Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Borochoff.
Jane’s interest in adults with developmental disabilities began when a member of her family, who has a developmental disability, was approaching adulthood. After meeting with educators, community leaders and parents on this issue, Jane decided to start a new program to add one more choice. Once the 501-c-3 status was approved, Jane left her more lucrative position in the private sector and set out to raise the necessary funds to launch the new program which would be known as H.E.A.R.T.
Under Jane’s vision, leadership, and personal commitment, the original 501-c-3 organization has reached its 15 year anniversary, and the H.E.A.R.T. program has been in operation for almost 13 years, reaching over 250 adults with developmental disabilities with its life-changing programs.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a non-profit organization, and starting an affiliate vending machine business that is part of the non-profit organization is not easy! All of the struggles of a start-up small business and a start-up nonprofit rolled into one.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The HEART Program story. Tell us more about the business.
The H.E.A.R.T. Program (Housing, Entrepreneurship And Readiness Training) was founded to create new opportunities for adults with 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 H.E.A.R.T. Program, therefore, embraces its mission to promote structured independence for persons living 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.
Since 2006, The H.E.A.R.T. Program has provided job training and placement in vending and concessions to low-income Houston adults with developmental disabilities. H.E.A.R.T. now operates over 80 vending machines in the Houston area as well 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.
Trainees at H.E.A.R.T. operate and maintain over 80 vending machines throughout the Houston area. They participate in the entirety of the vending operations – from product inventory and restocking to cash handling and counting.
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.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
One of the big shifts that I hope is coming is the recognition that individuals with intellectual disabilities should be paid at least the federal minimum wage for hours worked. Right now, it is legal for these individuals to be paid below the minimum wage. Many people are now aware of this, but luckily awareness is growing. At HEART, we are proud that we have always ensured that our clients are paid the minimum wage or higher for all hours worked.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6717 Stuebner Airline Rd, Suite 207
Houston, TX 77091 - Website: www.heartprogram.org
- Phone: (713) 692-4278
- Email: contact@heartprogram.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.a.r.t.program/
- Facebook: facebook.com/heartprogram
- Twitter: twitter.com/theheartprogram
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
