HOUSTON – At KPRC 2, we are proud to showcase those making a difference in the Houston area. Each month in 2023, we’re partnering with Energy Transfer to showcase a different nonprofit organization offering Houstonians a helping hand.
This month, we are featuring the Houston-based H. E. A. R. T. program (Housing, Entrepreneurship And Readiness Training), a nonprofit organization that was founded to create new opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their potential.
H.E.A.R.T.‘s philosophy is that everyone deserves the opportunity to excel and experience the sense of pride and accomplishment that is achieved through education and employment.
The programs website notes that they have provided job training and placement for hundreds of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. H.E.A.R.T. and its trainees also operate more than 80 vending machines in the Houston area as well as as over 150 concession events annually. In addition, H.E.A.R.T. provides the training and guidance necessary for trainees to work at all of these enterprises and earn paychecks at minimum wage or higher.
The H.E.A.R.T. program is always seeking volunteers who understand their vital role in helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities Many of their volunteer opportunities take place in on an as needed basis as a precaution of COVID-19. Family, co-workers, or social groups can sign up for the next volunteer shift here. If you can’t make it to a volunteer shift, there’s still plenty you can do to help. You can donate money to the organization here.
Do you know a nonprofit, charity group or organization making our city a better place to call home? Tell us about it in the comments section below.