Amy Meredith Created Safe Spaces & a Nonprofit from the Ground UP

Amy Meredith, co-founder and executive director of UP for Women and Children, has transformed her personal and professional experiences into a mission to combat homelessness in Louisville. Drawing from her early involvement in her family's manufacturing business and subsequent roles in marketing and business development, Amy co-founded UP in 2017 with Andrea Scott. Recognizing a critical gap in services for women and children experiencing homelessness, they established Louisville’s first and only women-only day shelter. Since opening its doors in 2018, UP has provided essential services such as showers, secure storage, and case management, serving over 3,000 individuals and assisting more than 500 in securing permanent housing. WLKY

Under Amy's leadership, UP operates as a hub, connecting guests with vital resources including legal aid, housing assistance, and healthcare services. The organization has seen a significant increase in demand, with a 60% rise in service needs reported in 2023. Currently open three days a week, UP plans to expand its hours and physical space to accommodate the growing need. Amy emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment, stating, "Sometimes it's just having a safe space to be for the day." WLKY

Amy's dedication to social impact has been recognized through several accolades, including the 2023 Nonprofit Visionary Leader Award from Louisville Business First. She was also nominated for the 2024 Today’s Woman “Most Admired Woman” award in Community and Sisterhood. Her approach to nonprofit leadership mirrors that of running a business, focusing on sustainable staffing, strategic growth, and community collaboration. In 2024, UP received a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 Louisville, enabling further expansion of services to meet the increasing needs of women and children facing homelessness. UP For Women and Children

Looking ahead, Amy and the UP team are preparing to address emerging challenges, such as the maternal health crisis, while continuing to advocate for vulnerable populations. Their commitment to providing comprehensive support and fostering community partnerships positions UP as a vital resource in Louisville's efforts to combat homelessness. Through resilience and innovation, Amy Meredith exemplifies how entrepreneurial skills can drive meaningful change in the nonprofit sector.

Key Topics: 

1:08 - Introducing today’s guest Amy Meredith. 

2:15 - Amy’s Early Career and Influences. 

6:01 - Business Challenges, Loss, Personal Life Struggles. 

11:41 - Amy’s Career Shift and Finding New Purpose. 

14:16 -  The Need for a Day Center for Women and Children. 

20:31 - ​​Growth and Expansion Amidst Challenges. 

22:59 - Serving Diverse Community Needs. 

26:02 - The Growth and Financial Aspects of Nonprofits. 

29:09 - Preparing for Future Challenges. 

Links: 

Learn more about Ellie Puckett and Maggie Harlow. 

Learn more about Up for Women and Children.