Join the Team Anchor Text

Join the Team

We are an inclusive and empowering work environment. Our tagline is “Empowered Women, Empowering Women” and we mean that at all levels: volunteers, guests, and staff. We work to empower one another, prioritize individual development and growth. Here at UP, we value holistic wellness for our guests, volunteers and staff. Authenticity is celebrated and encouraged. We want everyone to feel like they can be their true self at UP.

We’re currently hiring for:

Day Shelter Staff

  • Amy Meredith

    Executive Director

  • Julie Padgett, MSW

    Operations Director

  • Deanna Keal

    Development Director

  • Ana Paliza-Brown

    Special Projects

  • Dawn Miller

    Safety Manager

  • Bailey Allen

    Shelter and Development Support Manager

  • Ryan Knipple

    Shelter Manager

  • Dexter Crowdus

    Office Manager

  • Morgan Gillenwater

    Case Manager

  • Mercedes Fulkerson

    Case Manager

  • Scarlett Simpson

    Case Manager

  • Stella Parsons

    Client Support Specialist

  • Heather Ackerman

    Client Support Specialist

  • Brandon Hobbs

    Client Support Specialist

  • Jen Rai

    Client Support Specialist

  • Tyra Sowell

    Peer Support Specialist

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Board of Directors

  • Jennifer Kleier

    CHAIR

    Partner, Karem & Kleier Law

  • Meghan Hayes

    TREASURER

    CFO, Koetter Group

  • Melissa Mitchell

    SECRETARY

    VP at PNC private bank

  • Cecily Bell

    SPACE COMMITTEE CHAIR

    River Housing LLC, Entrepreneur and rental property owner

  • Anju Asopa

    Board Member

    IT Tech Leader - formerly Humana IT Associate Director

  • Kaye Lawless

    Board Member

    Executive Staff Advisor, Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

  • April Zik

    DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

    VP of Sponsorships, Kentucky Derby Festival

  • Kim Sickles

    Board Member

    Commercial Realtor, Sickles Inc Realty

  • Mary George Meiners

    Board Member

    Incipio Workforce Solutions

  • George Rue

    Board Member

    Managing Director at Venture Forward Advisors

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Our Founding Anchor Text

Co-founders Amy Meredith & Andrea Scott

Our Founders

In 2016, Founders Amy and Andrea identified a community need. During her work with formerly homeless women, Andrea learned that Louisville did not offer a daytime safe space for women and children experiencing homelessness. Often because of their experience with trauma, women avoid services if they feel their safety or well-being may be compromised. Women needed a women’s only safe space with access to showers, laundry, case managers, community resources and social services through a partnership of providers.

Andrea brought the idea to her friend Amy whose background was in business development. They began with a needs assessment, connected with community service providers, local leaders and women experiencing homelessness who were living on the streets and sleeping in emergency shelters. They were met with overwhelming support and in 2017, Uniting Partners for Women and Children was founded. They formed a board of directors, obtained 501c3 status, partnered with Christ Church Cathedral for space, and secured funding from Louisville Metro and Women 4 Women. On July 16, 2018, they opened their doors to the community for the first time.

Together, they founded Uniting Partners for Women and Children, a joint passion project to advocate for women and children in our community. In 2020, Andrea stepped down to stay home with her family and serve UP remotely during COVID-19. In 2021, she resigned and still passionately believes in UP.