The Round Rock City Council presented founders of the student-run nonprofit HEARD Foundation with a special recognition from the Mayor at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12.
Founded in August 2022 by Round Rock ISD students Nikhil Parida, Emaan Chhatriwala, Anagha Deepak and Nitya Parida, the focus of the organization is to help refugee and immigrant children as they settle into Central Texas life by providing a “variety of resources to displaced children to promote their physical and mental well-being.” By partnering with other nonprofits, funds have been raised to assist refugees in making progress in areas such as school, healthcare and financial aid.
In recent months, the greater Austin area welcomed more than 1,000 Afghan refugees and close to 150 Ukrainian refugees.
“You all are truly inspirational. You inspire me, you inspire all of us and I can’t say thank you enough for what you’re doing for our community.”
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan
Since its launch less than a year ago, the HEARD Foundation has hosted 12 impactful events to benefit individuals and organizations worldwide. Last summer, they held bake sales that raised $1,400 for Ukrainian children in need.
Efforts like this by local residents show the compassionate character of our community and the City is proud to have these young leaders call Round Rock home.
