Silver Spring, MD (October 31, 2007) —   Hearts & Homes for Youth, the Maryland agency focused on helping at-risk youth was honored by the Mid-Atlantic Chamber of Commerce with the 2007 Caring for Children and Youth Award. The award was presented on Sunday, October 21 at the opening gala of the Prince George’s County 2007 International Economic Summit.

Rex Smith, President and CEO of Hearts & Homes was on hand to receive the award, which honored the agency for their long-standing commitment to helping troubled children and youth in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties who are abused, neglected or runaways, to become independent and productive adults.

Since their incorporation in 1964, Hearts & Homes for Youth (HHY) has helped over 30,000 at-risk boys and girls throughout Maryland. HHY provides therapeutic programs that promote growth and healing, family reunification, and the development of life skills to help each youth reach his/her potential. The agency’s services include the only shelter in Montgomery County specifically for kids, seven group homes, therapeutic foster care, independent living and a unique foster care program for pregnant and parenting teens. 

“Hearts & Homes is privileged to receive this honor and we take pride in our staff— whose daily and selfless efforts result in better lives for our kids,” noted Smith.

Others honored during this year’s Gala included Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson, Maryland Public Television and Boy Scouts of America—National Capitol Region.

The Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a regional, nonprofit business organization based in Maryland, with chapters in several counties throughout the DC metro area. Together with the Prince George's County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) and their partners, the Chamber hosted its second annual International Economic Summit October 21-23, which featured foreign dignitaries, trade delegates and business leaders who addressed issues critical to trade, such as: access to capital, impact of globalization, market opportunities and challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin. The three-day event focused on trade opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin, and emphasized Prince George's County's commitment to giving local businesses access to the global marketplace.

Hearts & Homes for Youth serves boys and girls throughout Maryland who are neglected, abused, abandoned, homeless or otherwise at risk.  The agency’s services include the only shelter in Montgomery County specifically for kids, seven group homes, therapeutic foster care, independent living and a unique foster care program for pregnant and parenting teens.  Hearts & Homes for Youth is dedicated to the mission of helping troubled children and youth who are abused, neglected, or runaways become independent, productive adults. For more information on the agency, please visit www.heartsandhomes.org.