In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Jenny Rustioni and Natalie Lemarbre of Eli’s House, a life-changing nonprofit based right here in Franklin. Eli’s House is a faith-based two-year residential program where moms and their children heal together after trauma. Jenny and Natalie shared their heartfelt journey of turning personal pain into purpose, equipping families to not just survive but thrive.

We talked about everything from equine therapy and emotional intelligence to the transformative power of faith and community. Hearing how Eli’s House is breaking generational cycles and restoring dignity, confidence, and hope was truly incredible. This is a story of redemption, resilience, and unwavering love—and we left this conversation more inspired than ever.

Takeaways:

• Eli’s House provides a safe, healing place for moms and kids to overcome trauma—together.
• Their unique two-year residential program includes emotional intelligence training, spiritual development, trauma-informed therapy, and vocational prep.
• Equine therapy plays a key role in helping moms and kids reconnect and heal in a powerful way.
• The organization focuses on deep, personal connections—serving just five families at a time for meaningful transformation.
• Eli’s House stays connected with families even after graduation, offering continued support and love.
• There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering with childcare and transportation to hosting luncheons or supporting their annual fundraiser.
• Eli’s House is driven by faith, compassion, and a fierce commitment to breaking cycles of trauma for generations to come.

E.L.I.'s House
https://www.elishouse.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
https://www.thehooverteam.com/

In this heart-filled episode, we sat down with Brian Sweatt, founder of Mechanics on a Mission, to explore how something as practical as a car can become a vehicle for dignity, opportunity, and life transformation. From a post-flood miracle at Lighthouse Christian School to launching a full-blown ministry that gifts vehicles to those in need, Brian’s journey is one of faith, community partnerships, and unshakable hope.

Together, we dove into the beautiful, behind-the-scenes stories—veterans surprised with cars on the ice at a Preds game, partnerships with Nelson Mazda and One Generation Away, and the deep, emotional energy poured into every single car giveaway. Whether it's fixing up a donated car or rallying a team of mechanics and volunteers, Brian and his team are on a mission that’s literally changing lives—one vehicle at a time.

Key Takeaways

• Transportation = Transformation: A car isn’t just a convenience—it’s often the key to holding a job, making medical appointments, and keeping a roof over your head.
• Partnership Power: From repair shops to nonprofits like One Generation Away, the mission thrives through community collaboration.
• Faith in Action: Every vehicle given comes with a Bible, prayer, and personal connection—reminding recipients they’re seen and loved.
• Volunteers Make It Go: Driving cars, managing titles, detailing, bodywork—it’s all done by dedicated volunteers and professionals giving their time and heart.
• Growth Fueled by Purpose: From 60 cars in 2024 to a goal of 100 in 2025, the growth is big, bold, and faith-led.
• Everyone Can Help: From donating a car to giving monthly, spreading the word, or just lending a ride, there’s a way for anyone to get involved.

Mechanics On A Mission
www.mechanicsonamission.com

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
https://www.thehooverteam.com/

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Keith and Misti Sammons—two individuals who turned unimaginable grief into a mission of hope. After losing their spouses (Keith to cancer and Misti in a tragic plane crash), their separate journeys of healing eventually brought them together through what can only be described as a divine appointment.

Together, they now minister to others navigating grief, loss, and hardship. From spontaneous spiritual clarity to real-life miracles, Keith and Misti share how their faith, community, and resilience helped them live and love again. We talk about the power of forward-thinking, the Happy Shoes Project (their ministry supporting cancer patients), and their upcoming book that captures their journey of heartbreak to healing.

This episode reminds us that no matter what we’re walking through, healing is possible—and purpose can rise from the ashes of pain.

Key Takeaways

• Divine Timing & Healing: Keith and Misti’s connection is a testament to divine orchestration. Their story encourages us to trust the timing of our lives—even in loss.
• Hope After Heartache: Both walked through grief differently—Misti experienced miraculous emotional healing; Keith found strength in worship, work, and community.
• Practical + Spiritual Healing: From prayer and scripture to running 5Ks and leaving the house, they highlight the need for both spiritual and practical steps toward healing.
• Forward Thinking Is Key: Whether it’s grief, depression, or adversity—having goals and surrounding yourself with positive people makes a major difference.
• The Power of Community: They stress the importance of not isolating and instead connecting with uplifting people who speak life into your journey.
• The Happy Shoes Project: Inspired by Keith’s late wife, this project delivers comfort and joy to cancer patients—because small acts of kindness go a long way.
• Living Life Again: Their forthcoming book, To Live and Love Again, explores their story with raw transparency and offers hope for anyone navigating “life after.”

Keith and Misti
https://www.keithandmisti.com/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
https://www.thehooverteam.com/