Guiding Star supports everyone

The first introduction I had to Guiding Star was a few years ago during a presentation in my church where I heard stories about clients who had experienced hope and joy as a result of services provided by Guiding Star Siouxland, a local women’s health and wellness center. Those stories compelled me to learn more about the organization.

In my research I spent much of my time reviewing the “What Do We Do” section and learned that natural fertility is just one of the four core services, but there is so much more that supports, mothers, daughters, fathers and sons. I would say that’s pretty much everybody.

I also learned that the nonprofit is one of seven branches of the National Guiding Star Project. Leah, the founder and visionary of The Guiding Star Project, had been working in campus ministry and saw in young men and women confusion, discontentedness, and a desperate need to find truth. They were searching to understand their purpose in a world of healthcare that had removed all guidelines for what brings purpose and meaning to life. Even the most basic building blocks of identity — biological realities — were being ignored and thrown out in their college courses and conversations with their peers. It was no longer acceptable to tell young people that their bodies give them clues as to what will fulfill them.

In my search to find out more about Guiding Star, I discovered how well my skills fit the needs of the agency. Although I was retired from being a paid counselor, I had a strong desire to continue to serve my community and use my experience to help others. As an educator, therapist, and counselor, I’ve had decades of experience working with individuals and families from all walks of life. Through laughter and tears, I have come alongside countless individuals who simply needed some guidance and encouragement on their life’s journey. I call it “speaking truth into the darkness.”

As I learned more about Guiding Star after that initial introduction, I realized they seek to walk alongside others and help them by building on that same truth. So I called the Guiding Star Siouxland director, Kaleigh Van Middendorp, and said, “I would love to offer my counseling services free to Guiding Star clients.”  

That was in 2022. 

The last few years I have been blessed to walk alongside many clients as they seek to navigate their journey in life. Praise be to God Almighty for his continued provision this year in the form of a building and dedicated staff at Guiding Star Siouxland.

What is it about Guiding Star that makes it so special? That’s easy: We have a great team of people who are here for one reason: For YOU! 

When people ask what type of clients we serve, I think, “What type of clients DON’T we serve?”  The reality is that every human being experiences spiritual, emotional, physical, or mental health concerns that impact our lives. Even as a staff, we help each other through stressful times. God calls us to bear one another’s burdens. Through education and support, that is exactly what Guiding Star does.

Please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to meet you!

Pearl Gibbons serves as counselor for Guiding Star Siouxland in Orange City. To learn more about her services through Guiding Star, email pearl@guidingstarsiouxland.org.