Introducing Vols for Women's Worth!

 Vols Put a Hand Up for Women: We Are Vols for Women’s Worth!

Our Purpose

We are “Vols for Women’s Worth,” a group of University of Tennessee students who are crowdfunding for Hand Up for Women. We are raising funds for the twelve women who are currently a part of Hand Up for Women’s program. This program gives women the opportunity to learn how to live life again, by teaching them basic life skills they may not know and connecting them with other women in similar situations to them. It costs $8000 for each woman to go through the program, and they pay nothing. We need your help raising money for these amazing twelve women!

A Look Into Hand Up for Women’s Program

Their program gives women the opportunity to press the restart button and learn how to live life again after difficult situations like abuse, addiction, homelessness, etc. They also each have a mentor that helps them throughout their time in the program. They answer any questions and encourage them along the way. The women go to classes twice a week with all of the other program participants, to connect and learn life skills needed to be successful. SOme examples of the topics covered in these classes include how to apply for a job, how to do an interview, budgeting techniques, etc. They also are provided meals at these meetings. 

The Power of Hand Up for Women’s Group Meetings

While these group meetings are mainly important because the women learn all of the life skills needed for their future during them, they are also important because they allow the women to connect with each other. A lot of the women who go through this program most likely feel down on themselves or frustrated, but in these meetings they meet with so many other women going through extremely similar situations as them. These meetings give the women a place to be open about their feelings. They are able to encourage each other along the way to help them succeed and make it through the program. These women support and lean on each other. It’s so important to find people you can connect with or relate to during those difficult times in life. 

Who Are We?

We are four University of Tennessee students who are crowding funding for Hand Up for Women and understand the importance of their program. We’ve even had the privilege of getting a tour of their campus and attending one of the group classes!

Introductions!

Hi! My name is Lauren Turner and I am one of the four students who is a part of Vols for Women’s Worth. I personally understand the importance of finding a community who you relate to or can easily communicate with because I’ve grown up my entire life attending weekly small groups with other girls my age. We’ve always been able to connect and relate because we are all the same age, so we are going through similar circumstances. My small group communities have helped encourage me to keep working hard in life!

Hi!! My name is Lilli Mucica, and I am deeply committed to creating opportunities for inclusivity within my community. I believe that all individuals deserve the chance to experience the camaraderie, resilience, and personal growth that programs and teams can provide. In high school, I began working on developing a program that integrates students with disabilities into school sports, helping break down barriers and creating a supportive, empowering environment for everyone involved. This experience has shaped my perspective on how we can support individuals facing unique challenges, recognizing that with the right opportunities, everyone can thrive. My goal is to continue building spaces that uplift and empower those who often face struggles, ensuring they have the resources and community they need to succeed.

Hi, my name is Zac Johnson and I am also in Vols for Women’s Worth. I know personally that finding a community can 100% keep you grounded and on track in life. Regularly attending church as well as having a tightly knit friend group that I have maintained since highschool has definitely kept my sense of purpose healthy and intact. With either a poor community or lack thereof I am definitely not sure how I would keep my sense of direction or my sense of self. This is why I believe Hand Up for Women is such a great organization as it recognizes the human need for community and how community interacts with building or rebuilding a good life. 

Hi! My name is Mary Ella Cook and I am also a part of Vols for Women's Worth. I have always found my support system through my family. My mother is my role model and I strive everyday to be like her. Her encouragement and wise words keep me grounded and keep me going through the tough times. My father is my support system. He is the rock that I lean on when I am feeling discouraged. While my extended family is big and far away, we are blessed to still remain very close. I have found my worth and my true potential through the words of encouragement and the lessons I have learned from them. To describe my family members, strong is an understatement. I truly would not be the person I am today without them.