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 Foundations

Gary Duncan has served a variety of roles with Hand UP for Women, but his current position began two years ago when he started serving on the advisory council. A mutual friend introduced him to Executive Director, Eva Pierce, around 2011. Gary was selling a house in Fairview Street which Eva and the Hand UP team bought for the nonprofit and the relationship grew from there.

“I owned a business [contract cleaning company] and we sometimes hired ladies that had been in various difficult stages of life. Some of them were ladies in divorce and were struggling, or addicted, abused, incarcerated. My business was always a platform for ministry for us, and the connection with Hand UP for Women enabled us to have a place to connect the ladies and be involved in Bible studies and develop life skills, job interviews, parenting classes –  just a variety of things,” Duncan explained.

Newman Bankston is an attorney at Egerton McAfee who works with nonprofit and tax-exempt equities. He offers support with legal issues. Oftentimes he is assisting with more out-of-the-box requests and practical problems that need to be solved.

The Need for an Advisory Council

Duncan shared that the non-profit sometimes has scenarios that arise where they need an objective opinion. He feels h the council was able to guide the staff at Hand UP for Women when purchasing Miracle Ridge at Buffat Mill. While the Advisory Council helps  with solutions or gives advice, the board has the authority to make final decisions.

“The Bible says that God resists the proud but he gives grace to the humble. And I think when you seek council that is humility and God gives grace to the humble. And I think that’s the place Eva Pierce takes,” Duncan said.

When Hand UP for Women was looking to expand their program at the Fairview property they couldn’t get approval from the city and it was a frustrating experience. One day Duncan noticed a property for sale that he thought could be a fit and suggested Hand UP leadership take a look at it. Duncan helped connect them with their current home. “I think that was the Lord helping me think about them and the possibilities there,” he shared.

Bankston and a past council member named Steve McSween, helped with a transportation issue. They came up with the idea of getting cars donated to Hand UP for Women that could be purchased by participants at a flat rate. This includes maintenance and insurance. Many women struggle to pay for a brand new car, insurance, and maintenance. Eva Pierce shared, where they need help, the organization makes up the difference where they can. That way women have cars to go to work, take children to daycare, and buy necessities, some of which aren’t always on the routes covered by public transit.

“It’s different from my day-to-day activities so it’s fun to see their success and the success of the women in the program,” Bankston shared.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

“One of the things I’m kind of hoping to expand my role in is just making more people aware of that ministry and hopefully helping them get people who may be mentors or want to serve on the board or serve it financially.” Duncan feels he has more time on his hands now since he retired.

Both Duncan and Bankston’s diverse expertise in development and advocacy enriches the organization’s decision-making processes and amplifies its impact. By leveraging the council’s broad network and knowledge, Hand UP for Women can better navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and ensure that its programs are both innovative and aligned with best practices. This collaborative approach not only strengthens Hand UP for Women’s and operational efficiency but also fosters a more robust and engaged community of supporters, ultimately driving greater success in its mission to empower women and uplift communities. If you think you would like to serve on the advisory council contact Eva Pierce at [email protected].