Do you or a woman you know need a financial hand up to move forward?  Then First Friday’s HandUp Program might be for you. At each First Friday event, and on the website, women will be given a unique opportunity to re-gift some of what they have been given, in order to help others. These donations will be offered to women in our community who are already helping themselves, but need a hand up to get “un-stuck”. . . and positively move forward so they can live life to their highest potential.  Click Here for guidelines and the application.

Below are some comments from women who have already received a financial hand up:

’Lynn’ is a woman who left a long-term abusive marriage. She was not allowed to work and tolerated physical and emotional abuse for years. When her children were grown, one day God spoke and told her that she had to leave or die. The next day she heard about some local transitional housing, and is now working towards earning a bachelor’s degree in Art History. Through your scarf donations at First Friday last year, she is receiving tuition and books so she can complete her degree.”

’Amy’ is a single mom, fleeing an abusive marriage. She had difficulty with English, because her abuser would not allow her to develop friendships outside of the home. She was turned away from multiple shelters before she found a temporary home. Through counseling and First Friday’s donation, she can pay for play therapy for her daughter, and supplies for her small business. She has recently been accepted into a master’s program to be a bilingual teacher!”