Starr Commonwealth aims to honor legacy, broaden impact as it celebrates 110th year
SHERIDAN TWP. — For more than a century, Starr Commonwealth has provided hope and healing to children struggling with effects of trauma.
And the Albion-based nonprofit is showing no signs of slowing down, with plans for continued education, outreach, advocacy and storytelling aimed at broadening its impact as it celebrates its 110th anniversary this year.
Throughout the year, Starr Commonwealth will:
Launch a learning series called “Mental Health Matters” and a podcast called "Constant Curiosity: A Trauma-Informed Podcast” to share timely information and solutions from professionals to professionals around the world.
Exhibit and present at state and national conferences where professionals from around the region, country and world gather to learn best practices from one another in trauma-informed care.
Host an alumni homecoming for former students and staff who were part of its residential campus.
Celebrate with employees, alumni, partners, donors and the greater Michigan community during its seventh annual Night of Starrs on Oct. 5, which will include a reception, awards program and student performances
“While trauma is real, it does not seal an individual’s fate," Starr Commonwealth President and CEO Elizabeth Carey said in a press release. "During the coming year, we will continue to focus on our work to provide advocacy and education for children and their caregivers while we build awareness of — and find tools to address — this national mental health crisis for our children.”
The nonprofit launched in 1913 when Floyd Starr purchased a barn and 40 acres to create a refuge for “homeless, dependent, neglected and delinquent boys.” He based his work on the belief “there is no such thing as a bad child,” working to treat the boys in his care with dignity and respect in an effort to change the direction of their lives.
Starr Commonwealth has since grown and evolved over the decades to provide community-based programs, education and behavioral health services that create and promote hope, love and success for children. Some of its current programs and initiatives include:
A new Student Resilience and Empowerment Center at the YMCA in Battle Creek for middle school students who have behavioral health challenges yet are not a fit for special education.
An integrated service partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Michigan to deliver mental health support to children facing significant health issues, such as heart transplants.
Direct interventions after mass shootings to provide immediate support and a long-term path forward for children, families and communities impacted by these tragedies.
The expansion of new higher education certificates and graduate degrees in Michigan, Ohio and Iowa.
New and expanded training modules to provide education for individual teachers and schools interested in trauma-informed education.
Specialized trauma assessments and trauma interventions for children and adolescents in clinics, schools and other community settings, as well as virtually via telehealth.
Curriculum and training for Office of Refugee Resettlement staff working with refugee children.
A new certification track for early childhood professionals.
A unique partnership with former NBA player and education advocate Willie Burton to deliver ExcelU, Burton's evidence-based curricula for student success and life skills, to districts nationwide
“For the past 110 years, Starr Commonwealth has recognized the toxic effects of trauma, no matter its origin, and worked to equip caregivers and professionals with the tools needed to help children build resilience," Carey said. "We dedicate this special anniversary year to sharing the century-plus expertise we have gained from supporting children and families through some of their darkest hours."
For more information about Starr Commonwealth, visit starr.org.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Starr Commonwealth celebrates 110 years of offering hope, healing to kids
