Hand in Hand’s Tessa’s Place open house is Oct. 12 

After months of renovations, Hand in Hand’s main location – Tessa’s Place in Bettendorf – is ready to be unveiled to the public. 

An open house, tours and ribbon-cutting ceremony are set for 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 12, at Hand in Hand, 3860 Middle Road, Bettendorf.

Hand in Hand empowers children and adults of all abilities to learn and grow by providing inclusive programs and supporting families, according to the group’s website.

The recent $900,000 renovation included a complete remodel of the building to add space for an additional preschool classroom that is now part of Iowa’s Statewide Voluntary preschool program. It is part of a full-day wraparound care in partnership with the Pleasant Valley School District. The partnership and renovation allowed Hand in Hand to add 30 childcare slots.

“Hand in Hand has been a provider of inclusive and innovative services for over 20 years,” said Angie Kendall, Hand in Hand CEO. “The addition of the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program and upgraded facilities to provide necessary adaptations for quality experiences further underscores our commitment to leading inclusive programs for all ages. We are thrilled to have a facility that reflects the quality services we are known for.”

In addition to the extra classroom, the playground received a complete overhaul to make way for a new Nature Explore outdoor classroom complete with an open, nature-like feel with gardens, sensory spaces, water play, and outdoor toys.

The basement, where many of the organization’s after-school programs take place, also received a makeover. The space was reconfigured to build a much larger play space complete with quiet reading area, a math and science area, a dramatic play area, and a game space.

The kitchen received an upgrade including commercial dishwasher, refrigerator and newer

cabinets to accommodate the additional children Hand in Hand now serves. The offices,

bathrooms, and other classrooms also received a refresh. For more information on Hand in Hand please, visit www.handinhandqc.org.

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