Heart House, a Dallas-based education non-profit serving refugee, immigrant and under-resourced children, was recently awarded the 2024 Ann R. Cox “Innovation in Education” Award by the Alcuin School, with the Edwin L. Cox family and the Berry R. Cox Family Foundation.
The award, designed by Alcuin students, was presented Feb. 14 during a special luncheon held in the Arts District Mansion.
Established in 2015, the award was created in memory of Dallas civic leader Ann Rife Cox. Her passion for innovation in education—along with her hands-on support and philanthropy—led to the creation of what is now the Alcuin School. The award is presented annually. Read more about the award.
Heart House serves children in Vickery Meadow, located in one of the most densely populated areas of Dallas and home to many immigrants and refugees.
For more than 20 years, Heart House has been dedicated to meeting the academic and emotional needs of vulnerable children and to providing a safe space for them to learn, gain new experiences and grow. Through its holistic after-school and summer programs, the agency offers enhanced opportunities for educational equity through literacy and utilizes Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to help refugee and immigrant children thrive in their new community.
Speaking on behalf of the Cox family, Dallas businessman and philanthropist Berry R. Cox highlighted the essential the work of Heart House and its importance for the children it serves.
“Heart House is a wonderful group of individuals fulfilling the needs of young underprivileged, refugees and immigrants that would probably not be filled otherwise,” he said.
Heart House Executive Director Shannon Hendricks expressed her gratitude on behalf of Heart House, its team and the children it serves.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Alcuin School as recipients of this notable award,” Ms. Hendricks said. “Every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential and the ‘Innovation in Education Award’ will help us reach even more children as we provide enhanced opportunities for educational equity through literacy and social-emotional learning,” she added.
source: press release
