Daystar Life Center Inc

1) To provide compassionate assistance to those in need of basic life necessities in times of emergency.

2) To move community members from financial crisis to financial security.

3) To identify and secure resources to meet current and future community needs.

4) To engage volunteers of all ages and skills in service to our mission.

5) To raise awareness of daily struggles of those with limited resources, our ALICE population.

Daystar uses a client-first and intentional community partnership approach to fill gaps for households experiencing financial crisis and designing a personal goals oriented plan to move the residents from poverty to a place of security. We first provide short-term assistance (food and financial assistance) designed to re-stabilize and then offer education and empowerment opportunities (financial literacy and consultation) creating safety nets that will mitigate any future crisis.

Daystar utilizes two modes of entry to our financial stability programs. The food pantry and farm, and the financial assistance program. The 7 person staff has experience and education specific to their unique role and work together with over 100 volunteers to provide best-in-class service to our community members in need. Our mission is only possible through generous community volunteers, partners, and individual philanthropy. Since we have such a small overhead, we are able to dedicate over 90% of each received donation to directly benefit the community.

Daystar, in accordance with the community health needs assessment has created ways to uniquely address nutritional insecurity head-on through the implementation of an on-site food pantry farm. Over 3,000 lbs. of produce was harvested and distributed in 2022/2023 growing season. Additionally, the Seedlings to Neighbors program has expanded our farm program to individual households. Over 100 community members and counting, with the guidance and mentorship of Daystar, are growing their own healthy, and home-grown produce. This program has assisted low-income households not only with access to food, but instills a sense of pride and re-builds the community one edible garden at a time. Our financial stability program is assisting the moderate income community members with financial literacy. 5 out of every 10 participants in this program have been able to create a positive balance in their bank accounts within 12 months. The future of Daystar includes expansion of our resource center to assist unemployed residents to become employed in service, hospitality, and agricultural industries through education and intentional client-first training. With additional funding, we intend to implement a year-round solution to access to fresh produce and a mobile community outreach program.