Temiro Handy
Dream Path Family Program Coordinator
Temiro Handy’s (“Ms. Handy”) journey to Join Hands started in 2008 when she brought her daughter and oldest son to Girls and Boys club activities. She was immediately drawn to director Sheila Burton and her genuine desire to help young people in East St. Louis. Through Join Hands, she saw her children get excited about their futures and opportunities to grow as people. They became part of the Dream Path program, which led to her daughter graduating from Talladega College in 2018; the first in her immediate family to achieve a college degree. Her older son is currently on his way to becoming the family’s second college graduate at Rust College. Her youngest child, having witnessed the success of his siblings, is also active at Join Hands. Ms. Handy’s enthusiasm and natural ability to build relationships led her to become a full-time employee in 2017 as Dream Path Family Program Coordinator.
To say Ms. Handy wears many hats in this role is an understatement. She oversees community engagement among Join Hands families from the time their children are babies all the way up to the teen program. This includes a women’s support group that meets twice a month, coordination of monthly family outings, and leading the outreach program at the Roosevelt community in East St. Louis. The Roosevelt program is in full swing, reaching out to teens and young people who are ready to pursue their dreams. Ms. Handy’s work is focused on building trust and mutual respect, and supporting those she serves. As she says, “We are there for our families without judgement, no matter what. We offer stability and real growth to help them make a better life for themselves.”
When not at Join Hands, she enjoys spending as much time as she can with her children, large family and many friends, and listening to Blues, R&B and Gospel music. Despite her busy schedule, she is also in the process of pursuing her college degree. When you meet Ms. Handy, one thing is for sure. She is devoted to the people of East St. Louis, heart and soul!