EXPERIENCING ABUNDANT LIFE
With God’s transforming power and the many people who come alongside our kids at different times in different ways, our kids are making tremendous strides. They are succeeding in school—and life. We invite you to take a moment to listen to our students tell their stories in their own words. Their words are better than ours.
Chakola’s Transformation
Jamarion’s Journey
Sam and Azariah’s Story
Brenton
Fifth Grade—AustinBy The Hand is introducing our children to God all over Chicago. Brenton, a fifth grader from Austin, is living proof. When he first started attending club, he had really only ever heard God’s name. But he didn’t know much else. He remembers, “By The Hand introduced me to Jesus. I saw people praying. I saw people reading from the Bible. I didn’t understand all the words. So I asked if they would get me a Bible that I could understand.”
read storyIker
Fifth Grade—North AustinThe partnership between By The Hand and Intentional Sports on the incredible North Austin campus means that students, like fifth-grade Iker, get all the benefits of being at club while chasing after a big dream. Iker wants to be a professional soccer player. He feels lucky to be coached at Intentional Sports because, “The coaches challenge and push us to our max. They do it so we can be our best. And I appreciate that.”
read storyKmariyah
Eighth Grade—EnglewoodKmariyah started attending when she was in third grade. Her introduction to By The Hand was made easier by the people she met. She explains, “When I started in third grade, I felt shy. But I watched the people around me having fun, laughing and playing games. They acted like they wanted me there. It made me feel welcome and comfortable.” Now she’s part of the family.
read storySariyah
Eleventh Grade—AustinSariyah started at By The Hand Club when she was just a first grader. Now, as a successful high school student, she’s confident in her plans for her future. She’s thankful to be a part of By The Hand. “I love being here. I love learning more about God.”
read storySTORIES OF HOPE
Our students are the future—of Chicago and the rest of the world! Learn how they’re flourishing—mind, body, soul.
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Ashtyn
Fifth Grade—Moving EverestAshtyn may only be in fifth grade, but he’s already acquiring tools that will propel him into a successful life. Ashtyn meets with Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Daniel Bell, where he’s scaffolding new skills, starting with increasing his own self-awareness.
read storySofia
Fourth Grade—North AustinFourth-grade Sofia didn’t know much about God before starting at By The Hand. She questioned if He was real and felt indifferent about including Him into her life. But once she began attending By The Hand—North Austin, her heart shifted.
read storyLuis
Kindergarten—North AustinThis mighty young boy is extraordinary and his growth in Lexia is already impressing his teachers.
read storyJosiah
Fourth Grade—Moving EverestJosiah had incredible growth in Lexia this past year. As a second grader, he started off reading at the first-grade level—but grew to finish the year reading at the fifth-grade level!
read storyJackie
Fourth Grade—North AustinJackie, a rising fourth grader from North Austin, only recently started attending By The Hand Club, where she was introduced to God for the very first time.
read storyRa’Shad
Ninth Grade—EnglewoodRa’Shad is a standout student. But that wasn’t always the case. In grade school, Ra’Shad didn’t always see the point of trying.
read storyAlena
Tenth Grade—AustinAlena, a tenth grader from Austin, brings the joy wherever she goes. “I want to be inspiring. I want to spread love. I want to lift those around me. And I want people to see more for themselves.”
read storySucceeding—Mind, Body, Soul
2023-’24
Highlights From Most Recent School Year
91% of High School Graduates Started College
100% of Students Received Daily Nutritious Meals
85% of Students Professed Faith in Jesus
INVEST IN OUR KIDS
Students receive life-changing holistic care at By The Hand because generous friends like you cover the cost on their behalf. When you invest in them—mind, body and soul—they thrive!