Bringing Dignity, Self-Confidence And Hope.
Support women breaking free from addiction, abuse, poverty, and despair.
What Hand UP for Women Does
Hand UP For Women is a life-management and career-readiness ministry bringing dignity, self-confidence, and hope to women who might otherwise remain trapped in addiction, abuse, poverty, and despair.
We provide long-term healthy friendships, individual mentoring, and an 18-month series of twice-weekly classes that teach women to realize their full potential in every area of life. Because of the long-term investment made by all those involved in Hand UP For Women, participants find and own the personal strength and courage to achieve self-reliance, helping them become who God created them to be!
Equipping Women for Life and Career
Comprehensive Life and Career Training
Empowering Women to Thrive
Stories of Transformation
Support Our Mission
We are humbled that more than half of our funding comes through individual donors who believe in what we do. These are donors like you! Whether it is a one-time gift, a monthly contribution, a donation in honor or memory of a loved one, or a sponsorship to send a lady through our program, we wholeheartedly appreciate your support!
Or send a check to:
P.O. Box 3216, Knoxville, TN 37927
Other Ways to Help
Put your gifts and skills to work as a volunteer! Hand UP For Women is a truly volunteer-driven organization, with options for every level of time commitment and talent.
Mentoring
Be a source of encouragement, accountability, and networking for one of our women. Many times, this is the first agenda-free female friend they have ever had.
Teacher
We need volunteer instructors in topics like Parenting, Women’s Health, and Personal Self-Defense for our expanded 18-month class session (as of Spring 2025).
Providing Meals
Prepare a meal for our ladies before class on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. This time nourishes bodies and helps form healthy friendships. Leftovers are boxed for participants.
Service Project
Help maintain our new property at Miracle Ridge (over three acres!). Trimming trees/bushes, cleaning flower beds, and general landscaping are always appreciated.
Schedule a Speaker
Help spread the word! Have our Executive Director (usually with a graduate) speak to your church, business, or civic group about the organization and share a story.
Attend an Event
Join us for our gala in the winter, Angels and Axles Car Show in the spring, and two graduation celebrations a year.
Our Milestonce and Growth
Founded in 2002, Hand UP for Women has been serving women since 2003. The program expanded to 18 months in 2025. These significant milestones, including purchasing Duncan House in 2016, becoming a Certified Recovery Organization in 2019, and acquiring the larger Miracle Ridge property in 2023, were made possible by the unwavering support of our donors and the tireless dedication of our volunteers. As of 2025, 85 women have graduated, and over 200 have been served (participating for at least 30 days), with short-term housing provided for 10 participants.
“These ladies of faith helped me to restore mine, and because of them I walk faithfully, no matter the circumstances. I found them in the depths of my darkness in life. Now, I get to be a light for others who may be lost in the darkness of life.”
- Ashley Myers, 2023 Graduate
Achievements and Honors
When you are doing mission work that you love, recognition often follows. Our unwavering commitment to empowering women has led to significant achievements and honors over the years. These accolades are a testament to the profound impact we are making together.
Awarded the Women’s Missionary Union Endowment Award in 2004.
Named a Samaritan Award honoree by The Acton Institute in 2005 and 2006 (one of only ten nationwide).
Executive Director recognized as a “Street Saint” by the Knoxville Leadership Foundation in 2006.
Executive Director achieved Certified Nonprofit Manager status through the University of Tennessee in 2011 and graduated from a Social Enterprise Effectiveness program at the Haslam College of Business in 2015.
Imagine what else we can accomplish with your generous support!
Join the Spirit of Giving Today!
Your generosity has the power to transform lives. Every donation provides essential resources, and support for women striving for independence. Partner with us to break cycles of addiction, abuse, and poverty. Your gift today creates lasting change.
