Our volunteer instructors are the backbone of our program. They teach a variety of subjects from professional development to how to change a tire.
INSTRUCTORS
Every woman in our program is matched with a trained mentor to serve as her personal support and encouragement source.
MENTORS
We love celebrating! Throughout the year, we’ll celebrate holidays, birthdays and graduation, but mostly the achievement of our ladies.
CELEBRATIONS
A Night of Celebration: The 23rd Annual Hand UP For Women Gala
💜 Over $130,000 Raised – But We’re Not Done Yet! 💜 Fundraising is still open! Every dollar helps us continue empowering women with mentorship, life skills training, and career development. 👉 Donate today by clicking here, emailing [email protected] or calling 865-525-9696. The 23rd Annual Hand UP For Women Gala was an inspiring evening of transformation, hope, and generosity! Held on Thursday, March 13th, at The Grande Event Center, this red-carpet event brought together supporters, program graduates, and community members to celebrate the life-changing impact of Hand UP For Women. To be a part of the experience, watch the night as it occurred live: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1J456Gebcp/ Executive Director, Eva Pierce, takes the stage to introduce our amazing graduates. An Evening [...]
HUGS co-leaders share higher calling with program empowering Hand UP For Women graduates
The work at Hand UP for Women doesn’t stop once graduates complete the program - it’s a lifelong support system. Kim Davis and Betty Anderson have a special place in their hearts for the women they’ve helped over the years while volunteering with Hand UP for Women, a Knoxville-based nonprofit that offers life-building classes to participants who have chosen to rise up to a higher calling after hardship. Both Kim and Betty’s hearts have felt the pain, the hope and the empowerment experienced by the participants of not only the Hand UP For Women program, but also what comes afterward with the Hand UP Graduates in Service, or HUGS alumni program, which the two women co-lead. HUGS alumni meet once [...]
Melissa Davenport’s 180-Degree Transformation with Hand UP for Women
Born into a family marked by addiction, Melissa Davenport’s early years were full of challenges. Adopted by her aunt and uncle at a young age, Melissa longed for connection and sought it in the wrong places. Her life took a dramatic turn following her high school graduation, and it wasn’t until she found Hand UP for Women that she began to truly transform—not only her present but her future as well. Struggles, Arrest and a Turning Point In 2014, at the age of 24, Melissa was arrested for what she calls “young and dumb” decisions. With no career path in mind, she ended up with a felony on her record. Seeking comfort and healing from her childhood trauma, she turned [...]
Athena Gray’s Financial Transformation with Hand UP for Women
When Athena Gray began Hand UP for Women in 2021, she didn’t even have a bank account. Her understanding of financial literacy was limited. Through the program, Athena was able to transform her finances, learn the importance of building credit, save for large purchases and gain financial stability. From Debt to Financial Awareness Athena’s last bank account had been closed, and she was in debt by a few hundred dollars. But everything changed when she started her housekeeping job at a Knoxville hotel. One of the first things she did with her first paycheck was reopen a bank account and start a 401(k). As she moved through the Hand UP for Women’s financial classes, Athena took a closer look at [...]
A Second Chance Christmas: Michelle Schermer’s Journey of Transformation
Christmastime often brings feelings of joy, warmth, love and connection. For Michelle Schermer who had spent much of her life facing struggles, one Christmas in particular marked a turning point—a season of healing and hope.. "I’ll never forget that Christmas in 2006," Michelle shared, her voice filled with emotion. Having been released from jail the previous fall, Michelle was taking it one step at a time to rebuild her life. She attributes much of her recovery to her Hand UP for Women mentor, Brenda Kerns, who became a lifelong friend and source of support. A Special Christmas Tradition Brenda invited Michelle into her home that Christmas, where a large, beautiful tree stood—untouched, waiting to be decorated. Brenda turned to Michelle [...]