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/

In this powerful episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Tia May—an Army veteran, mental health advocate, and motorsports enthusiast—who shared her incredible journey of resilience, healing, and purpose.

Tia opened up about her struggles with PTSD, the challenges she faced after her military service, and how she found new purpose through organizations like 22ZERO and Camp Southern Ground. She explained how mental health struggles can feel isolating, but healing is possible when you find the right support system.

Beyond advocacy, Tia found an unexpected passion in motorsports, using it as an outlet to help veterans and first responders reconnect, heal, and experience the thrill of life again. She invites those in need to reach out, get involved, and embrace the support available to them.

Her story is a testament to strength, second chances, and the power of community. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources exist to help—you are not alone.

Key Takeaways

Healing Is Possible – PTSD and mental health challenges don’t have to define your life. Resources like 22ZERO provide effective, accessible help.

Find Your Passion – When one door closes, another opens. Tia found purpose in motorsports, showing that new passions can lead to healing.

Community Matters – Isolation can make struggles worse. Surrounding yourself with supportive people, whether through veteran groups or hobbies, is crucial.

Mental Health Is Just Like Physical Health – Seeking help isn’t a weakness. Just as you’d fix a broken bone, getting mental health support is essential for overall well-being.

There’s No Shame in Seeking Help – Programs exist specifically for veterans, first responders, and civilians battling PTSD and mental health struggles. You don’t have to do it alone.

Connect with Tia May
Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @CrazyCarChik

22Zero
https://22zero.org/

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

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

In this powerful episode, we sat down with Benjamin Holmes, owner and CEO of Benjamin Holmes Counseling and Switchback Counseling Services, to explore the importance of mental health and the incredible work his team is doing in Middle Tennessee. Benjamin shared his personal journey into counseling, from growing up with a mother struggling with severe mental illness to becoming a Baptist minister and ultimately transitioning into therapy.

We discussed the challenges people face when seeking mental health support, the financial barriers that often prevent individuals from getting the help they need, and how Switchback Counseling Services is breaking down those barriers by offering affordable and sliding-scale therapy options. Benjamin also introduced us to neurofeedback therapy, a revolutionary technique that helps rewire the brain to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and even assist those with ADHD and autism.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand mental health, the power of therapy, and the resources available to make it accessible to all. If you've ever wondered whether therapy is for you or if cost has been a roadblock, Benjamin and his team are proving that help is within reach.

• Mental health matters – Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Affordability should never be a barrier – Switchback Counseling Services provides free and reduced-rate therapy options to make mental health care accessible.
• Neurofeedback therapy is changing lives – This innovative approach helps with ADHD, anxiety, sleep disorders, and even autism, offering long-term benefits without medication.
• The right therapist makes all the difference – Therapy is about finding someone you trust and feel comfortable with, so don’t hesitate to explore different options.
• COVID changed the mental health landscape – More people are seeking therapy than ever, and that’s a good thing!
• The importance of giving back – Benjamin and his team have provided over $300,000 worth of free and reduced-rate services to those in need.
• Breaking the stigma – Men, in particular, often struggle to seek help, but mental health support is essential for everyone.

Switchback Counseling
https://www.switchbackcounseling.com/

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

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

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sit down with Kailey Cornett, the CEO of Hope Clinic for Women, a nonprofit that has been serving women, men, and families in Nashville since 1983. Kailey shares her incredible journey—how she felt called at just 16 years old to support women facing unplanned pregnancies and how that led her to study nonprofit management, work in private equity, and ultimately return to her true passion.

We dive into the many ways Hope Clinic provides holistic support, from pregnancy counseling and parenting classes to postpartum mental health care and financial assistance. Kailey highlights the Bridge Program, which provides expectant mothers and their support systems with education, community, and mentorship—ensuring that no one has to navigate parenthood alone.

Additionally, we discuss the organization's maternity and baby boutique, offering essentials like diapers, clothing, and cribs, and the importance of mental health support for women who have experienced pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, or past abortions. Kailey also gives us a sneak peek into their biggest annual fundraising gala coming up on March 20th at The Factory in Franklin.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of the impact that community-driven organizations can have when they truly walk alongside those in need.

Key Takeaways

✅ Hope Clinic for Women has been a pillar of support in Nashville for 40+ years, providing medical care, counseling, and parenting education for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
✅ Kailey Cornett’s personal journey showcases the power of calling and purpose—how following her heart led her to make a lasting impact in the nonprofit world.
✅ The Bridge Program offers a comprehensive support system for expecting mothers, pairing them with mentors, education, and resources to help navigate pregnancy and early parenthood.
✅ Hope Clinic’s maternity store ensures new moms have access to essentials like diapers, clothing, cribs, and strollers—all provided through generous community donations.
✅ Mental health support is a core part of their services, including grief counseling, postpartum support, and an online post-abortion healing group that serves women globally.
✅ Volunteers are always needed, especially mentors who can walk alongside new parents and provide encouragement and guidance.
✅ The annual gala on March 20th is a major fundraising event that will feature client stories, donor testimonies, and an award ceremony for a long-time medical director.
✅ Nashville continues to grow, and Hope Clinic is dedicated to reaching both long-time residents and new transplants who may need support.

Hope Clinic For Women
https://hopeclinicforwomen.org/

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

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

Joe Adams, founder of “Relentless Pursuit,” joined us to share the gripping story behind his mission. After surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left him with multiple fractures and internal injuries, Joe discovered that gratitude, determination, and faith could transform even the darkest of circumstances. Despite the pain and uncertainty of his recovery, he focused on seeing each moment—good or bad—as an opportunity for growth. His unwavering belief that this life-altering event was meant to shape his future laid the groundwork for the powerful message he spreads through his brand and his podcast.

Joe also spoke of the passion that drives him to help others. Whether he’s hosting fundraisers, offering community support during natural disasters, or collaborating with local organizations, Joe continuously looks for ways to uplift people. Through his experiences, he learned that everyone’s journey matters and it’s often our toughest struggles that reveal our greatest strengths. Ultimately, Joe’s story stands as a testament to the power of resilience, intentional living, and a heart that’s committed to making a difference.

Takeaways:

• Choose Gratitude First: Joe’s immediate shift to gratitude—even amid serious injuries—highlights how powerful it is to look for the good, no matter the circumstance.
• Embrace Adversity as Fuel: Resilience comes from confronting hardships head-on; each challenge strengthens our resolve and shapes our character.
• Live with Intention: Putting purpose behind our daily actions helps us stay on track, remain motivated, and turn dreams into realities.
• Transform Through the Journey: The greatest lessons often come from our toughest moments. We can transform our lives if we remain open to growth.
• Community Impact Matters: Whether he’s hosting Key Lime Pie charity events or helping flood victims, Joe shows that a single person’s dedication can spark broader community support.

Relentless Pursuit
https://www.relentlesspursuitlifestyle.com/

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

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

We had the privilege of sitting down with nonprofit leader, Marcus Meniz, whose organization, Stronger Than My Father, provides much-needed mentorship to fatherless youth. He explained how his own upbringing, with both parents in a stable home, fueled his passion to help kids who don’t have that same support system. What began with Marcus mentoring a young cousin quickly evolved into a larger mission: guiding students with structure, accountability, and above all, compassion. We heard about the real-life impact a dedicated father figure—or mentor—can have on a child’s character, resilience, and future ambitions. Through programs like Stronger Sons and Moms with Purpose, he’s created a safe, family-like environment where kids feel nurtured and single mothers find community.

Beyond one-on-one support, Marcus is already planning more ways to uplift Middle Tennessee youth. Whether it’s an upcoming entrepreneurship center teaching life skills such as cooking, graphic design, or photography, or a Father’s Day and Family 5K promoting the importance of dads walking hand-in-hand with their children, everything he does revolves around uplifting families and fostering strong father-child bonds. Along the way, he’s learned that running a nonprofit demands grit, authenticity, and a clear vision to stand out and truly make an impact. Listening to Marcus, it’s clear that embracing fatherhood and dedicating ourselves to helping one another can bring real hope and lasting change to our community.

Key Takeaway Points

• The Power of a Present Father: Having an engaged dad—or a father figure—gives children a stronger sense of identity and a pathway to success.
• Mentorship Basics: Genuine mentorship goes beyond meeting once a week; it involves consistent guidance, discipline, and love.
• Building Standards: Marcus uses clear-cut rules (no sagging pants, no cussing, respectful behavior) to teach young men the importance of self-presentation and accountability.
• Support for Mothers: Recognizing that single moms often need encouragement, Stronger Than My Father hosts “Moms with Purpose” to create a caring community.
• Entrepreneurship & Life Skills: Future plans include offering hands-on training in photography, culinary arts, and more, giving kids outlets to discover their passions.
• Nonprofit Realities: It takes grit, vision, and a strong network to keep a nonprofit thriving. Get a mentor, develop a clear structure, and be ready to stay the course.
• Honoring Fatherhood: Marcus’s upcoming events, like the Father’s Day & Family 5K, aim to celebrate dads and show the community that strong families start with present fathers.

Stronger Than My Father
https://strongerthanmyfather.org/

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

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