Our latest Client Spotlight feature is Hand in Hand; an organization that empowers children and adults of all abilities to learn and grow by providing inclusive programs and supporting families. We support Hand in Hand with HR services, allowing them to focus on making a positive impact on the community. Continue reading to learn more about all the great work they do!
What programs does Hand in Hand offer?
Hand in Hand offers 4 inclusive childcare classrooms, school-age care including afterschool and summer care, many evening and weekend recreation programs, a 2-week day camp in July, and our adult day hab program, People with Purpose. We also recently started an After School Club for our older school-age participants between the ages of 16-21. The After School Club (ASC) provides an environment for young adults to meet daily, spend time with peers, practice, and achieve goals. Participants develop life skills, gain independence in our community, socialize, and have fun. Activity examples include cooking/baking, weekly outings, games, and many more to choose from.
What makes Hand in Hand different?
We are one of the only Quad Cities organizations that offer care for participants ages 6 weeks through adulthood, no matter their ability. We have many parents tell us that Hand in Hand is often the only place that can meet the needs of their child and that they have tried many other centers before finding Hand in Hand. we have created programs for our participants as they get older.
The After School Club was formed when one of our parents came to us saying she wasn’t sure what to do now that her daughter had turned 19. Because of licensing rules, our licensed care programs (which includes our after-school program) are only for participants 18 years and younger. Many of our students with disabilities are still in school past their 18th birthday and can do to school until they are 21. This left a gap in care for many of our young adult participants. This parent, a nurse who is very much an essential worker, was afraid she was going to have to quit her job because her daughter no longer had after-school care. We formed the After School Club to meet her family’s needs as well as several other young adult participants of ours. People with Purpose, our adult day hab program, was formed much the same way. We had participants age out of other programs so we formed an adult-aged program for them.
What is the best or most rewarding part of working at Hand in Hand?
Getting to see our participants happy and parents feel that their child is in a safe, inclusive environment. We hear from so many parents that other centers weren’t a good fit for their children but since coming to Hand in Hand they feel a sense of relief that their child is happy and thriving while here.
How can individuals support Hand in Hand?
We are currently looking for Camp Hand in Hand volunteers. Camp is a 2-week day camp held each July at Scott County Park. It’s an opportunity for our participants to swim, canoe, fish, and more and experience a fun summer experience. We partner each camper with a buddy who helps them throughout their week at camp. More information on that opportunity can be found at https://www.handinhandqc.org/volunteer including other opportunities to volunteer.
Why Total Solutions?
We love to work with local companies and great partners. When we were looking for support and expertise we didn’t have internally, Total Solutions was a perfect solution.
Where can I learn more about Hand in Hand?
You can head to our website at www.handinhandqc.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @handinhandqc