"People with disabilities often have a hard time finding jobs and getting work experience. H.E.A.R.T. gives real, hands-on job training at real places in Houston — so people can learn skills and get to work."
H.E.A.R.T. offers job training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) at over 100 concession events each year at Houston venues like Toyota Center and Shell Energy Stadium. Programs include vending operations, a 10-week CVS retail externship, a 16-week pharmacy technician program, and summer internships for ages 15–21. Skills taught include food handling, cashiering, inventory, customer service, and pharmacy basics. Transportation to job sites is also provided.
Programs
vending & Concessions
The H.E.A.R.T. Program has provided job training and placement in concessions stands at high-profile venues including the Toyota Center, Shell Energy Stadium, the Freedom Over Texas 4th of July Festival, and many more events. H.E.A.R.T. provides job training at over 100 concession events annually. Skills included are basic food handling, inventory, hands-on training, job readiness, cashiering, and more.
Trainees at H.E.A.R.T. also operate and maintain over 40 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. Trainees must acquire the necessary skills, including sorting, labeling, counting and batching, and inventory processes
HEART-CVS
CVS Retail Training (10-week Health Externship Program):
Customer Service: verbal communication; telephone & PA etiquette; and aiding Customers in locating products
Inventory Management: receiving & stocking merchandise; transferring merchandise; and assisting with merchandising tasks.
Store Maintenance & Merchandising: labeling & reporting shortages/overages; assisting with seasonal displays; and assisting with price changes, returns, or recalls.
Pharmacy Technician Training (16-week Pharmacy Technician Program):
Basic Pharmacy Operations
Processing Prescriptions
Inventory Management
Prescription Medication Measurement
Brand and Generic Drug Identification
TRANSITION & summer internship
Located at the Houston Food Bank, H.E.A.R.T. Partners with Houston I.S.D., Channelview I.S.D., and Galena Park I.S.D. to provide work training to their students with I/DD during the school year.
H.E.A.R.T. also offers two 4-week sessions to individuals with I/DD ages 15-21 who are interested in a summer internship experience or would like to experience a workplace environment. Participants will receive instruction on job skills and hands-on training as well as leadership and advocacy training. Upon completion of the internship, participants will receive a transcript of all the skills learned and hours trained during the session.
RIDE WITH H.E.A.R.T.
The H.E.A.R.T. Program has a team of drivers who provide transportation to job sites from the H.E.A.R.T. facility for trainees.
Visit heartprogram.org/2023/programs to read about each program and find out how to sign up or get more information.
