About Us

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 2017

A Hand Up Community Resource center is a 501(c) 3 faith-based charity that connects the economically vulnerable to life-sustaining resources that provide hope and a better quality of life. We believe that everyone deserves a decent standard of living, and no one should go without what they need to live a meaningful life. Since our inception in 2018, we have worked untiringly to stand in the gap for those struggling to make ends meet by providing other alternatives such as financial literacy education to prevent joblessness and homelessness in our community.

What We Do

Realizing that together we can make a bigger impact, we have partnered with several community organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit businesses to advocate for those whose voice isn’t often heard. We’re not just hanging a sign and giving away fish, but we are invested in our community and believe we are responsible for teaching each one how to fish. In 2021, we not only offered financial education to west Louisville residents. We partnered with other organizations to assist the elderly and those who were suffering from COVID by delivering food, PPE supplies and care packages.

Our Mission is Threefold

Connection

To connect those who are economically vulnerable to life sustaining resources that meet immediate needs.

Education

To offer educational opportunities that will help individuals gain and maintain self-sufficiency.

Empowerment

To provide access to tools that will empower individuals to make better financial decisions that may lead to less dependency on agencies such as ours.

Why We Do What We Do

Low income workers are often bypassed for government subsidies because according to established federal guidelines, their income may be too much. The Federal poverty guideline level, an indicator that the U.S. government uses to define who is poor, measures an individual or family’s annual cash income. The poverty level determines who can receive federal subsidies or aid. The problem is that even though federal / state aid may serve those who earn 15-125% above the poverty guideline, their cut off may still leave many individuals and families unqualified for the assistance they need to bridge the gap while attempting to build a strong financial foundation for themselves or their family.

For qualified applicants, the services we provide consist of emergency financial assistance to pay overdue utilities, rent, mortgages, doctor bills, and insurances. We have also helped pay for needed medications, car repairs, transportation and short term child care services. We have partnerships with staffing companies that can provide employment opportunities as well as job training.

Individuals who desire to apply for assistance may complete an application under the tab titled “Get Help.”

A Hand Up CRC is committed to practicing responsible stewardship with regards to giving and receiving. While it’s important to provide for those in need, it’s our responsibility to teach a man how to fish therefore empowering him/her to provide for themselves.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chandra Stroud

Founder & Executive Director

Dr. Joe DeSensi

Board Co-Chair

Elizabeth Wiseman

Board Treasurer

Nika Rozier

Co-Secretary

Tomeca Faulkner

Co-Secretary

Excellence Officer

Cynthia Taylor

Board Member-At-Large

Dr. Robin Hinkle

Board Member-At-Large

Emily Goodlett

Board Member-At-Large

Midaya Marshall

Board Member-At-Large

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Yvette Ahtongwest

Advisory Board Member

Sharron Johnson

Advisory Board Member