By creating a nurturing community, the Heart & Hand Center empowers all young people to realize their potential. We envision a world with no opportunity gap, where all children have access to the resources, skills, and information they need to build vibrant futures.
The Heart & Hand Center provides comprehensive, long-term support to youth in Northeast Denver through holistic out of school time programming and one-on-one mentorship. We engage deeply with our young people from 2nd grade through 2 years past high school graduation. What makes Heart & Hand unique is the meaningful, enduring relationships we develop with children and their families. In addition to our enriching programming for young people, we also provide families with resources and referrals for critical needs such as housing, food, and emergency funding.
Heart & Hand celebrates the unique beauty and talent of each young person in our programs. We utilize a whole child approach focusing on academic enrichment, health and wellness, family engagement, creative expression and social emotional skills to empower youth to succeed academically, promote physical and emotional wellness, and expose students to new passion areas.
When asked what students like about Heart & Hand, they said:
"I like how all the staff members are so supportive. They always make sure that we try our hardest and they push us to do our absolute best."
"I feel creative and active in Heart & Hand."
"I feel safe when I'm in Heart and Hand. I love Heart and Hand. It makes me feel like I matter."
Heart & Hand has made an impact on enrolled families lives, Heart & Hand guardians said:
"Every staff member looks out for the child's best interest. Like the saying goes it takes a village to raise a child. That's what I think of Heart & Hand, it is a village. Thanks for everything."
"I love the program. It has been very essential and beneficial for my family. They are genuine people who really have hearts. I appreciate that."
"They are very family oriented and I love all the staff members. They are like my children's family. Since I'm a single mother, they are like my family as well. They are always there for us when we are in need. I appreciate all of you! I love everything!"
"I love the staff. My kids are treated with respect and they are helpful with homework and that extra support that they need."
By creating a nurturing community, Heart & Hand empowers all young people to realize their potential.
Vision: A world with no opportunity gap
Beginning in a small house on the corner of Welton and 28th, Founder, Nikki Cady, and one intern, Blaine Heydt, offered after school programming for about thirty local youth. From the start, Heart & Hand was known as a place where young people could show up, receive a high five or a hug, get something to eat, and feel safe. What began as peanut butter sandwiches and art projects, quickly grew into structured comprehensive after school programming offered at schools throughout Northeast Denver.
Over the last decade Heart & Hand has expanded services to include elementary and middle school programming, a college and career mentoring program and family support. We have reached over 1,000 lives in our community and support over 225 students in our after school and summer programs.
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:
88% of students qualify for free or reduced price lunch.
50% of families live in households with incomes under $25,000
97% of students' families utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
31% of students have a parent or guardian who has been incarcerated
97% are students of color
37% of families list sticking together or unity as one of their strengths
Organization name
Heart & Hand Center
other names
H&H, The Cady Foundation
2012
Tax id (EIN)
45-4251869
Category
Youth Development
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
608 26th St. 2nd LevelOther
2758 Welton St.Other
2540 E. 29th Ave.Other
2480 N Downing St.Other
3955 Steele St.Other
12000 E 47th AveDenver County, CO, US