“It’s all about being Christ to others and making sure they are valued. We like to look people in the eye. We like to make sure that they feel accepted and welcomed, because we're all here on the same journey,” said Steve Scarallo, a parishioner of St. Scholastica Parish, in Lecanto who serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Daystar Life Center.

The non-profit organization is a ministry of St. Benedict Parish, in Crystal River, and is supported by Catholic parishes in Citrus County as well as other groups and individuals.

Services that are currently offered include food (such as canned items, fresh produce, dairy, meats, bread, and frozen items as available), clothing, Case Management, and referrals to other social service agencies. 

“Daystar focuses on assisting the community with the foundational things to empower them to become self-sufficient,” said AnnMarie Briercheck, Executive Director of Daystar Life Center.

Each Friday, Daystar organizes an outreach event known as “Shower and Empower,” that provides the unhoused community with the ability to shower in a private setting, enjoy a hot meal, pick out clean clothes, obtain wrap-around services, Case Management, and financial assistance, plus find resources for employment and housing. They also find a listening ear with a prayerful heart.

“I like to describe our wrap-around services as, wrap-our-arms-around-you” services,” said Briercheck

The goal is to meet the individual needs of each person.

“If there is a veteran who can't navigate the paperwork, or a Medicare recipient who can't navigate the paperwork, we will sit down with them and walk them through the steps to fill out those papers. It's about seeing where people are, what they need, and then helping them to take that next step to go forward,” said Scarallo.

Daystar partners with different agencies to expand the services they offer. For example, at any time you may find a barber on site providing free haircuts, Citrus County Fire & Rescue, local dental clinics, Veteran Services, and more. Career Source brings an air-conditioned truck to their campus on a regular basis and helps individuals with writing or enhancing their resumes.

“Not only will they help to write resumes, but they'll give leads on good jobs in the area, So, we're giving people a hand up, a step up,” said Scarallo.

Daystar also operates a Thrift Store that is open to the entire community. The items are gently used or new and are offered at deep discounts. The store's profits help to support the food pantry, so bargain hunters are helping a great cause.

Daystar’s operation is completely supported by donations and volunteers. It’s a community-wide effort that is carried out on behalf of the Catholic Church in Citrus County. 

“It is both a privilege and an honor to serve our neighbors in need. Each day, we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus, offering compassion, dignity, and hope to the vulnerable in our community. Whether it’s providing food, clothing or prayer, our mission is rooted in God’s love and service. Witnessing lives transformed through the acts of kindness and faith reminds me daily of the power of community and the importance of walking alongside of those most in need,” said Briercheck.