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 15 percent of the city’s homicides.
6% of the Chicago population
15% of the 2022 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.
66,975
Hot, nutritious meals served to our students
787
Students received dental checkups and cleaning (163 received additional dental care)
554
Students received eye exams (171 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)*
Alena, 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 story“Mr. Michael always reminds me, ‘You are good. You have a good heart.’”
read story“When it came to schoolwork, yes, they helped me improve my grades, but more than that, they helped me want it for myself.”
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.