About Us
RunfromtheHEART is on a mission to raise money for adults with special needs by running a marathon in every state on the behalf of the HEART program.
As a program of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Educational Programs Inspiring Communities, Inc., The H.E.A.R.T. Program has been able to grow from an initial idea to a flourishing program serving hundreds of people since it opened its doors on February 1, 2006. The H.E.A.R.T. Program has provided job training and placement for hundreds of adults with I/DD. H.E.A.R.T. and its trainees also operate over 60 vending machines in the Houston area as well as as over 150 concession events annually. In addition, H.E.A.R.T. provides the training and guidance necessary for trainees to work at all of these enterprises and earn paychecks at minimum wage or higher.
"Everyone deserves a chance to contribute to society."
Our Story
The journey of Run from the HEART started over 20 years ago when Evan Vaughn and Joshua Taylor met through their older brothers playing sports together. They quickly began inseparable and have been best buddies ever since.
Evan was apart of the HEART program for several years and through Joshua being fortunate enough to be apart and around the special needs community through Evan, eventually joined the HEART Program's Young Professional Board right before COVID in 2020.
Since the Houston Chevron Marathon is a large fundraiser for the HEART program and the 2021 Marathon was going virtual, Joshua birthed a bigger idea to raise more money for the organization by running a marathon in every state in the United States over the next several years.
The journey is just begun and it will take many across the country and world to make this vision come true for not just the HEART program but helping those like Evan across the USA and beyond.
Let's Run from the HEART!
