of children in state care who are awaiting adoption and will travel throughout Rhode Island in the coming months.

“I applaud Adoption Rhode Island for taking on this project to help raise awareness about older children who have been waiting for some time now for a family,” continued Langevin. “These photo shoots undoubtedly offered these kids the rare, but deserved, opportunity to be the center of attention.”

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