April is Global Volunteer Month. While many in the Volunteer State know what it means to give back and show their Vol Spirit, those who choose to give their time, energy and knowledge to others without expecting anything in return are turning their compassion into action.
For two Knoxville-based women who have dealt with life’s hard lessons are using their own experience and compassion every day by volunteering with Hand UP For Women.
“I’m blessed to be a blessing,” Anne Hilliard, a 2010 graduate, said. “I feel like I have to give back because of what Hand UP has done for me. It’s been a wonderful thing, because of the family-like relationships and friendships.”
Anne, who is originally from Ohio, arrived in Knoxville via bus nearly 20 years ago after struggling with substance misuse. She spent some years working and living in halfway houses before being referred to Hand UP. She is now the oldest graduate of the Hand UP For Women program and uses her years of experience to help other participants and graduates in the program because she has been in their shoes.
“When I go back and see them, and I can tell how the new participants are feeling, the insecure feelings. I remember feeling that way – very insecure, unsure,” Anne said. “But I’m not insecure anymore. After graduating from the program, I worked to get my house, I have a great job now, and I try to give back financially to the program because I know what it’s like when something like a flat tire or an unexpected expense throws off everything you’ve been working for.”
Every paycheck, Anne gives back.
It’s her way of not only being a blessing to the organization that has blessed her, but she also says it’s for any participant or graduate who may need the extra help. Hand UP For Women personnel have jokingly yet lovingly called Anne’s donations “the Hilliard Fund.”
“I enjoy doing that, especially around the holidays,” Anne said. “I also try to give little gifts. When I see the gradual transformation of the participants, that’s what it’s all about. To see them change, to see their confidence. So I try to be that support for them along the way.”
Anne says her compassion comes from a place of knowing the peace of God, while trusting Him with everything in life.
Christina Duncan also credits God’s love with her journey from substance misuse to Hand UP For Women plus gaining a loving family along the way.
Originally from Florida, Christina arrived in Knoxville in 2013 after serving in federal prison and was released to the Midway Rehabilitation Center. A job placement led her not only to Hand UP For Women, but also to her now-husband and in-laws.
“When I came to Knoxville, and met Eva, I was really working on trying to find community,” Christina said. “Eva used to say, ‘to change your life, you’ve gotta change your playground and playmates,’ and that’s what I was doing. Hand UP provides the support, the community and the teachings to live differently. For the first part of my life, everyone I knew was into that life (of substance misuse) and I had no one. In prison, I gave my life to the Lord, so when I got out, I needed that kind of community. I remember just praying – just praying – to find a good community, and I did.”
Christina said after graduating from Hand UP in 2015, she continues to serve the organization through HUGS (Hand Up Graduates in Service), also serves on the board, and has worked as a mentor to others.
“I’m not a goal-oriented person, like for long-term plans,” she said. “But my everyday goal is to be more like Christ, serve my higher calling from the Lord and be a good mom and wife.”
Giving back can look like many things – whether it’s volunteering time, mentoring, or giving financially – these Hand UP For Women graduates do what they can so that other participants and graduates can know they have support in their journeys.
You can give back to Hand UP For Women by either learning more about becoming a volunteer or mentor, or visit the donations page here.