Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out for Children, Inc.
Our Story is an interesting one
What began as a collection of enthusiastic ideas has grown into a groundbreaking non-profit organization that fills the 'quality of life care' gap for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS across the state of Georgia.
Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out (H.E.R.O.) for Children, Inc. was founded in 2003 by two enthusiastic young men who had separate but similar experiences working alongside children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. They observed that though basic needs (food, housing, and medical attention) were being addressed, no specific 'quality of life' (QOL) care services were provided. After exploring this problem in their home state of Georgia, research found that only 12 of the 500 HIV/AIDS service organizations offered support to children and none addressed QOL needs. As a result, H.E.R.O. for Children was created.
The Mission we are on
The mission of H.E.R.O. for Children is to improve the quality of life for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS through enriching programs, unforgettable experiences, and connections with the community. Our free, award-winning programs serve a majority low income minority population. We have touched the lives of over 35 children with 18,000 hours of quality of life care through more than 1,000 volunteers. Since day one H.E.R.O.s goals have been laser-focused: deliver needs-based, quality of life care while collaborating with other organizations. Our services are effective and that is evidenced by parent and mentor testimonies of program impact such as increased grade point averages, positive changes in attitudes and decreases in children acting out. The life of a young person dealing with HIV/AIDS issues requires a strong support system; these children need an environment where they can gain a sense of belonging and acceptance. H.E.R.O. is that place.
Our passionate Vision
We define ‘Quality of Life’ as the degree of physical, social, and emotional well-being an individual enjoys while being able to envision and attain unlimited future success and fulfillment. At H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc., quality of life programming seeks to achieve the following:
- Bridge gaps, created by personal and societal factors related to being infected with or affected by HIV/IDS, which can diminish a child’s potential to succeed
- Expand life exposure through a wide range of opportunities and events that allow children to experience the normal joys of childhood
- Increase social, interpersonal, and academic skills so that children are able to accomplish age-appropriate milestones, compete with their peers, and perform normal tasks of living
- Improve children’s perceptions of their future prospects and overall life possibilities
- Create opportunities that will increase children’s ability to function effectively, despite being infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS, and become contributing members of society.
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