A world with no opportunity gap

A Heartfelt Farewell: Celebrating 15 Years of Community Impact

Dear Heart & Hand Community,

In 2010, Heart & Hand began as a safe haven for youth on Welton Street—a place where students could find belonging, opportunity, and care in a neighborhood with few after-school options. From that single home, we grew to work with thousands of individuals through multiple after-school programs, a career and college readiness initiative, a family resource center, and over a dozen community partnerships.

Over the last 15 years, our Heart & Hand Family has expanded exponentially. Many students have gone on to graduate high school at higher rates than their peers, understand their true passion in life, and return to volunteer, or work, within our programs. In addition, countless families and community members have also given back to our community through their time, love, and dedication volunteering at, or working with, our programs over the years. The Heart & Hand experience has truly been transformative—for students, families, team members, and the community.

Heart & Hand was created in response to a need. As that need has evolved—with many families relocating and with increased challenges in securing long-term, sustainable funding—we’ve come to a difficult decision. Heart & Hand will be closing its doors this year, as programs and the Center concluded services at the end of July.

While this decision is filled with emotion, it also creates space to celebrate the incredible work that has been done together over these past 15 years. Next Tuesday, August 12th, 2025, we will host a celebration to honor all we’ve accomplished together. We hope you will join us in commemorating 15 meaningful years in Five Points.

Thank you for walking alongside us, and for being a part of the Heart & Hand Family. You helped make this journey possible, and it has been the greatest privilege to be in community with you.

With Deepest Gratitude,
Heart & Hand Leadership