Nonprofit Spotlight: UP for Women and Children

UP is a Louisville, KY based organization that provides a healthy, safe environment for homeless women and children that offers opportunities and encouragement for achieving self-sufficiency. The only day shelter of its type, UP for Women and Children leverages partnerships with the community so that homeless women are empowered to find hope, help, and refuge.

UP’s doors have been open just over a year, in that time they have helped more than 400 women and children facing homelessness, assisted 126 individuals into safe housing, and helped return 13 to their loved ones.

Without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to the amazing women who made this possible.

Tell us a bit about who you are and who you serve:

I am one of the founders and directors of UP for Women and Children. We are Louisville's first day shelter for homeless women and children. We serve women who are experiencing or on the verge of homelessness.

What drew you to this cause?

I completed my internship as a Kent School of Social Work student with formerly homeless men and women and learned about the need for our services. I just couldn't believe that this service didn't exist in Louisville and when we talked with agencies and members in the community, we were met with overwhelming support!

Fundraising: what’s your biggest challenge and what’s been your biggest win?

We have had a lot of great community support and in-kind donations. We have made some amazing partnerships to further the work and impact we have with our women. Our biggest win has been the response from the women; they feel safe, welcomed, and supported. The biggest challenge has been our space and small staff We can no longer meet the needs of everyone that comes through our doors. We are in need of monetary donations and a larger space to expand the services we offer.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

The most rewarding piece is the gratitude we receive from our women. They often write thank you notes or tell us how grateful they are for our help and support. We've become a community for our women and a safe haven. It makes the long hours and hard work worth every second.

How can people help support your organization?

We desperately need to expand our services and move to a larger space. We are in need of monetary donations to grow our staff and build capital to move to a new space. We are hosting our inaugural fundraiser Saturday August 24 at Actor's theater. To learn more about the event you can purchase tickets, visit www.uplouisville.org, find us on facebook, or follow us on instagram to learn more about us.