Mission

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

Vision

Leading the way in an inclusive community where all people can thrive.

About Us

This is the first Hand in Hand Camp. Vinnie Smith has a microphone and is pointing off in the distance while everyone looks on.

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 really special for parents and participants. This special program is still going strong today and we serve over 70 campers each year. Hand in Hand's building is named Tessa's place in honor of Tessa Steil and continues to operate there 25 years later.

Two girls are on seats at the park with a Hand in Hand staff member in between them

What We Do

Over the last 25 years, our programs have expanded from one summer camp in July, to many year-round programs. We focus on empowering children and adults of all abilities to learn and grow by providing accessible programs and supporting families. We serve both people with disabilities and people without disabilities, all in programs that let our participants learn and grow together. Everyone is welcome at Hand in Hand!

We are the only organization in the Quad Cities that offers accessible programs for people of all abilities from ages 6 weeks old through adulthood.

We offer child care, school age care, many evening and weekend recreation programs that provide respite for families, an adult Dayhab program, After School Club, and camp. We serve Bettendorf, Davenport, and the surrounding Quad Cities area (both on the Iowa and Illinois side).

In addition to being fun, our programs also lead to some great outcomes for our participants, such as increased independence and social skills, improved self-esteem, and reaching health and fitness goals. Not only do our programs help our participants but they also lead to well-being for the whole family by giving parents and primary caregivers respite from their caregiving duties.

Our Board of Directors

Kevin Waibel

President

John Leinart

Vice President

Jason Grindle

Treasurer

Beth Beverlin • Madeline Dudziak • Doug Jasper • Georgie Koenig • Angela McCombs • Kelly Kreiter Penning •Griffin Steil

Director Emeritus

Jim Field • Jeff Peters • John Byrne

Heidi Lubben

Secretary

Our Founders

Dave Steil •Joanie Steil • Mark Smith • Vinnie Smith