Joan Hecht

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Joan Hecht (b.????) is an American writer, founder of a non-profit organization called Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan. She is best known for her work related to the Lost Boys of Sudan.

Hecht was a professional backup singer in the 1980's, touring with Johnny Van Zant.

Hecht is the President and founder of Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan[1], a 501 C-3 foundation that assists with the health and educational needs of Lost Boys and their families living in the US and Africa. She has been working with the Lost Boys, on a volunteer basis, since their arrival to the US in 2001, helping them to acclimate to their new lives in America. Through her foundation, she has assisted over 21 Lost Boys with college tuition and books. The Alliance has also contributed towards the building of a school and a hospital in Southern Sudan, as well as numerous other humanitarian projects in Southern Sudan. She speaks actively around the country to various colleges, schools, business groups, Churches and Synagogues on behalf of the Lost Boys /Girls and has been invited to briefings/discussions regarding Sudan, at The White House and The State Department.

Hecht is the author of The Journey of the Lost Boys (2005). It was awarded "first place in education" at the International Promoting Outstanding Writers Book Awards, earning her the title "2005 Author of the Year." In recognition of her work with the Lost Boys of Sudan, Ms. Hecht received the “2007 Local Heroes Award” from Bank of America and the “Daily Points of Light Award,”from the national Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Jacksonville. She also received the 2008 Florida Sunshine State TESOL Presidents Award and was named one of four finalists in the volunteer category for the prestigious “2005 EVE awards,” sponsored by the Florida Times-Union newspaper.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan, website.

[edit] External links

Official

Interviews, reviews and articles

Florida Sunshine State 2008 Presidents Award

Points of Light Foundation