Heartwarming and life-changing stories from A Hand UP for Women.
Finding Friendships That Last a Lifetime
Friendship is often referred to as the backbone of life. Unlike family, you can choose your friends. At Hand UP for Women friendship is at the forefront of the ministry. Before Karla Johnson applied to be a program participant, she met Alisha Vasquez through Knox Recovery Court. The two befriended [...]
Earning Freedom Back
July is a month we’re reminded of our freedoms. To live in the United States of America is a blessing for many people, including Krystal Brown. Though she’s faced challenges, the Hand UP for Women graduate knows the importance of having rights and exercising them, including voting. “Your vote does [...]
Transforming From a Tax-Taker to Taxpayer
Knoxville native, Joy Bright credits the Knox County non-profit Hand UP for Women for helping her go from being a drain on the tax system to a tax-paying citizen contributing to the greater good. Bright was on disability for eight years after a serious car accident that altered her life forever. She was injured so badly that [...]
Putting “Mom” back in Mother’s Day
Mother's Day can be a difficult holiday for many women, especially those who have lost custody of their children. However, their biggest hope is to celebrate the day and put "Mom" back in Mother's Day. Staff at Hand UP for Women say one of the main motivators women participate in [...]
The story behind the Inaugural Angels and Axles Fundraiser
Hand UP for Women’s inaugural fundraiser, Angels and Axles Car Show and Bake Sale, has a unique backstory of how this event was created. In 2018, Knoxville Police Officer, B.K. Hardin was ambushed after a UT football game. He was directing traffic when someone used a hammer to attack him. [...]
Hand UP for Women Gala to Reflect on 20 Years of Transformation from a Servant’s Heart
In preparing for this year’s gala, Executive Director Eva Piece reflects on the women whose lives have been transformed. There are at least 100 ladies whom she feels have “profoundly changed,” because of the Christian-based program. It’s these Christian principles that guide women in becoming self-sufficient and financially independent regardless [...]
Discovering Self-Love Through the Eyes of Christ
How often do you say the three little words “I love you” to yourself? Perhaps, not enough. Self-love is a phrase that runs around society’s social media platforms, but often we don’t take the steps to make it a priority. Krystal Brown was one of those women before she found [...]
A Light at the End of the Tunnel: Financial Independence and Support at Hand UP for Women
When women walk through the doors of Hand UP for Women, they are often at their lowest. Overcoming addiction with nowhere to go and not a cent in their pocket, many come to the organization homeless and without family to support them. Hand UP for Women may be their first [...]
Hope and the holidays: Christmastime at A Hand UP for Women
The holidays are a time to celebrate the many joys in life and to reflect on all the things there are to be thankful for, but for women in need, the spirit of the season can be a difficult time of year. “Most of them can't look back fondly and [...]
Hand UP for Women Graduate Explains Holiday Hardship for Women in Need
What’s supposed to be the happiest time of year filled with family gatherings, cheerful music, delicious treats and feelings of warmth and love, can be anything but for women in need. “It’s still a struggle,” Joy Bright said about the holidays. Bright graduated from Hand UP for Women in 2020 [...]
Hand UP for Women Raising Money for Local Women through Hand UP for Change Auction
Hand UP for Women is hosting the Hand UP for Change Auction 2022 to raise funds to support women in Knoxville who desperately need a helping hand. The auction begins online on Friday, October 21 at 12:15 a.m. and will last until Sunday October 30 until 10:00 p.m. People can [...]
A New Hand UP for Women Class Begins: From Hopelessness to Self-Sufficiency
The newest class of women has been selected to join the Hand UP for Women family. In celebration of their new journey, we wanted to share some history and details of what’s to come. What is the Hand UP for Women vision? Hand UP for Women envisions a Knoxville [...]