The HandUP Foundation was founded in 2003 by Doug Diven in Milton, Pennsylvania and was established with a modest budget of $16,000 and only 2 employees.  The first service programs were offering family counseling, performing simple house repairs, and distributing Christmas gifts to low-income families.  It was a small start, but God had big plans for this already-anointed organization.

 

In 2004, our budget more than doubled to $49,000 a year and 3 more service programs were added: Adult Mentoring, Business Leadership Training, and the HUF Discount Center opened its doors.

 

God began to provide us with more financial resources as 2005 saw our annual budget triple to $147,000.  We also hired 2 more employees and introduced the Benevolence Program and Vehicle to Work Program.

 

The following year resulted in even more provisions as our budget grew to $183,000.  Our personnel also grew to a total of 5 employees.  Our service programs saw the most growth this year as we added Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, CDL A & B Training, the Prisoner Release Clothing Program, and the Home Sweet Home Program.

 

By 2007, our annual budget had become $277,000 and the number of our employees more than doubled to 11.  The HUF Recycling Program also began and we developed our first partnership programs with AmeriCorps and Experience Works.

2008 was a year of significant growth as our budget increased to $513,000 and we now had a whopping total of 18 employees.  We also launched 3 new food programs: the Milton Community Garden, the Fresh Foods Initiatives, and Local Crops for Local People.  The HUF eBay Account (a division of the HUF Discount Center) was initiated and we became the new host of the Milton Food Bank.

 

We are certain God has more exciting opportunities for us in 2009 and we gratefully look forward to sharing them with you!