JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Thanks in part to an art exhibit, a Jacksonville boy has a new home, a new life and a new family.

Ricky, 12, spent his first evening in his new home Friday after being adopted by a family who saw the boy's picture in a traveling exhibit called The Heart Gallery.

The Heart Gallery showcases pictures of children who are up for adoption.

Ricky's new mother said she fell in love as soon as she saw the child's face.

At the courthouse, a judge made Ricky's dream a reality. He was one of 33 children who officially became part of new families.

At the start of the year, there were more than 500 children who needed homes in the area. Currently, there are 280 children waiting to be adopted, and projects like The Heart Gallery is helping to make many of those children's dreams come true.

There was applause in the courtroom, and tears were shed as another family, the Hoffers, officially became the parents of baby Gracin, a child known for his beautiful smile.

"The best thing about him is when you pick him up in the morning, he starts smiling and he's smiling when you put him down at night," said Gracin's new father Arron Hoffer.

Judge David Gooding presided over Friday's 33 adoptions. He said adoptions are one of the most rewarding aspects of his profession.

"When I finalize an adoption, I am mindful that that little baby that might be known as little Sarah may someday be known as great-grandma Sarah," Gooding said.

However, there are many children who still need homes.

"We need to have zero available for adoption. We need every child to be in a permanent home," Gooding said.

CEO of Family Support Services Jim Adams said they are changing the face of foster-care. Since the start of the year, they have finalized the adoptions for more than 340 children in Duval County.

However, he said more help is needed.

"We have tremendous need for volunteers just to send a Christmas or birthday card to a child in the foster care system. That is the only commitment that you need to make," Adams said.

"We can't help them all, and no single person can help them all. But if you can help one, then that is just one less that does not need help," Hoffer said.

Adults considering adoption, becoming a foster parent, or volunteering can call Family Support Services at 421-5800.