Heartwarming and life-changing stories from A Hand UP for Women.
Meet the Kind-Hearted “Elves” at Hand UP for Women
Christmastime sparks a spirit of generosity as people look to spread joy to others or find ways to provide a hand up. But for some women at Hand UP for Women, all year long they choose volunteerism. Why? Because their soul yearns to help others. There are a few faces [...]
Rising from the Streets: Brooke Rogers’ Journey
Rising from the Streets: Brooke Rogers’ Journey Imagine not having a place to call home. Think about how long you’ve gone without having a roof over your head or heat. Was it more than two years? Four walls and a roof provide safety: a bed to sleep, privacy, independence and [...]
Hand UP for Change Auction to Raise Money for Largest Operating Budget Ever
Supporters Can Bid Online October 20-29 The Hand UP for Change Auction is back for its third year to raise designated funds for Hand UP for Women’s operating budget. This year the goal is to raise $25,000, a five thousand dollar increase from 2022. Loyal supporters believe in Hand UP’s [...]
Hand UP for Women Expanding Women’s Ministry with New Location
Amanda Hankins As Hand UP for Women gets ready to move to a new location, leaders know home is more than a place, rather it’s a warm feeling that fills your soul when it’s nurtured with kindness and love. But for some who have experienced homelessness, housing [...]
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 [...]