The COVID19 Pandemic has brought to light organizations that stand at the ready to serve East Texans in need. The Hand Up Network exists to seek out and help those going through a tough season in life 24/7, 365 days a year. The intrusion of the Pandemic has taken this focus to an even higher level, but the need for Victim Services, Mentoring, Counseling, Restoration, etc. becomes an even larger issue moving forward.
The East Texas Region is going through an unprecedented intrusion into what we used to know as “normal”. We have people that were already struggling to take on daily life, now facing challenges that they have never seen. Some our basic daily survival situations, where others are issues of providing stability moving forward. Hand Up Network is not about trying to put a bandage on the wound, but seeking to address what is causing the wound and fix it today and into the future.
Victim Services
Hand Up Network provides East Texas with a trained Victim Services Team that assists and enables victims of crime and their families from the initial report of violence throughout their recovery and healing process. The team is made up of specialists in victim support and education and works side by side with government and community-based organizations to ensure survivors and their families have the opportunity to create an action/safety plan that encompasses their goals and needs related to the aftermath of the victimization or trauma, as well as longer term mentorship for recovery of lives if required. As victims courageously step forward and seek services within our community, the Victim Services team is ready to meet their needs.
Response Teams
- Outreach Teams assist those in our community with immediate needs, such as the homeless. Our teams seek out people in need in their current situations and reach out to them with love and concern as well as to inform them of the opportunities and services that are available within the Hand Up Network and community. A key objective is to get them into our Intake and SPARC process to show them there is a way out of their situation, if they are willing to make the effort.
- Community Response Teams respond to requests or identify and address specific needs in our community as they arise, providing a “hand up” when and where it is needed most. Community team efforts may include helping the elderly, cleaning up community areas, responding to requests for indigent assistance, etc. These teams offer a wide range of service opportunities for volunteers of all skill levels and as defined within each HURT initiative.
- Emergency Response Teams address unforeseen and tragic needs as they occur in our community, state, and region. These teams are designed based on the required expertise of each event and comprised of volunteers that have the skills to address those needs. During a natural disaster or event, HURTeams come alongside local Police and EMS Departments to coordinate volunteers and donations. These teams are not just for immediate response but continue support of the recovery effort long after most national and state organizations have moved on.
- Prayer and Support Teams are a vital part of HUN’s ministry. This team sets up during events in the Tyler area, as well as being on site next to our Emergency Response Teams. It will not only listen to and pray for people but will direct those interested in helping themselves out of difficult situations to HUN’s Intake process, and those interested in becoming involved to our Volunteer Portal on our website
To Volunteer to be on a future Hand Up Network Response Team (HURT) Click Here
Intake
The Intake consists of an assessment of a potential Client that is either referred from our Victim Services Team, an other Network Partner, or just walked through the door. The Intake is based on the HUN Five Fingers of Focus to determine where the person is at this stage in their life and are they stable enough to begin the journey to a better life.
SPARC – Sparking a Passion for a Renewed Calling
The SPARC classes provide an overview of the Hand Up Network’s Five Fingers of Focus and prepare a potential Client for the journey ahead. Success comes with the Client’s commitment to themselves and the SPARC classes allow all to get to know each other and understand that success comes with a joint commitment to do what is necessary to get to a better place. You put forth the effort, we will come alongside and work just as hard to achieve our desired results. If this commitment does not exist from the Client, then ministry resources are not going to continue to be used with this individual. Success comes with a commitment to put forth the effort yourself, anything less is a waste of God’s Resources.
Mentoring and Counseling
Once entered into the Mentoring Process, the Client is evaluated by Hand Up Network Staff to get to know them and their individual circumstances with the intention to find a Volunteer Mentor that can relate to the needs for their journey. Every Journey is different, and every person relates better with some people that they do others. We work to find that good fit and then begin to bring the Volunteer Mentor into the process.
The Client and Mentor begin to work the Hand Up Network Mentoring Program that helps to uncover issues, challenges, and assets that will need to be addressed. There are a variety of Programs designed to provide training in a variety of ares such as Financial Literacy, Vocational Skills, Interviewing, Spiritual Guidance, etc. that are at the ready to help along the way. The Mentor has a team of fellow Mentors and Counselors at the ready to be brought in if the expertise is needed. This is not a quick fix, but a steady climb to a new and better life. We expect to be engaged and be a support system for our Clients for years to come.
To Volunteer to be a Mentor Click Here
Restoration
Once a Client has completed our Tier 1 Programs, they venture into a new beginning in life. This is a time to celebrate, but its certainly not the end of the road with Hand Up Network. We will continue to be the Support System for our Clients and provide additional Programs, Counseling, and Mentoring when needed as they face the rigors of every day life. We all need a Hand Up at some point and our team will continue to serve as a sounding board when needed. If you need us, we want to be there for you!
No one ever said life was supposed to be easy. In fact, its very hard and we seek to use the owner’s manual that God has provided The Bible to provide guidance on how to use the gifts and skills He has provided.
PREACH, and if absolutely necessary, use words!
HAND UP NETWORK™ is a 501c3 non-profit based in Tyler, TX that has assembled an international team of leaders with decades of experience with a desire to come back home and bring focus to those in need in local communities. The Network offers long-term programs to people seeking a new season in life and response teams designed to address community issues and emergency response. The Network provides intentional volunteer opportunities for people wanting to provide support within their programs and opportunities to engage via Response Teams. The Hand Up Network was awarded the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency for 2020! This is the highest level of achievement possible.
