Knoxville Non-Profit Hand UP for Women Celebrates Spring Graduation
March 24, 2023

Ashley Carver and Shayna Mitchell receive a graduation certificate; image submitted

KNOXVILLE -- Ashley Carver and Shayna Mitchell have graduated from Hand UP for Women, a year-long life and career readiness program that breaks the cycle of homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, financial instability and more.

Hand UP for Women Executive Director, Eva Pierce, said, “It all comes down to being taught how to live a different life by seeing yourself through the eyes of God and never settling for anything less.”

Ashley Carver joined Hand UP already deciding to not be the person she previously was. As her mentor, Beverly Skeen got to love Ashley. Ashley has become like one of her daughters and she has challenged Ashley to keep following Jesus Christ. “This program has been life changing for me,” Carver said. She has overcome drug addiction thanks to this program, and she now feels confident in who she is. Ashley said she could not be any more blessed and thankful to be a part of such a wonderful program. “I’m finally the person I’m supposed to be, should be, and should have been a long time ago.”

Ashley Carver and Shayna Mitchell receive prayers of blessing; image submitted

Shayna Mitchell shared that she lost her family and house due to drug addiction. She became homeless and suicidal. Through Hand UP for Women, she has acquired a new relationship with God, friends, and learned how to accept herself and her past. She can now budget finances and communicate with people better. Her mentor, LaVon Stinson, has helped her identify her goals and accomplish them. Her inspirational message is to never give up because God is good. Shayna plans to rebuild a relationship with her daughter who will turn 4 this summer. She hopes to give back to Hand UP for Women.

They have completed over 100 classes and opened themselves up to being challenged. The goal of the program is to give them a new playground with new playmates. They have found friends and mentors. Each of them has received $8,000 worth of time, resources and expertise through donations, plus wisdom from women who have walked in their shoes.

The challenges they face now are to continue progressing forward and following their new faith.