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 her financial history. She learned that her credit score was just 523, and she discovered several old medical bills totaling thousands of dollars. With the help of a payment plan, Athena got to work paying off her debt.

“Before all this, I was clueless about credit and what that was. No one ever sat down and had that talk with me. So I didn’t realize the importance of it later on in life like making big decisions like getting a car or home,” she explained.

The Path to Financial Success

Over the next two years, Athena worked hard and remained diligent about paying her bills. Slowly, her credit score began to rise. With much perseverance, she earned an open line of credit and watched her score jump to an impressive 750.

Athena has been working at the same hotel company for three years. She started in housekeeping and has since advanced to a position at the front desk. She now has a checking and savings account, and her ultimate goal is to become a first-time homebuyer. In fact, she’s on track to pay off her car in March—”It’s the very first car I’ve ever bought with my own hard-earned money,” she reflects.

Overcoming Personal Struggles

Athena’s life before joining Hand UP for Women was filled with challenges. As an addict and drug dealer, she lost custody of her children and her home. “I lost everything four or five times, some of that was due to being with the wrong men,” Athena shared. But in April of 2019, she got clean and in August of 2021, was accepted into Hand UP for Women.

Now, Athena has a different perspective on life. “I haven’t had to ask anyone for money in four years, which is huge. I take care of myself fully. The biggest goal I have and still have to this day is self-sufficiency. I want to make everything in my life as concrete as possible.” Though she wasn’t able to get her children back, she says she does have a good relationship with her oldest daughter.

Building a Future: Self-Sufficiency and Long-Term Goals

Athena currently lives with family to save money toward her goal of becoming a first-time homebuyer. She credits Hand UP for Women with providing her the tools needed to get a solid financial footing.

“Hand UP for Women leaders helped me learn the tools to grow my finances and build my credit score. They helped me get to where I am today with having a solid grasp on my budget and long-term goals,” Athena explained.

Advice for Women in Need

Athena has valuable advice for those considering participating in Hand UP for Women or a similar program: “You have to pay attention, you have to do the work, you have to give one hundred percent. If you do those things, you are going to experience miracles in this program,” she stated.

Athena Gray’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and hope. Through hard work, commitment, and the support of Hand UP for Women, she has been able to achieve financial stability and work toward a bright future.

To learn about the class offerings at Hand UP for Women, click here. Hand UP for Women will be accepting new participants in the spring. Applications can be found here.