Our Journey

The Story of Hand Up Resource Center, Inc.

Our Vision  

To create a stronger, self-sufficient community by empowering justice-impacted individuals and underserved populations with the education, skills, and resources needed for long-term success.


Our Mission  

Hand Up Resource Center, Inc. is dedicated to providing education, workforce development, and emergency preparedness training to individuals facing barriers to stability. Through reentry support, job readiness programs, entrepreneurship training, and community safety initiatives, we equip individuals with the tools to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.


How We Started  

Founded in 2019, Hand Up Resource Center, Inc. was established in response to the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals, at-risk youth, and underserved communities. Recognizing the gaps in education, employment opportunities, and emergency preparedness, Hand Up was created to provide practical, hands-on support to those striving for a fresh start.


What started as a small initiative to assist individuals with job readiness and reentry services has grown into a multi-faceted organization, offering:  

✅ MKE Heroes – Emergency response training and certification  

✅ Club X-Cellence – Youth mentorship and leadership development  

✅ GED/HSED Preparation – Study materials and exam support  

✅ Workforce Development & Reentry Assistance – Job training, career coaching, and placement support  

✅ Entrepreneurial Boot Camps – Business planning and self-sufficiency training  

✅ Housing Assistance & Community Support – Resources for individuals transitioning to stable housing  


Over the years, Hand Up has built strong community partnerships and expanded its services to empower individuals with the confidence, skills, and resources to achieve long-term stability. We remain committed to educating, empowering, and uplifting those in need—because everyone deserves a second chance and a hand up, not a handout.

Community Solutions

Empowerment Services

Empowerment Services

MKE Heroes Training

MKE Heroes Training offers affordable, community-centered emergency response courses designed to equip participants with essential …
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Community Emergency Response Training

Advanced Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) for Businesses Our Advanced Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) is a key …
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Reentry Assistance For Justice-Impacted Individuals

Our Reentry Assistance Program is a comprehensive and personalized initiative designed to help individuals successfully reintegrate into …
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One - Time - Donation

Support Community Growth

Support Community Growth

Provides 1 justice-impacted person with resume printing, interview guides, or transportation assistance.
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Your $50 ensures sustained community engagement, supporting group workshops, emergency response training, and leadership …
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With $100, you help create lasting change. Fund full access to our empowerment programs, providing hope and opportunity for …
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Fuel change with $250.00. Your gift helps cover training materials for emergency preparedness and life skills workshops.
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