Statements
Mission
Daystar Counseling Ministries, Inc. seeks to offer the hope of Christ to children, adolescents and families in need. Counseling services are offered on a sliding scale system, based on a family or individual's ability to pay. Through individual and group counseling, summer camp programs, leadership development and parenting seminars, Daystar is dedicated to serving the greater Nashville area, as well as the community at large, with encouragement and support.
Background
Daystar Counseling Ministries started in 1985, with the idea that kids impact kids. Then there were several small groups of high school students, offering support and encouragement to each other through trying times...and they still do today...in 27 groups of kids, grades 2-12, who meet weekly in the office. In the past five years, Daystar has grown from serving 400 families to our current 1,546 families. Gross profit has consequently increased from $680,484 in 2005 to $1,174,303 in 2010. Daystar serves clients from diverse backgrounds with varied issues including but not limited to: depression, personality disorders, drug and alcohol addictions, sexual and physical abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, and self-harm.
Impact
Accomplishments from the past year: Daystar is currently serving 1,546 families. Daystar attempts to make counseling as affordable as possible by keeping our fee lower than the average counseling fee for our area. Approximately 15% of Daystar's clients are on a further reduced fee in the form of a sliding scale based on household income. Daystar sees clients an average of 192 hours weekly. Daystar facilitates 27 groups weekly. Daystar hosts an average of 278 clients in group counseling sessions weekly. 98% of Daystar's clients return after their initial assessment. 98% of Daystar's clients return after their initial three appointments. 60% of Daystar's clients transition from individual counseling to group counseling. Daystar does not do any advertising. 25% of clients are referred from professionals, while the other 75% hear about Daystar via word of mouth. Goals: Keep Daystar's doors open and be a place of stability in kids' and adolescents' lives. Continue to offer services to anyone regardless of their ability to pay. Continue to provide quality individual and group counseling for clients. Allow ourselves to grow in response to community need.
Needs
Daystar continues to grow exponentially due to a need for counseling services in the community. Over the past five years, Daystar has grown from serving 400 families to our current 1,546 families. Due to this increase, we have hired one more full time counselor and are considering adding on an office. Financial gifts to underwrite our sliding scale program. We currently have 240 families benefiting from this program. Financial support for our operating expenses. It costs an average of $50,000 per month above patient fees to keep the doors open at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Volunteer help is also essential on a weekly basis with development upkeep, office work, and household needs.
CEO Statement
Children and adolescents who come to Daystar are from different schools, different socio-economic backgrounds, and different family situations. But each child leaves Daystar knowing not only that they are not alone, but that they also have the ability to impact the life of someone else. I am honored to work with a staff who is committed to helping each child and each parent that walks through our doors find hope, healing and purpose in who they are and all that they have to offer. Melissa Trevathan
Board Chair Statement
Daystar Counseling Ministries offers a unique approach to counseling and support for children and families during difficult seasons. We are thankful to be able to serve growing numbers of families and children in our new house. As our waiting list continues to grow, our financial needs grow as well. As a nonprofit committed to providing financial assistance to families in need, we must raise 35% of our annual budget despite a suffering economy and increased financial needs of our families. Daystar's unique approach to counseling includes both individual and group counseling as well as a summer program at Camp Hopetown. The name "Hopetown" alone speaks volumes about the "Hope" these children have spoken into their lives during their time at summer camp. Daystar's CEO, Melissa Trevathan, has developed a dynamic program by placing emphasis on the way children impact one another. Daystar currently has 27 different groups that meet on a weekly basis -- each group with an average of 6 children -- with the primary goal of encouraging children to relate in an authentic manner about various life circumstances. We are well-known for our "pet therapists," or the several dogs who spend time in our various groups. During my tenure as President of the Board, I have had the privilege of watching Daystar grow in many areas. We have tripled the size of our facility by purchasing a house where we now deliver our counseling services. We have added counselors to meet the growing number of children involved in groups. Our staff provides seminars and classes to the community at-large on a monthly basis at various schools and churches. Our summer camp continues to have great impact on these children and sells out within a few days of publishing the brochures. Furthermore, we have seen how Daystar alums remain connected to Daystar as the years go by. Daystar is constantly faced with the financial burdens associated with any not-for-profit organization. Because our ministry is unique and takes a nontraditional approach to counseling, we struggle with how best to communicate exactly "who" we are at Daystar. It is in seeing the organization and families on a daily basis that the message is best communicated. Seeing is believing! As a result, we try to find new ways to raise money to help support our growing financial needs. My personal involvement with Daystar spans nearly two decades. As a high school student at Brentwood Academy, I spent time with several young people in the 2nd-4th grade group. Under the leadership of Melissa Trevathan, we learned the significance of relating with others and the impact we have on one another in light of the fact that we each have our own unique story. Over the years, I have seen the impact Daystar has had on many families. It has been nearly twenty years since I began my involvement with Daystar, and I continue to be amazed! Jim Knestrick, Board Chair 2009-2013
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Mental Health & Crisis Intervention - Counseling |
| Secondary Category: | Human Services - Family Counseling |
| Tertiary Category: | Youth Development - Support NEC |
Areas Served
Daystar specifically serves the greater Nashville area. Clients travel from neighboring counties including but not limited to: Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Montgomery, Dickson, Macon and Shelby. In addition, we have clients drive in from Kentucky and Georgia. Daystar's clients attend a wide range of public, private, and home schools.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Macon |
| TN |
| KY |
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Marshall |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Trousdale |
| TN - Franklin |
| TN - Lawrence |
| TN - Maury |
| TN - Putnam |
| TN - Warren |
