HeartikAbout
Founded in 2021 by an 8th grader.
Heartik Autism Awareness Organization began in March 2021 and was incorporated as Heartik Inc. in July 2022.
How it began
Heartik Autism Awareness Organization was founded in March 2021 by James Zhou, then an 8th grader, to support autistic children in his community. James and his high-school collaborators established Heartik Inc. as a nonprofit organization on 21 July 2022.
Heartik now hosts eleven chapters across three countries, with more than 150 volunteers serving over 200 families affected by autism. Each chapter is run by students.
Mission
Awareness, inclusion and opportunity for autistic individuals.
Our mission is to advocate for autism awareness and inclusion, create opportunities for autistic individuals to achieve a better life, and make a positive impact in their surrounding communities.
This work includes fundraising through the sale of handmade artwork, craft events where autistic children build new skills, hand-painted cards for children in hospitals, and workshops that develop language skills. It has received professional support and local media coverage.
Core values
Dedication, connection, leadership, innovation.
Dedication
Volunteers commit to regular service through the school year, building a culture of service and empathy across the organization.
Connection
Friendships between our members and autistic individuals improve social skills on both sides and promote inclusion within our communities.
Leadership
Students hold real responsibility. Chapter presidents manage budgets, events and volunteers, and most began as volunteers themselves.
Innovation
We look for new methods, tools and technologies to better support autistic individuals and their families.
Recognition
PVSACertifying organization · AmeriCorps
President's Volunteer Service Award.
Heartik Inc. is a Certifying Organization officially authorized by AmeriCorps. Every September we award the President's Volunteer Service Award to eligible volunteers who complete the standard hours in a year. Volunteers send their personal information and service forms to headquarters, and we handle the application process for everyone who qualifies.
The award was founded in 2003 by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the role of volunteers in America's strength and national identity. It is led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, which authorizes Certifying Organizations to recognize their volunteers.
Where we are
Eleven chapters, three countries.
New York
- GNHS Branch
- GNMS Branch
- Jericho Branch
- Portledge Branch
- NYC Laghs Branch
- Whitestone Branch
- St. Antony Branch
Elsewhere in the US
- Connecticut (Pomfret)
- Los Angeles, California
International
- Toronto, Canada
- Shanghai, China