Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL
CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) awarded $1 million in Community Project Funding to By The Hand Club for Kids, a free holistic after-school care organization dedicated to critical violence intervention and prevention. As part of the Altgeld Gardens Youth Entrepreneurship Accountability and Empowerment Program, students plant and grow vegetables in a shipping container converted into a farm, which Rep. Kelly also toured.
“By the Hand Club for Kids provides a safe place for kids to learn, grow, and make friends. They’re able to see the positive impact and power they have to change their community and beyond,” said Rep. Kelly. “I’m thrilled that my office was able to bring home $1 million in federal funds to help foster this program. Our children are not just our future – they’re our leaders right here and now.”
“Over the last decade I’ve heard the dreams of our students and watched them work towards living those dreams,” said Chantria Morris, coach at By The Hand Club for Kids.
“Thanks to this investment from Congresswoman Kelly, many more young people will be able to actualize their dreams and be leaders of change in our community.”
“By The Hand has changed my life—giving me purpose, new skills, leadership opportunities and a network of support,” said Shania Pickett, 12th grade student at By The Hand Club for Kids. “This investment is so important in Altgeld Gardens because young people here often lack resources for new opportunities. I’m so excited for more kids to have the same opportunities I’ve had. Thank you, Congresswoman Kelly, we appreciate you investing in us.”
“Being in By The Hand has helped me become a better person, a better communicator and an advocate for what I believe in,” said Vernell Daniel, 11th grade student at the organization. “By The Hand is more than an afterschool program, it’s a family to me. In Altgeld Gardens we need better opportunities and alternatives to gang life for the chance at a better future. I am so thankful that more kids will have the same opportunities I’ve had.”