Darell and Hsani’s Story

“We didn’t have anything. No clothes. No home. Just each other.”

When Darell took his daughter Hsani out of a violent situation with her mother, he knew it was time to step up. They began staying in hotels, spending what little money they had to give her a quiet, safe night. “Her whole life, I tried to be there, but her mom wouldn’t let me. Now that she was finally with me, I had to figure it out.” As the cost of hotels added up, Darell started calling shelters. Most were full. Dayspring Center was the only one that could take them.

“I didn’t want to be in a shelter. The rules, the curfews, the structure – it was hard at first. But I knew I had to do right by my daughter.” Within a few days of arriving, he met with his case manager, Joy, and things started to change. She helped him fix his resume, set goals, and track job applications. “I ended up getting a job at IU Health, and that’s when I knew we were finally moving forward.”

They came to Dayspring with nothing, but the staff quickly met their basic needs – clothing, hygiene items, and encouragement. “Trey, one of the staff, gave me a clean polo shirt for my interview. It might seem small, but that meant a lot to me.”

For 14-year-old Hsani the transformation was just as powerful. She connected with her case manager and found joy in the Children’s Program, especially Camp Discovery, tutoring, and art. “She was excited to go every day. It helped her feel safe and seen.” Hsani had actually stayed at Dayspring before with her mom, and when they arrived, she told Darell, “Dad, this is a good place. They’re going to help us.”

Over the next few months, Darell and Hsani became closer. “We started communicating better. Dayspring gave us a safe place to reconnect as a family.” In less than six months, they moved into their own apartment. “She has her own room now. She painted it teal and black. It’s her space. And I’ve got a job I’m proud of. We’re finally stable.”

Looking back, Darell says the structure he once resisted became the very thing that helped him succeed. “The curfews and rules were tough, but they taught me discipline. They helped me learn how to show up, stay consistent, and take care of my responsibilities. I carried those lessons with me.”

Today, Darell and Hsani are living in a home of their own. They are safe, stable, and strong together. “I’m proud of myself for sticking through the program. But more than anything, I’m proud that my daughter is happy. She feels safe. That means everything.”

To other families facing homelessness, Darell says, “It’s not easy. But if you stay focused and do not give up, you will see progress.”

And to the people who make Dayspring possible—donors, staff, volunteers—he says, “You made a huge difference in our lives. Dayspring did not just shelter us – you gave us a second chance.”