The mission of Hand Up is to assist with emergency funds for adults who have been released from State or Federal corrections facilities within the last twelve months. Working with the support of various community agencies and service organizations and whenever resources are available, Hand Up will meet or assist with the needs of those beginning new lives after incarceration, and who have exhausted or are not eligible for other sources of assistance (be it with housing, utilities, medical, pharmaceutical, or food). Each referral or request for help will be individually assessed to clarify the viability of the award and the needs of the applicant. We hope that through this, we will reduce the occurrence of recidivism.