"I think I need to share a little bit of my backstory to be able to share how much Hand in Hand has helped me.
I am a mother of two, a fifteen year old boy and a 2 1/2 year old little girl. My daughter, Theo, was very much a surprise at 34 years old. I spent my pregnancy alone, and after she was born, found out that I would be raising her alone as well. My family lives a fair distance away and I don't have much for friends, as I have always spent most of my time working on a career and trying to better the lives of my children... So, I VERY much am raising my daughter alone. When she was 6 weeks old, I took the recommendation of a coworker and put her in her first daycare. She did well at first... But when it came to her hitting her milestones, she started to fall behind. When she failed to crawl at the typical age (and still now) her daycare had refused to move her up to the next age appropriate room. This resulted in her staying in the baby room, and that's when the issues began. I would get phone calls that she cried all day everyday. When I picked her up, she seemed exhausted and terrified. When I would drop her off in the mornings, I felt as though I needed to have an excuse as to why she wasn't crawling or progressing like the other children. They only fed her what they were feeding 9 month old babies, when at this point she was 1 1/2 years old. The staff were rude and cold and treated me, and her, like a nuisance. As a mother, I was starting to become increasingly aware of her delays and began to worry. You can only tell yourself that kids learn at their own pace so many times before you have to admit that something is wrong.
One day, I received a phone call from the receptionist telling me that the director wanted to meet with me about Theo. When I met her, I was told that Theo was too much of a hassle and was a disruption to the other kids and the staff. I felt awful. She was the sweetest little girl to everyone around her and I just couldn't understand what was happening.
Finding a daycare with a spot for your child is nearly impossible. At this point, Theo had been going to physical therapy and they suggested Hand in Hand.
I remember calling Kayla and info bombing her with everything that was happening, especially with the emotional acceptance and roller-coaster of beginning the journey of finding out that your child is different. She listened to every word and shared the story of her son and her journey.
The first day I dropped Theo off at Hand in Hand, I cried. I apologized to Wendy (her room teacher)and told her I was so traumatized from the previous daycare that I did NOT want to leave her. I was terrified she would be treated cold, different, ignored. I did not trust ANYBODY else to have her at this point. Wendy teared up and assured me she would be fine. She sent me pictures throughout the day to let me know she was doing great. I cried all day.
She has been at Hand in Hand for almost a year and I cannot express how important this place is for her and for me. Everyone treats us with so much warmth. You can tell they truly love her. She has recently been diagnosed with intelligence disability and epilepsy with more to come, and Hand in Hand has been such a support every step of the way. They accommodate everything she needs. They work with her therapists and care for her so that she can be the best she can be.
It has ALWAYS been Theo and mommy, mommy and Theo. But I can truly say I am so blessed to bewelcomed into this family and to have Hand-in-Hand truly be there to raise her with me."
— Kyrie, Hand in Hand parent
“The only thing I could even complain about is that my son didn’t get to start services with Hand in Hand until he was 16. Any parent worries about what their kid is doing while at work, if they’re doing enough for them after school when they’re just not interested in school activities, or how to help them find friends. That was me, and being introduced to ASC was a game changer. I’m still anxious every day, as we never know which Ki we’re going to get, but find myself worrying less and less every day. Whether it’s a pop up field trip notice, picture of the fun they’re having, or just an update on how the day is going… The consistency and great communication from staff makes easier to relax!
We still have our bad days, but on those days I can count on Hailey and Bailee; always going above and beyond to turn it around. Everyone at ASC have helped Ki work on life skills, how to navigate activities in the public, and social skills to build healthy relationships. Ki is a young man who would rather sit around on his phone or Xbox, struggling with wanting to and how to interact in person. In the last year, he’s now asking to have friends over again and begging me to go to other activities Hand in Hand hosts; including PROM! My heart is so full and thankful for the opportunities, but also the work that’s been put in to help Ki develop, get that feeling of independence and experience life as a teenager.
If you get Ki admitting to what he did that day, you can bet it had something to do with their trip to the Y, how “Hailey is a fair opponent” in Gaga Ball, or who tried to beat him again in Monopoly. The staff takes every participants needs and interests into mind and do a phenomenal job getting everyone involved and enjoying their afternoon. Even to my surprise, they were able to get Ki to do some crafts, definitely never thought I’d see him crafting, but he was super proud to bring home what they were making that day.
Since joining Hand in Hand’s After School Club, Ki has grown in ways I never expected but always hoped for.”
— Pamela, Hand in Hand Parent
“A huge thank you for having a program which makes Garrett and these young adults feel they are a part of something real and meaningful. It means a lot that they have connections to each other and the community. We can't say enough good things about PWP and the great job you all do.”
— Linda Heiselman, Hand in Hand parent
“It is always a concern to find safe and secure care for my daughter. Not only did I feel very confident in the safety Hand in Hand provided, I noticed the joy she had while attending the summer program! On days she was scheduled for camp she’d spring out of bed and get ready with enthusiasm, knowing she was going to an environment filled with fun activities, great role models and; most important, acceptance.”
— Ellen, Hand in Hand parent
“The kids feel comfortable here. You guys have made them feel comfortable here….I can’t think of a time when you guys weren’t around for us. This is her second family. Your doors are always open and the kids feel comfortable. That’s the big thing. We feel that they are safe coming here and comfortable”
— Patrice and Matt, Hand in Hand parents
““He enjoys the opportunities that Hand in Hand programs offer...He has also grown in many ways through the People with Purpose program. These programs provide an opportunity for him to socialize with a group of friends that would otherwise not be easy for him to do.
None of us know what the future has in store, but we cannot image a future without Hand in Hand, not only for our family, but for so many other families! They truly fill a unique niche in the Quad Cities special needs community!”
— Mary Anne and Jim, Hand in Hand parents
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