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.
Day Shelter Staff
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Amy Meredith
Executive Director
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Julie Padgett, MSW
Operations Director
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Deanna Keal
Development Director
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Dawn Miller
Safety Manager
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Bailey Allen
Grants Administrator
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Ryan Knipple
Shelter Manager
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Scarlett Simpson
Case Manager
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Stella Parsons
Client Support Specialist Lead
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Heather Ackerman
Client Support Specialist
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Sunshyne Estill
Case Manager
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Tiffany Butts
Client Support Specialist
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Quany
Security Guard
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Noah Korth
Client Support Specialist
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Trent Osborne
Client Support Specialist
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Whitney Bard
Case Manager
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Chloe Aden
Fall Intern
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Angela Ceccato
Fall Intern
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Grace
Office Manager
Board of Directors
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Anju Asopa
CHAIR
IT Teach Leader- formerly Humana IT Associate Director
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Jennifer Kleier
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Partner, Karem & Kleier Law
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Cecily Bell
SPACE COMMITTEE CHAIR
River Housing LLC, Entrepreneur and rental property owner
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Tracey Garnett
TREASURER
Vice President Finance/Corporate Controller, Seven Counties Services
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Melanie Green
SECRETARY
Director of Process Improvement at BrightSpring Health Services
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April Zik
DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
VP of Sponsorships, Kentucky Derby Festival
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George Rue
GOVERNANCE CHAIR
Managing Director at Venture Forward Advisors
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.