A Place Where Fun Begins

Empowering children and adults of all abilities to learn and grow by providing inclusive programs and supporting families.

How We Began

In 2000, two sets of parents from the Quad Cities agreed that they wanted their children, Tessa and Peter, to have the same opportunities for fun and learning as their typically developing peers. They decided to start by offering a one-week summer camp for children with disabilities, where they could enjoy a full camp experience.

The first year of Camp Hand in Hand was so successful, our co-founders knew they had created something special for parents and participants. This special program is still going strong today and we serve about 70 campers each year. Hand in Hand's building is named Tessa's place in honor of Tessa Steil and continues to operate there 20+ years later.

What We Do

Our programs have expanded from one summer camp in July, to now include child care, school age care, After School Club, many evening and weekend recreation programs, and our adult dayhab program, People with Purpose.  We focus on empowering children and adults of all abilities to learn and grow by providing inclusive programs and supporting families. Inclusion means that we serve both people with disabilities and people without disabilities. We serve Bettendorf, Davenport, and the surrounding Quad Cities area (both on the Iowa and Illinois side). Everyone is welcome at Hand in Hand!

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