In 2000, two sets of parents from the Quad Cities agreed that they wanted their children, Tessa and Peter, to have the same opportunities for fun and learning as typically developing children. They decided to start by offering a one week summer camp for children with disabilities, where they could enjoy a full camp experience. The first year of Camp Hand in Hand was so successful, their co-founders knew they had created something really special for parents and participants. This special program is still going strong today and they serve about 60 campers each year. Hand in Hand's building is named Tessa's place in honor of Tessa Steil and continues to operate there 22 years later.

 

 

Over the last 22 years, their programs have expanded from one summer camp in July, to over 15 year round programs. They focus on empowering children and adults of all abilities to learn and grow by providing inclusive programs and supporting families. Inclusion means that they serve both people with disabilities and people without disabilities. Everyone is welcome at Hand in Hand! They have many inclusive programs serving Bettendorf, Davenport, and the surrounding Quad Cities area (both on the Iowa and Illinois side) including: inclusive child care, school age care, many evening and weekend recreation programs that provide respite for families, an adult Dayhab program, a prom, and camp.

 

In addition to being fun, their programs also lead to some great outcomes for their participants, such as increased independence and social skills, improved mental health and self-esteem, and reaching health and fitness goals. Not only do their programs help their participants but they also lead to well-being for the whole family by giving parents and primary caregivers respite from their caregiving duties.

 

Thank you, Samantha, for stepping in at the last minute for Heidi. And thank you for your excellent presentation!