By The Hand
MSC is honored to announce our NEW partnership with By The Hand, a local faith-based, after-school program located in Chicago, IL. The ministry focuses on nurturing the whole child – mind, body and soul. Located within some of Chicago’s most under-resourced, at-risk neighborhoods where overcrowded and underfunded schools abound, By The Hand’s mission is to help kids have abundant and eternal life. Their goal is to literally and figuratively take kids¬¬ by the hand and walk alongside them from the time they enroll in our program until they are empowered and equipped to walk independently as responsible, productive adults. Please read below to see how By The Hand is making a HUGE impact in communities like Cabrini-Green where statistics predict a life full of crime and hardship for it’s’ children.
Since its beginning in 2001 with 16 children, By The Hand has witnessed tremendous transformation within the lives of their kids. This year By The Hand is serving 767 children in four neighborhoods: Cabrini-Green, Altgeld Gardens, Englewood and Austin. Our God given goal is to serve 1,000 children by the year 2012. As we continue to grow, we’re reaching out to more children in different neighborhoods and introducing ourselves to new supporters across the country.
By The Hand was founded to meet a pressing need in our local community. Of the 409,279 children attending Chicago Public Schools last year, 86% were low income. Through no fault of their own, they are at great risk for vision and hearing problems, learning and reading failure, social withdrawal, substance abuse, depression, teenage pregnancy and gang involvement - things that decrease their chances for success in school and in life. However, we’re thankful to see God changing lives one student at a time.
For example, Richard, a second grader in Englewood began at By The Hand with D’s and F’s on his report card and a failing attitude. Quick to lose his temper, he was often found in the principal’s office or suspended. His team leader at By The Hand Club, Ms. Dezsiree, decided he needed attention for being good, rather than misbehaving. She began spending quality time with him outside of The Club, taking him places like Navy Pier and museums. It worked! By the end of his 3rd grade year, he was focusing on his schoolwork and improving his attitude. Today, instead of being in the office or suspended, Richard is in his classroom lying on a rug reading or singing songs about Jesus in chapel.
Ms. Dezsiree said, “The first time he saw his report card with all ABC’s, he was so excited! I’ve never seen him smile so big.” Now, Richard’s in the 4th grade keeping his grades up and talking about going to college.
At By The Hand, we know that our program works as evidenced by students like Richard, as well as our successes from the 2009-2010 school year. While our kids begin the program with a 2.0 or below grade point average and at or below the 25% percentile on the Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT) in math and reading, the following results show their significant progress:
- 73% of our students passed all of their classes.
- 45% of our students made all ABC’s.
- 130 of our students finished on the Honor Roll (up from 42 the previous year).
- Reading ISAT tests went from 15 to 27 (74% increase).
- Math ISAT tests went from 12 to 26 (104% increase).
- 100% of our students were offered a hot, nutritious meal each day; were up-to-date on physicals and immunizations; and received dental and eye exams.
If you would like to get involved with By The Hand in anyway please check out their website at: www.bythehand.org
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