Mission / Overview / History
Our Mission: Hands On Hartford, in partnership with others, strengthens community in Hartford by responding faithfully to people in need through programs that change lives and renew human possibility.
Hands On Hartford was founded as Center City Churches in 1969. The agency was founded by the members of eight congregations
in downtown Hartford to help their congregants put their faith into action.
Over the years, the agency created
Connecticut’s first supportive housing program for people living with AIDS; Hartford’s first and only group home for adults
who are mentally ill; Hartford’s first soup kitchen; Hartford’s only fuel assistance program for the working poor; Connecticut’s
first and Hartford’s only weekend senior nutrition program; and, Hartford’s most comprehensive after-school tutoring and arts
education program for elementary school children.
In 2006, Center City Churches became the Hartford affiliate of Hands On Network. The agency changed its name to Hands On
Hartford in 2007.
Every year, we provide nearly 100,000 meals, work directly with more than 500 children, and assist thousands of Hartford
individuals and families. A key to our effectiveness is our responsiveness to unmet community needs and our commitment to
partnering with other community organizations.
Hands On Hartford is are supported by congregations from many different
religions and denomination, civic organizations, government, corporate and foundation grants, individual donations and more
than 500 dedicated volunteers.
We are a private, non-profit, non-sectarian social services agency.
