We have a new location – Miracle Ridge! Read more about it here.

As we grow into a larger home, simultaneously we can grow our ministry. Through your generosity, our Miracle Ridge location will provide an indoor classroom, office space, participant housing and outdoor serenity. The 3.5-acre property needs repairs and renovations, as well as annual maintenance. Your support goes directly to the home and upkeep. To learn more about the Miracle Ridge property click here. Thank you for choosing to support Hand UP for Women.

Life Management | Career Readiness | Spiritual Development

Do you feel completely lost and hopeless? You’ve come to the right place.

At Hand Up For Women we offer a hand UP to women who want to live a self-sufficient, abundant life free of loneliness and fear. We understand you have been through things many of us can only imagine. We believe you were created for MORE and deserve to live the abundant life God has planned for you. We’ve helped hundreds of women like you become self-sufficient, successful and full of hope.

Here’s how:

  1. Make the decision that you want to change your life for the better
  2. Work with us to create a personalized plan to achieve your life goals
  3. Meet the supportive family of women who will walk alongside you
  4. Begin classes. You’re on your way to abundant living!

Are you ready to take the first step toward a changed life?

Complete the online application or call 865-525-9696 or email [email protected] to receive one in the mail. Once we receive your application, we’ll contact you to set up an interview.

Complete the Online Application

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 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 [...]

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Gratitude in Action: Honoring the Impact of Hand UP for Women

Hand UP for Women has experienced remarkable growth and transformation for the past two decades. This success is a testament to the unwavering support from staff, volunteers, donors and the community. Together, they have spread the word about this vital ministry and contributed their time, resources, and financial support to help women reclaim their lives and reach their full potential. Dottie Sampsel, Board President, reflects on Hand UP’s journey. Read about her gratitude for the women the organization has served, and celebrate the transformation of Hand UP as a whole. Gratitude for the Ministry’s Growth “It means the world to me. Hand UP for Women would not be the ministry it is today without all the contributions – both financial [...]

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Bid for Change: How a Fisherman’s Jersey Sparked Community Impact

Hand UP for Women has touched hundreds of women’s lives, many of whom are participants, graduates and volunteers. The organization’s home is in Knox County. But the 501(c)(3) nonprofit reaches even further. Thanks to the power of social media, a Hawkins County woman stumbled upon Hand UP and what began as a quest to win her son a fisherman’s jersey has transformed into year after year support for an organization she previously knew nothing about. Crystal Berryhill said, “It’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten for my son.” The “it” she’s referring to is an Ott DeFoe jersey. The pro fisherman may not be a household sports name like Peyton Manning, but he’s a Knoxville native who won the 2019 [...]

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Overcoming Darkness: From Addiction to Redemption

Opioids, commonly known as prescription painkillers, can lead to serious consequences when misused. In Knox County alone, there have been 219 suspected drug overdose deaths as of September 2024. According to the Knox and Anderson Counties Drug-Related Death Report from the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, synthetic opioids were among the top five drugs involved in drug-related deaths in 2023. Amanda Roberts’ Struggle: Experiencing Painkillers and Prison Amanda Roberts, a participant in the Hand UP for Women program, describes opioids as the most harmful drug, sharing her experience of using them for nearly a decade. She took these powerful painkillers for about 10 years. “It [opioids] takes the life out of you,” Roberts shared, “After three days of taking it [...]

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Advisory Council Advantage: Two Members Propel Hand UP for Women

Asking a friend for help in a time of need can seem like a no-brainer. For Hand UP for Women, an advisory council serves a similar purpose, but on a larger level. This behind-the-scenes group plays a pivotal role in guiding and enhancing the nonprofit organization. Comprising experienced professionals and community leaders, the council offers invaluable insights and strategic direction in medicine, church community engagement, media relations, board recruitment, and nonprofit management. Advisory council members help to shape Hand UP’s mission and goals. Gary Duncan and Newman Bankston are two members of the council who help amplify Hand UP for Women’s impact on the staff, participants and community. Contact us if you’re interested in joining our advisory council. Building Strong [...]

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Volunteer Opportunities

Every woman in our program is matched with a trained mentor to serve as her personal support, accountability and encouragement source. Mentors attend a one-day training on a Saturday then, once matched, they meet with their participant once a week. Written covenants are used to outline the boundaries of these relationships.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TRAINING TO BECOME A MENTOR, PLEASE CONTACT KAREN MILLS AT [email protected]!!   To get started please complete the online mentoring application or contact us.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, before class, groups and/or individuals provide a meal for the ladies. This is invaluable for the ladies and instructors that come straight from work. This is also a wonderful time of getting to know each other and just decompressing after a busy day. Some meal providers sign up for the entire year’s classes and are scheduled for the same night each month. Others prefer to just provide one or two meals a year.

There are openings in the meal schedule for the 2024-2025 class year.  Contact Amanda Roberts at [email protected] for openings if you would like to provide a meal.

Several times throughout the year, we will have celebrations for our ladies when they graduate, meet a goal, or for a holiday. Special treats and prizes are always needed for those celebrations. We also have a yearly fundraising gala that utilizes sponsors and table hosts to make it a success.

ANNOUNCEMENT!! One of our wonderful volunteers have agreed to take over the collecting of prayer concerns from all the folks and friends of Hand UP For Women and doing some follow-up on those prayer concerns. If you have prayer requests, let us know. If you are part of a prayer team or maybe there is one at your church and would like to receive a weekly prayer list from Hand UP, please email Karen your contact information and she will pass it along to our leaders. ([email protected])

Our volunteer instructors are the backbone of our program. We are occasionally looking for new and additional instructors in all subject areas. The night classes are on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In the event that we begin daytime classes we will need instructors that are available during morning hours on Monday and Wednesday as well as new topics that would be helpful..

CONTACT US