Chicago is known for its gun violence, poverty and failing educational system. It’s also home for our amazing kids, who are breaking the cycle and becoming the ones to bring about the change our city so desperately needs.
Dangerous, under-resourced neighborhoods where By The Hand serves represent only six percent of Chicago’s population but account for 16 percent of the city’s homicides.
6% of the Chicago population
16% of the 2024 homicides
93% of children qualify for free and reduced-priced lunches
96% of third-graders at By The Hand partner schools are not meeting reading standards
When you hear about Chicago, you rarely hear about the good. But our kids are becoming fearless crusaders, defenders of others and doers of good. They are sharing abundant life with their family, neighbors and classmates. They are ones making a difference where it is most needed.
Since By The Hand began in 2001, we have taken a holistic approach to providing the individual support every child needs—emphasizing the achievement of measurable goals for academic, physical and spiritual development.
When kids can read at or above grade level, they can graduate with honors.
Average GPA
(Out of 4.0)
Passed all
classes
Made all ABCs
When basic needs are met, kids’ academic performance and behavior improve.
128,745
Hot, nutritious meals served to our students
892
Students received dental checkups and cleaning (267 received additional dental care)
890
Students received eye exams (248 received glasses)
A relationship with Jesus is the foundation for an abundant life.
Professed
Faith in Christ
(Q4 to Q4)
Attended
Church
(Q4 to Q4)
By 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 storyThe 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 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 story
You can play a life-changing role in solving the violence and disparity in Chicago. There are many ways to join–depending on your one unique offering– and each way helps children from under-resourced neighborhoods have abundant life.
Connect with us to find out more.