The H.E.A.R.T. Program (Housing, Entrepreneurship And Readiness Training) was founded to create new opportunities for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) to achieve their potential. Click here to view an 7-minute video from our Founder Jane Borochoff. 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 H.E.A.R.T. Program therefore embraces its mission to promote structured independence for individuals with developmental disabilities by providing innovative education, training, housing and employment programs.
As a program of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Educational Programs Inspiring Communities, Inc., The H.E.A.R.T. Program has been able to grow from an initial idea to a flourishing program serving hundreds of people since it opened its doors on February 1, 2006. The H.E.A.R.T. Program has provided job training and placement for hundreds of adults with I/DD. H.E.A.R.T. and its trainees also operate over 60 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.
H.E.A.R.T. is committed to responsibility and transparency, please find our latest Form 990, audited statements, and annual report below:
H.E.A.R.T. is making a difference in the community, and people are noticing. H.E.A.R.T. has been awarded the “Mayor’s Proud Partner” Award. In 2012, The H.E.A.R.T. Program was honored with the “Leadership in Action” Award, presented by Leadership Houston. The H.E.A.R.T. Program’s mission is made possible thanks to growing support from the community including support from volunteers as well as donations. The H.E.A.R.T. Program has created an environment fosters self-confidence, employability, and the ability of trainees to realize the full potential of their capabilities.
Jane Borochoff
Chair of the Board
Sakina Lanig
Vice-Chair
Heather Morgan
Treasurer
Tanya B. White
Secretary
Sue Davis
Board Member
Tasmina Lakhani
Board Member
Jessica Leone
Board Member
Daphne Mikel
Board Member
Gary Yeoman
Board Member
Sean Anderson
Rice MBA Board Fellow, Ex-Officio
Seth Malin
Executive Director, Ex-Officio
Kavita Sinha
Chair of the YP Board
Kristina Koinis
Co-Chair of the YP Board
Radhika Achari
Board Member
Taylor Miller
Board Member
Ethan Myers
Volunteer Experience Chair
Jordan Nassif
Board Member
Raisha Smith
Social Media and Technology Chair
Joshua Taylor
Board Member
Yossias Yohannes
Staff Member Experience Chair
Asia Barnes
Vocational Training Specialist
Shyra Baron
Vocational Training Instructor - H.E.A.R.T. Senior Program Manager
Isis Bellozo
Vocational Training Specialist
Jane Borochoff
Founder & Senior Advisor
Yunchiu Chang
Director of Operations and Giving
Paola Espinal
Executive Assistant/Vocational Training Coordinator
Sherma George
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Shereé Simmons-Gould
Vocational Training Instructor - CVS Program Manager
Thedrick Harris
Special Education Teacher
Mary Johnson
Vocational Training Specialist II
Teandra Lauderdale
Special Education Teacher
Thanh Le
Vocational Training Specialist
Seth Malin
Executive Director
Oryonna Mason
Vocational Training Instructor - Food Bank Program Manager
Sentara Scott
Vocational Training Specialist
Trang Tran
Director of Finance and Administration