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.
By The Hand children face increased risk of violent crimes.
Dangerous, under-resourced neighborhoods where By The Hand serves represent only six percent of Chicago’s population but account for 23 percent of the city’s homicides.
Population
6% of Chicago’s population
Homicides
23% of the city’s homicides
High Poverty
98% of children qualify for free and reduced-priced lunches
Low Reading Scores
86% of third-graders at By The Hand partner schools are not meeting reading standards
An even bigger Solution
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 The Solution our city needs.
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.
Best Year Ever—Pre-COVID-19
(Q1–Q2)
Mind
Emphasizing academic achievement
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
Body
Addressing barriers to learning
When basic needs are met, kids’ academic performance and behavior improve.
Hot, nutritious meals
Dental exams
Eye exams
Soul
Providing spiritual discipleship
A relationship with Jesus is the foundation for an abundant life.
You can play a life-changing role in solving the violence and disparity in Chicago. There are many ways to join The Solution, and each way helps children from under-resourced neighborhoods have abundant life.