The HEART Program Bikes to the Beach
H.E.A.R.T. is a free program open to any adult in the City of Houston over 18 who has an intellectual and /or developmental disability. Like many living in Houston, the program is working to recover from Hurricane Harvey.
H.E.A.R.T. has provided education and job training for over 567 participants, preparing them for employment in our affiliate enterprise known as H.E.A.R.T. Vending and Concessions. One of their vending machines was damaged by the floods associated with Harvey.
Although impacted by Harvey, H.E.A.R.T. trainees, staff, and supporters came together to help those in the community who were affected by the hurricane.
Using their pizza-making skills, they partnered with Papa John’s Pizza and prepared and cooked 3,000 Papa John’s pizzas for the evacuees at the NRG Center over a three-day period.
At the H.E.A.R.T. facility, they packaged and distributed personal hygiene care packages, generously donated by many of H.E.A.R.T. supporters, to our trainees and other persons with developmental disabilities who were impacted by the hurricane in one way or another. Their HISD/HEART vocational training students also made Harvey Relief hygiene bags at Houston Food Bank. The trainees and students were proud to be able to give back to the community.
Since one of their vending machines was damaged by the flood, they are now fundraising to replace that vending machine. With the help from Bike to the Beach, they will be able to buy a new vending machine and continue to provide vocational training and job opportunities for their HEART Trainees!