Hand in Hand celebrates $900K renovation project

These are changing times for Hand in Hand — the nonprofit group that provides inclusion programs such as child care and recreation events for children and adults of all abilities. There has been a staggering growth in the programs offered by Hand in Hand and a $900,000 renovation to the group’s main location — known […]

These are changing times for Hand in Hand — the nonprofit group that provides inclusion programs such as child care and recreation events for children and adults of all abilities. There has been a staggering growth in the programs offered by Hand in Hand and a $900,000 renovation to the group’s main location — known as Tessa’s Place — at 3860 Middle Road, Bettendorf. “Thank you for rolling up your sleeves again and again,” Angie Kendall, CEO of Hand in Hand, told her staff, volunteers and the group’s supporters during an October open house celebrating the renovation at Tessa’s Place.

The project included a remodel of the building to add space for an additional preschool classroom that is now part of Iowa’s Statewide Voluntary preschool program and a partnership with the Pleasant Valley School District. The partnership and renovation allowed Hand in Hand to add 30 more childcare slots. Other areas updated included: outdoor classroom area with gardens, a water play area, a Nature Explore outdoor classroom, sensory spaces and outdoor toys; updates to the basement for a larger play area; and an updated kitchen with newer equipment. The offices, bathrooms and other classrooms also were updated. During the open house, many of the visitors took time to look over the updated outdoor space. “Children can often have a growing disconnection with nature due to a lack of access to green space, being occupied with TV and video games, or fear of stranger danger. Having access to nature facilitates social development and well-being, improves physical fitness, supports creativity and imaginative play, promotes collaboration, reduces stress, and creates empathy for plants and animals,” according to Hand in Hand’s website. “Hand in Hand has been a provider of inclusive and innovative services for over 20 years. … We are thrilled to have a facility that reflects the quality services we are known for,” Ms. Kendall said, adding that the updated and expanded outdoor space is her favorite part of the major renovation. In addition to the group’s $600,000 renovation at Tessa’s Place, Hand in Hand also recently celebrated an expansion of its People With a Purpose program at 1985 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf. That program is described by Hand in Hand as a social “dayhab” program offered to people ages 18 and up. Those in the program gain social engagement while getting involved in the community and volunteering at many charities and organizations. The participants volunteer at different groups doing jobs that range from cleaning, working in gardens to making sandwiches. A few months ago, the group began a $750,000 renovation on the site — the former home of United Insurance — to make room for the updated People With a Purpose Clubhouse. An open house was held last spring at the 2,300-square-foot space.  “People with Purpose fills the gap left after high school for young adults of all abilities, including those with disabilities, providing participants with opportunities five days a week to be social, have fun, learn new skills, and make a positive impact on their community,” Hand in Hand’s website says. Many parents see firsthand that positive impact of Hand in Hand programs. One of those parents is Kayla Hartz, who is director of licensed programs at Hand in Hand and who has a young son who needs the services. Her son, Everett, 4, has a genetic disorder called Smith-Lemi-Opitz Symdrome. “He really likes the craft room here and being with all his friends,” said Ms. Hartz. She added that she is especially pleased knowing that Everett is having fun with activities in a welcoming environment. So what’s the next big project for Hand in Hand? Ms. Kendall said no future big projects are on the drawing board at this point. But things could always change. She added that one of the group’s main goals is to provide needed services in these changing times. In fact, that change-with-the-times philosophy can be seen in Ms. Kendall’s office, where her desk nameplate has the title “Chaos Coordinator.” She joked it is fitting because one of her duties is to get the constant changing chaos out of the way so her staff can get good work done. “Through all of the change, we have become a stronger, more resilient organization,” said Heather Hartley, president of the Hand in Hand’s board, at the open house for Tessa’s Place.