Love Beyond Walls with Dr. Terence Lester

Whitney was thrilled to sit down with Dr. Terence Lester, an author, activist, and changemaker who knows firsthand what it means to rise from struggle and transform it into purpose.

Dr. Lester’s early years were marked by instability and hardship, but his story is one of redemption and resilience. Through faith, mentorship, and a belief that no one should feel invisible, he found a new path that led him to become the founder of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down the barriers that divide us and bringing dignity back to those who are too often overlooked.

In their powerful conversation, Dr. Lester opens up about how his own experiences with homelessness shaped his passion for service and community. He shares how one person’s encouragement changed the trajectory of his life, proving that when we see potential in others, we have the power to help them see it in themselves.

Today, through initiatives like Zion’s Closet, Dr. Lester and his team are reimagining how communities care for one another. Located inside Title 1 schools, Zion’s Closet creates resource spaces for students and families who are unhoused or facing hardship. These thoughtful environments provide essentials like clothes, school supplies, and food, but more importantly, they restore confidence and hope.

For Dr. Lester, compassion is not just an emotion—it is an action. His work through Love Beyond Walls and Zion’s Closet reminds us that change begins when we choose to see one another fully and love without limits. This conversation is a moving reminder that no matter where we come from, we all have the capacity to make a difference.

Watch Whitney’s interview with Dr. Terence Lester on below or stream now on PBS and be inspired by how he continues to turn hardship into hope and service into impact.

To learn more about Dr. Lester and his mission, visit: TerenceLester.com and LoveBeyondWalls.org