The Sunlight of God

(Originally Published Saturday, April 2, 2011 – Blogger: One Daughter’s Point of View)

Promotion of education is one of the primary goals of the DAR. While the DAR provides various programs and initiatives to support this goal, the most obvious has to be the DAR Schools Committee.

At this weekend’s NCSDAR State Conference, we had our first ever DAR Schools Brunch. It was an exciting time to learn more about the DAR Schools sponsored by the NSDAR – as well as to share a great meal with some good friends. This blog is devoted to Tamassee DAR School – but check back later for information about the other DAR schools.

The name Tamassee is from Cherokee and translates as “The Sunlight of God.” And at Tamassee in the hills of South Carolina you see the sunlight of God shining on the children who come come here.

Tamassee supports children and families in crisis via residential educational and outreach services. They operate year-round – – no summer vacation for these folks. Needs can happen any time of the year. Tamassee has 7 on-campus child care homes that can house up to 8-10 children; a middle school academy for day and residential students; individual and group counseling; enrichment and recreational activities; and an after care program for reunited families and/or college students.

But was is most important about Tamassee isn’t what you see in brick and mortar as you walk through the campus or what you view on a financial statement. The important thing is the way Tamassee helps to heal a broken child – one who was abused or neglected – one who was living in an impoverished environment – or one who didn’t think she could do well at school and had already given up trying. Tamassee helps restore a sense of self-worth, a sense of self-respect, a sense of self awareness and redirects the child to a more healthy, prosperous and loving life-path.

Tamassee, by way of addressing the mission of the DAR to support eduction, instinctively addresses another mission of the DAR – promoting patriotism and love of country. In essence, Tamassee helps to create good citizens for tomorrow. Children of Tamassee learn that they are loved and that they can learn. They learn that they can achieve and be more than perhaps they initially thought as their sense of self-worth grows without losing a sense of humility. As they mature at Tamassee, they grow into good citizens.

At this first DAR Schools Brunch, we were all reminded that “no daughter stands so tall as when she stoops to help a child.” I invite you to help the children of Tamassee. Please visit their website (http://www.tdarschool.com/) and support their mission. You’ll never regret it! The sunlight of God will surely shine on you and Tamassee.