On March 20, By The Hand Club For Kids celebrated exactly 25 years since it first opened its doors to 16 students in Cabrini-Green. The nonprofit now serves more than 2,000 youth annually in Chicago’s most under-resourced communities. Guided by a mission to help children experience abundant life, the program takes kids by the hand, walking them from kindergarten through college, nurturing them mind, body and soul and helping them become agents of change.

Twenty-five years ago, one of those students was Travis Smith, a then-8th grader living in Cabrini-Green, active in a local gang and struggling with deep depression and severe anger issues.

Travis’ life changed when he met By The Hand Club For Kids Founder and CEO Donnita Travis in 2002 and joined the faith-based after-school program. Mentors, including Donnita, patiently walked alongside him, showing the power of faith and helping him believe in his own worth. Over time, Travis was transformed from a troubled youth, once labeled “the demon child” because of his anger, to a joyful Christian leader who now ministers to the very gangs he once associated with, forgives those who hurt him, and inspires students facing similar struggles.

“Before I met Donnita, I believed that my life had no value. But God used By The Hand Club to patiently show me the love of Christ and the truth that my life mattered to Him. That changed everything. Today, my wife, Karissa, and I are raising our family together, and I get to serve others by sharing the same message of abundant life in Christ that By The Hand Club first shared with me.”

In 2021, Travis became the first and only student alumnus on By The Hand Club’s board, bringing 19 years of experience as a student, volunteer, and mentor to help shape the organization’s programs and mission. Beyond the boardroom, he’s building a career as a Speaker and Christian Life Coach, mentors young men within his community, and shares his story with donors and students alike.

As By The Hand celebrates 25 years of impact, growing from 16 students in a small classroom to serving more than 2,000 youth annually across six Chicago sites, Travis’ journey demonstrates the power of mentorship, faith, and community to transform lives.