Heart & Hand Impact

Heart & Hand serves some of the most under resourced students in Denver. While an average of 89% of students qualify for free and reduced price lunch at our partner elementary schools, 96% of Heart & Hand students qualify for free and reduced price lunch. Despite experiencing higher levels of poverty and the many challenges associated with this, Heart & Hand students still outperform their peers academically.

Heart & Hand youth outperform Denver Public Schools peers

Heart & Hand Students

100%

In 2018, 100% of Heart & Hand high school graduates enrolled in postsecondary education, as compared with 51% of all Denver Public Schools high school graduates.

1.6x

Heart & Hand elementary school students are 1.6 times as likely to be performing on grade level on math proficiency exams.

96%

96% of Heart & Hand students say they have adults who care about them. Having supportive adults during childhood has a positive impact on mental health, physical health and long-term success.

Parents Say Heart & Hand Helps Their Children

Develop a support network of trusting adults and peers

Make healthier choices

Perform better

in school and create goals for their futures

Build communication, self awareness, and conflict resolution skills

Who We Serve

The youth and families served by Heart & Hand confront many economic, social, and political challenges, yet they come from a vibrantly diverse community. Heart & Hand’s program participants represent the following demographics:

68% of students live with one parent
96% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch
17% of families are housing insecure (12% staying with friends/relatives, 5% homeless)
31% of students have a parent or guardian that has been incarcerated
76% of parents have no postsecondary degree
59% of families earn a combined household income of less than $25,000
36% of families earn a combined household income of between $25,001-$46,300
20% of families list communication as one of their strengths
37% of families list sticking together or unity as one of their strengths

“They have supported my family with open arms and my children have built special bonds with staff. I love their genuine care for us.”

“I feel like Heart & Hand is very supportive for my daughter. I am a single working mother and I trust in Heart & Hand's after school program.”