Houston extends contract over job program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

During a Feb. 16 meeting, Houston City Council passed an ordinance approving an extension of a contract between the city and nonprofit Educational Programs Inspiring Communities Inc., which works to create opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The contract extension allows for continual administration over the Housing Entrepreneurship and Readiness Training in Houston, also known as H.E.A.R.T. The program, which briefly expired at the end of January, will now run through Jan. 31, 2023.

H.E.A.R.T.'s Interim Executive Director Seth Malin told Community Impact Newspaper the program provides education, job training, employment programs and housing in pursuit the nonprofit's mission of promoting structured independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

According to its website, the organization’s philosophy is, “everyone deserves the opportunity to excel and experience the sense of pride and accomplishment that is achieved through education and employment.”

The ordinance passed by the council was funded using $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, which will allow the program to continue operations and support 27 new trainees and 61 carry-over trainees.

“The H.E.A.R.T. Program maintains a fantastic long-standing relationship with the city of Houston, the City Council and the mayor’s office through funding with the Community Development Block Grants Program,” Malin said. “The H.E.A.R.T. Program couldn’t be more elated to be able to continue our association with them and to be able to provide much needed resources and employment for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.”