Hand in Hand started when two sets of parents wanted their kids with disabilities to have the same experiences as those of typically developing kids. They hoped that their kids would get to take part in activities like camp, where they could spend time outdoors on a hot summer day going canoeing, horseback riding, and swimming. They wanted their kids to experience sleepovers, where they would stay up late laughing, gossiping, and eating junk food. They wanted their kids to experience friendships, belonging, and laughter. Now in our 20th year, we’ve provided many kids the opportunities to do these exact things and seen them thrive in our programs and many parents breathe a sigh of relief because their kids are safe, happy, and healthy.
We started because we wanted kids like Josh to finally be able to take part in a team sport for the first time. Now he’s joined our Dekhockey league and is playing in his first game, weaving around the opposite team heading straight for the goalie, about to score his first point.
We wanted adults like Taylor to know they still have a place here at Hand in Hand even after they turn 18. Now she’s a part of our People with Purpose program and she’s volunteering in the community and meeting other adults like her.
We wanted parents like Julie to know that they have a safe and inclusive place where their kids can feel at home. Now when she comes to pick up her daughter, Macey, after work, Macey doesn't want to leave because she's having too much fun with her friends.
If you’d like to help people like Josh, Taylor, or Julie, please make a donation through our Running for Hand in Hand Crowdrise page now.
