About Us

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.

Board of Directors

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

Staff

Asia Barnes
Vocational Training Specialist

Shyra Baron
Vocational Training Instructor – H.E.A.R.T. Senior Program Manager

Katherine Bauer
Development Manager

Isis Bellozo
H.E.A.R.T.-Food Bank Coordinator/Instructor

Jane Borochoff
Founder & Senior Advisor

Yunchiu Chang
Director of Operations and Giving

Paola Espinal
Vocational Training Coordinator/Financial Coordinator

Amy Gould
Vocational Training Specialist

Shereé Simmons-Gould
Vocational Training Instructor – CVS Program Manager

Thedrick Harris
Special Education Teacher

Mary Johnson
Vocational Training Specialist II

Thanh Le
Vocational Training Specialist

Seth Malin
Executive Director

Sentara Scott
Vocational Training Specialist

Reyn Thomas
Vocational Training Specialist

Trang Tran
Director of Finance and Administration