The only thing we ask of the clients/counselors receiving funding from the Shirley S. Cherian Foundation is that they provide us with feedback on how counseling has affected their situations and relationship with God. We use this information in hopes to provide encouragement to others who may be in need, and also to share with those who support our Foundation which enables us to touch these lives and draw them closer to the Lord during times of adversity.
“Almost a year ago, I started my counseling journey. I can honestly say that I'm not the same person I was when I first started. I've grown so much as a person and I owe a lot of that to my donors. You've truly shown me Jesus through your kindness and generosity. Thank you!”
-KJ from Dallas, TX
“Counseling has truly shifted some of the foundations of my life. The opportunity to cultivate and express my God-given potential used to feel so limited because of the baggage I had with my father. But now I know that freedom cannot be imposed. Certain bridges can only be crossed yourself. Otherwise you live at your own expense. You lose who you really are and who God has already designed you to be.”
-RJ from Waco, TX
“I have been meeting with a client who is a recipient of funding from the Shirley S. Cherian Foundation, which has made it possible for her to attend counseling sessions. Because of a disability, she is currently unable to work, and the funds have allowed her to make progress on her counseling goals despite financial stressors. This client is a single mother, in counseling, and she has made progress in addressing her depression and PTSD by working through past trauma and current behaviors. She has also implemented healthy lifestyle changes and strengthened her self-confidence and hope for the future. Because of the Shirley S. Cherian Foundation, we have been able to provide services for this client. We are very grateful to you for being a partner for Hope!”
-Counseling Connections for Change, Pearland, TX
“Before meeting with my counselor, I struggled to open my heart to God and actively avoided going to church or Bible studies even though I believed God was real and Jesus died to save me. Since doing counseling, I've been able to open my heart and realize that much of the pain that I felt wasn't God's character but that my own pain was showing up when I stopped long enough to be present with God. Now, instead of avoiding pain and avoiding God, I am able to go through the pain and be present with God, inviting Him into each day and moments throughout the day as my Father and friend.”
-Anonymity requested by Client
“At Christian Counseling Associates, we value personal growth and healing. More often, than not, this process takes time. The Shirley S. Cherian foundation gave us the gift of time through their monetary giving. Through the extra sessions, I was able to foster a solid foundation for my client, who I believe initially may not have been able to, due to financial hardship. We are truly thankful and appreciative of this opportunity and are forever grateful.”
- Christian Counseling Associates, Plano, TX
“After meeting several times with my counselor, I have noticed a distinct difference especially as it relates to painful memories from the past and dragging them into the present day situations. I find myself being willing to take more risks and know that I will be okay on the other side, even if I’m unable to control the outcome or fail in the process. Additionally I’ve struggled with waves of suicidal thoughts before coming to counseling. Those destructive thought patterns have almost entirely diminished in a series of weeks.”
-Anonymity requested by Client
“Words are inadequate to describe how grateful I am for the Shirley S. Cherian Foundation. I found myself in a season of unemployment but was currently in the middle of trauma work in counseling and no longer had the means to afford the counseling fee. When my counselor told me about the Shirley S. Cherian funding, I thought it was too good to be true. As I read about this Foundation I was deeply moved and encouraged to know that my brothers and sisters in Christ had a desire to help, it was such a beautifully, tangible picture of the body of Christ coming together to help those in need. Because of the financial scholarship I received, I was able to continue trauma work in counseling and experience further healing without the weight of the financial burden. During this time in counseling I experienced continued healing from past hurts, renewed hope in seasons of despair and a desire to pursue the passions and dreams Jesus has placed in my heart. I am so thankful for the Shirley S. Cherian Foundation!"
-Anonymity requested by Client, Austin, TX
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