Loving the whole child By The Hand is unlike conventional programs. While we emphasize measurable educational goals, our focus is on loving the whole child—which leads us to focus on all aspects of child development. We literally and figuratively take kids By The Hand and walk alongside them from the time they enroll in our program until they're adults walking independently with the Lord. We tutor them to academic excellence. We mentor them to their full potential. And we care for them as our own. Changing from the inside out When children are referred to By The Hand, their standardized test scores are typically below the 25th percentile and their behavior is problematic. As they realize how precious they are to God, they begin to describe themselves differently, and their demeanor changes—an outward reflection of the inner transformation that takes place in their hearts and minds. Mirroring this change is a reduction in failing grades and an improvement in reading for low performing readers—all within a matter of months. Realizing their full potential With a full- and part-time staff that works alongside teachers, parents and volunteers to help kids succeed at school—and in life, By The Hand offers expert instruction by also leveraging relationships with outside partners, such as LEAP Learning Systems for reading literacy. In addition to this emphasis on academics, By The Hand provides inner city kids with opportunities to explore and develop their God-given talents through a variety of enrichment activities, including drama, dance, music and sports. And we care for the physical needs of our children, whether this means feeding them a hot, nutritious meal before they go home or making sure they have physicals, immunizations and eyeglasses. Finally, we mentor children on a personal level. The kids are encouraged to make wise, life-defining decisions, such as avoiding drugs and premarital sex. Paramount to success, they are made to feel safe and welcomed, affirmed as being a unique and special creation of God. This holistic form of loving and mentoring each child along with a strong academic emphasis are trademarks of By The Hand. Developing tomorrow's role models For children everywhere, growing up is inevitable. But for the kids in neighborhoods riddled by poverty and gang activities, it can happen too fast. And it can happen without the love and support of a caring adult. By The Hand serves kids from 1st grade through high-school graduation. Adolescents from 7th to 12th grade attend By The Hand Club For Big Kids (CBK). For CBK youth, one-on-one mentoring and academics are still emphasized, along with our holistic approach. And the staff still works closely with the family, schools and community on behalf of each child. But leadership and entrepreneurial skills become a primary focus for the older kids. This is making a difference. Big kids are developing into well-adjusted, confident teenagers. And they are becoming positive role models for their younger counterparts. Filling a special need By The Hand is filling a special need—and with great success. Kids are saying no to drugs, gang violence and teenage pregnancy. They are rejecting illiteracy and poverty as a way of life. And they are becoming model students who, instead of dropping out of school, have changed the trajectory of their lives. When you partner with By The Hand, you are helping our kids realize their full potential. Don't underestimate the impact that your gift or time can have in the life of a child, nor the influence that a transformed life can have in a community in need. Your involvement can make a difference for generations to come.