Does my child need to have a diagnosed disability to attend programs?

No, all of Hand in Hand's programs are inclusive, so there are participants of all abilities in attendance.

From first finding out about Hand in Hand to my child starting programs, what's the process like?

You will contact Hand in Hand and set up a tour of the facility and programs with your child, and fill out paperwork. Hand in Hand will then assess the paperwork and see if our programs are a good fit for your child, and vice versa. If there are concerns of aggressive behaviors or other concerns, we will do a one month trial period. After the one month, if there is a pattern of concerning behaviors or actions, the participant will be excluded from Hand in Hand programs.

Do you provide care to children or adults whose primary diagnosis is a mental illness?

Unfortunately, we cannot. We provide recreational care, building social skills and independence, primarily for participants with physical or intellectual disabilities. We don't possess the expertise to provide care based on mental health needs.

Would my child be excluded from programs for their aggressive behaviors?

Aggressive behaviors pose a risk to staff and other participants so if, after a trial period, we still see a pattern of aggressive or destructive behaviors, we will exclude the participant from all programs.

Does my child have to be registered for programs in order to attend them?

Yes, all participants are required to be registered as Hand in Hand participants and for the programs they wish to attend. For child care and school age programs, please contact Jennifer Chastain and for evening and weekend programs, People with Purpose, or After School Club/Adventurous Summer Club please contact Bailee Waddell.

Can my child use Medicaid/Waiver for Hand in Hand programs?

Yes, certain programs qualify as waiver services. Please contact Sa’Dee Groenbeck to learn more.

Is there financial assistance available?

Yes, Hand in Hand awards scholarships to those who need financial assistance. To learn how to apply for a scholarship, please contact Elizabeth Rushin.

Additionally, waiver services are in place to provide funding, individualized supports and an appropriate level-of-care for individuals who qualify due to a disability. To learn more about this assistance, contact Sa’Dee Groenbeck.