Description
Our goal is to promote a Healthier Community by improving the activity and mobility in children. Since 2009, over 1,900 pair of new shoes have been purchased and presented to Elementary-aged children with our SHOES FROM THE HEART initiative. Physical inactivity of children has shown to be a serious cause of obesity. H.E.A.R.T. has partnered with local elementary schools to provide athletic foot ware for the 83.6% of children who face economic exclusion, homelessness, lack of access to play areas, mental and physical disability, as well as, lack of parental involvement. For some children in our area, an adequate pair of shoes determines whether they participate in physical education, after-school athletic programs or become the victim of mocking episodes. Physical Education and athletic programs such as basketball, football, soccer, tennis and cheer-leading help promote leadership, discipline, good citizenship, and good sportsmanship. Sports are used as a platform to transmit a message to fight obesity.
We also recognize that children are the proprietors of our great nation and community. Our Goal is to improve school attendance and influence high self-esteem through education. As a linking organization, we host Youth Summits, Workshops and Leadership Seminars that teach: Peer Pressure, Communication, Trust, Character-building, Time Management, Money Matters, Self-discipline, and Respect.
