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 24 years later.

What We Do

Over the last 24 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 inclusive programs and supporting families. Inclusion means that we serve both people with disabilities and people without disabilities. Everyone is welcome at Hand in Hand!

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

We have many inclusive programs serving Bettendorf, Davenport, and the surrounding Quad Cities area (both on the Iowa and Illinois side) including: inclusive 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.

In addition to being fun, our programs also lead to some great outcomes for our participants, such as increased independence and social skills, improved mental health and 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.

Hand in Hand Birthday Fundraiser

Empowering children and adults of all abilities to learn and grow

Team Members