Through HeartShare’s Pre-Vocational & Employment Programs, which offer people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a fair chance in the workplace, Devin now works at Modell’s Sporting Goods.

Danny, who lives at HeartShare’s Park Avenue Residence in Queens, has many HeartShare teams at his side to help him achieve his goals.

With her Options grant from HeartShare, Addissa attends camp where she enjoys swimming, bowling and track.

“He’s my baby. Like any parent, I take all the blessings and the challenges,” said Brenda.

“My son is connected to additional resources to improve his health and his quality of life,” said Tanara, who now has the help of a Medicaid Service Coordinator to navigate the complexity of Yvesa’s health care routine.

In addition to staff members to whom he’s grown close, Heels & Wheels helped Rodney re-connect with those from his childhood. “I love my friends at HeartShare,” said Rodney.

“Ms. Tia and Ms. Crystal helped me through difficult moments. There’s a lot to handle in high school and it’s not worth it to be mad,” explained Richard. “Besides, the good that you put into the world comes back to you.”

“Ms. Tia and Ms. Crystal helped me through difficult moments. There’s a lot to handle in high school and it’s not worth it to be mad,” explained Richard. “Besides, the good that you put into the world comes back to you.”

The HeartShare pre-school purchased and adapted two scooters for DeAndre—one for school and one for home. “My baby has come a long way,” Sandra said. Sandra was told that DeAndre, who was born less than 2 pounds, wouldn’t live past two or three years old. DeAndre is five and will attend Kindergarten in the fall.

Luther started a new chapter in his life when he decided to get sober over 8 years ago. As an African American male, Luther said he was not accustomed to talking openly about things and doing so with the right people made all the difference.