Hand UP for Women restores lives of Knoxville's most vulnerable women, and it's growing

At Knoxville nonprofit Hand UP for Women, providing classes and mentoring for women who want to break free from addiction and abuse is a vehicle toward a larger goal: saving lives.

Brooke Rogers said the faith-based nonprofit saved her life after she spent two years on the streets of Knoxville, skipping meals to pay for her drug addiction until she got down to 98 pounds. On her last day on the streets, it was 18 degrees. She had gone stretches of up to 17 days without eating.

When she realized she needed to get help or she would die, Rogers came to the nonprofit for a second time. Her mother had taken her to see Eva Pierce, executive director of Hand UP for Women, years before, but she wasn't ready to change her life then.

When she left rehab, Rogers was ready to put in the work to leave her old life behind. She applied and was accepted into the nonprofit's course of life management and career development classes taught by local professionals who volunteer their time.

"Other than the classes, the support was the biggest thing for me. When I came home from treatment, I didn't have anybody," Rogers said. "This became my support and my family. I could not have survived those first three years without Hand UP for Women. This program saved my life."

Rogers is now happily married and works as the financial officer and human resources manager for disABILITY Resources Center in Knoxville, a job she loves. She has been free from drugs for 14 years.

Along the way, women find community among others who have experienced addiction, abuse, homelessness or poverty.

Hand UP for Women has helped 125 women of all backgrounds and ages turn their lives around since 2003. It started meeting in a church before moving to a house on Fairview Street in North Knoxville.

A house provides a home for the program and some of its clients

In January, Hand UP for Women cut the ribbon on "Miracle Ridge at Buffat Mill," a property and home bought by a major donor and offered to the nonprofit for a low price at no interest.

Pierce, the executive director, says the 3,700-square-foot home on 3.5 acres is an answer to prayer and the beginning of a new chapter.

Two women live at the house now, and Pierce said there are opportunities to add apartments on the property and someday even tiny homes. The nonprofit works to make women self-sufficient, and housing is a temporary option for those who need shelter.

"My motto for permanent life change is 'new playmates and new playground,'" Pierce said. "The reason we wanted to expand was to be able to provide housing opportunities for the ladies to pay very little rent, pay off any debt they have or save for college."

Classes address resumes, finances and 'How Not to Marry a Jerk'

Graduates of Hand UP for Women have ranged in age from 19 to 67, and come from all backgrounds, including different religious and racial identities. Some come from halfway houses and the legal system, but just as many are reeling from losing a spouse or fleeing domestic abuse, Pierce said.

Classes at Hand UP for Women are Tuesdays and Thursdays, and they include basic car maintenance, making peace with the past, resume building, computer skills, finance 101 and "How Not To Marry a Jerk."

The women who take the courses must have a 90% attendance and participation rate to graduate, and there's homework. Rogers, who graduated in 2011, said it's no easy pass. The course will expand from 12 months to 18 months in March.

Once a new education center is renovated at the Buffat Mill location, Hand UP for Women will increase class sizes from 12 to 25 women. For now, it's selective by necessity.

For the class beginning in March, Pierce received 40 applicants, but can take only eight women, since four are continuing their studies. Pierce said she looks for women who are committed to change and who will be dedicated to the program.

Unique store on site provides more help

At Miracle Ridge at Buffat Mill, there are offices, hangout spaces, a living room that serves as a classroom, and a unique little store called "Barbara Mart."

A volunteer named Barbara Golec brought a troubling fact to Pierce's attention years ago. The women in the program could not buy toiletries or feminine products with food stamps, and they could not afford them otherwise.

The pair decided to set up a store where women could buy the necessities with "Barbara Bucks." The money can be earned by being on time for class, attending a GED or job-training class, bringing in a church bulletin or helping others.

The support doesn't end at graduation. A group of alumna called Hand UP Graduates for Service, or HUGS, hosts its own fundraisers and keeps its own checking account. When a woman falls into sudden financial peril, the group steps in to help, just like a family.

Volunteers needed, fundraising gala planned

Hand UP for Women is always looking for volunteers to teach classes, cook meals for women on Tuesdays and Thursdays, mentor women or help with facility maintenance. Hand UP for Women relies on financial support from the community, and 65% of its funding comes from individual donors.

The nonprofit will host its annual fundraising gala at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Grand Event Center, 5441 Clinton Highway. Attendees can pay $65 for an individual ticket, or $500 for a table of eight. Several graduates of the program will share their stories, which is fitting, since this year's theme is "A Story of Miracles."

Contact Kimberly Davis at kim@ahandupforwomen.org or call 865-525-9696 to learn more.

Daniel Dassow is a growth and development reporter focused on technology and energy. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Hand UP for Women saves lives in Knoxville, and it's growing