In 2007, Bank of America named Hecht one of its "Local Heroes" for her humanitarian efforts, and early in 2008, the Sunshine State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages of Florida awarded Hecht its President's Award for the same.[8] In October 2008, Florida Governor Charlie Crist named Hecht a "Point of Light" for her work with the refugees, commenting that "Over the past seven years, Joan has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Lost Boys of Sudan.... Her efforts to provide mentoring opportunities have helped Sudanese youth discover their dreams and potential."[2] Hecht also received The Points of Light Award from the National Points of Light Institute, which was founded by President George H. W. Bush. Hecht and her family, along with local Lost Boys were featured in Disney's November 2007 's Family Fun magazine, which in coordination with the Hands on Network, selected them as the 2007 grand prize winners of its "Family Fun Volunteers Contest."[3]