“Ironically, the most bright and cheerful house Nashville has ever seen contains the most broken and tragic stories of loss, desperation, or fear. However, counseling has the power to bring hope and healing to the darkest of places. Counseling has been a huge part of my story and I wouldn’t be who I am today without the wisdom and guidance the people at Daystar have given me. Volunteering at the place I am so passionate about reminds me of all the reasons why I want to continue to be a part of Daystar’s ministry.
It’s not the house itself that makes me love Daystar, though it is truly the most wonderful place through and through, but rather the people who are inside. There you’ll find twenty-five staff members who all have the same goal: to soften, shape, and strengthen the hearts of each and every client that walks through the door. The warmth of the house and the friendliness of the staff alone could soften any heart. The heart is then carefully shaped by the incredible counselors who are not afraid to ask the tough questions in order to help clients realize who they are meant to be, and who are willing to meet them in their brokenness. Lastly, the heart is strengthened through opportunities such as group therapy, where community is built on encouragement and relationship. I have never felt more understood, loved, and known than I do at the little yellow house, and I have seen significant personal growth since I started going. My desire is to be a counselor one day because I have been deeply impacted by Daystar’s ministry as a client. I came to Daystar feeling broken and wounded, but through the guidance from gifted counselors who listened and cared enough to ask the tough questions, I was able to move towards healing. I want to leave that same impact on others and give back to the community that has meant so much to my own personal journey. Daystar is a unique place where I have been both a client and a volunteer and have grown equally from both experiences.”
These words were written by a high school student who’s currently involved with Daystar. We are humbled by her words. But, even moreso, aware that she’s missing an important truth in these words. She already is impacting others in profound ways. Melissa started Daystar with the motto, “one life touching another.” This young girl is doing it daily—as she volunteers, participates in groups, and simply smiles and speaks to other children (and our staff) in the halls.
We are grateful—for her—for the 1700 families who are hopefully receiving, but also touching others in our little yellow house. And we’re profoundly grateful for your support that helps to make it all possible.
Gratefully,
The Daystar Staff
