Hi! I’m Hannah Karanick — a 19-year-old college student, speaker, and founder of Hannah’s Helpful Hands. I’m currently studying Business Administration with a minor in Biblical Studies at Biola University, where I’m continuing to grow in faith, leadership, and purpose.
Ministry has always been part of my life. I grew up in the heart of the church — my parents are pastors at 14:Six Church — and I knew from an early age that I wanted to follow in their footsteps. When I was 13, I attended Elevate Camp and entered a preaching competition. With my dad’s help, I wrote my very first sermon — a four-minute message delivered with all the enthusiasm of a young girl stepping into her calling. To my surprise, I placed second among high school students. But more importantly, I discovered my passion: preaching the gospel.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at youth groups, churches, evangelistic events, and kids’ camps. Every opportunity has affirmed both the calling on my life and the joy I find in sharing the hope of Jesus.
As my love for communicating deepened, so did my love for Jesus and His Word. I developed a hunger for Scripture, time in God’s presence, and opportunities to share the freedom and life found in Christ. My heart belongs fully to Him — and I want the world to know the love that changed my life.
Another major part of my story is growing up alongside fifteen foster siblings over the years. Walking with them through stories marked by trauma, transition, and resilience opened my eyes to the deep needs many children face. I saw how something as small as a toothbrush or a clean shirt could help restore dignity and hope.
That awareness led me to ask a simple but life-changing question:
“What can I do right now to help more kids feel seen, supported, and loved?”
From that question, Hannah’s Helpful Hands was born — a nonprofit initiative that provides basic necessities to students in underserved elementary schools. It began with one supply closet at my old school, filled with items like hygiene kits, clean clothes, handmade quilts, gift cards for new shoes, and backpacks. Staff discreetly distribute these items to students, preserving their dignity while meeting practical needs.
Since launching in 2019, the program has expanded to twelve schools, and continues to grow. I track what’s needed through simple sign-out sheets — no names required — allowing us to respond effectively and ensure hundreds of kids have already been helped.
Now, as I continue my journey through college, my mission remains clear:
To glorify God in everything I do. Whether I’m speaking from a stage, serving vulnerable children, or connecting one-on-one, I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that needs hope.
Hannah in the News:
