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Starr News Spring 2013
Citation preview
STARRNEWS
R E S I D E N T I A L – C O M M U N I T Y- B A S E D – P R O F E S S I O N A L T R A I N I N G – E D U C AT I O N
SP
RIN
G 2
01
3 I V
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0 N
O. 2
Inside:
PsychSystems Joins Starr
Starr Detroit Academy: Focus on the Future
Autism in Education
IMPACTING 1.5 MILLION CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WORLDWIDE
C R E A T E P O S I T I V E E N V I R O N M E N T S W H E R E C H I L D R E N F L O U R I S H
Starr News Spring, 2013 Volume 70, No. 2
Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families & Children.
Starr Commonwealth is a non-profit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion,
color, or national origin. Founded in 1913, Starr is licensed by the states of Michigan and Ohio and serves
children and families from locations in Albion, Battle Creek, Clinton Township, Detroit and Harper Woods , MI.;
Columbus and Van Wert, OH; and Lennox, S.D. The Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site.
Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Kyle Caldwell, Chairman of the Board; Martin L. Mitchell, Ed. D., President and Chief Executive Officer;
Christopher L. Smith, B.B.A., C.P.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
Wm. Chuck Jackson, MA, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer;
Elizabeth A. Carey, MSW, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Administrative Services Officer;
Gary Q. Tester, MRC, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer
13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, MI 49224-9525 800.837.5591 [email protected]
Starr Detroit Academy
See Page 6
Contents
3 President’s Message
4 Autism in Education
6 Starr Detroit Academy
Focus on the Future
8 PsychSystems Joins Starr
11 Preparing the
21st Century Student
12 Alumni Spotlight
16 Unpacking the
Emotional Backpack
17 Spring Appeal Thank You
18 Honor and Memorial Gifts
19 Chaplain’s Message
STARRNEWS
Autism in Education
See Page 4
As we approach the completion of Starr Detroit Academy’s first year of
operation, it is worth reminding ourselves of why the educational side of Starr’s work
is so important to children, families and communities.
It is an unfortunate reality that in many of our communities there are shortcomings in
the provision of educational services. But in many cases, there is also a lack of services
that can address other challenges a child may be facing which can hinder their learning.
At Starr we constantly strive to ensure that children learning in our education settings
have their physical, emotional and social needs met. We know how difficult it is for
students to focus on their learning and development when they are living with trauma,
anxiety, a lack of belonging or hunger.
From our academy in Detroit to Montcalm School, our therapeutic boarding school in
Albion, and in our developmental programs throughout our sites, Starr employees look
out for the “emotional backpack” that can weigh a child down.
In addition to Starr’s strength-based approach, one of the keys to successfully
addressing such needs is having a broad range of experts on your staff.
Starr has long benefitted from well-qualified, experienced and passionate
professionals dedicating themselves to its cause.
Building on this strength, our recent acquisition of PsychSystems brings the
expertise of Alison Donigan and Gary Carone, who in 12 years built the company
into a highly respected provider of behavioral health and developmental disabilities
services, specializing in the delivery of home-based support.
The PsychSystems model of care holds enormous potential, and,
as part of Starr’s strategic plan to grow community-based services,
this acquisition is a significant leap forward for our organization.
We warmly welcome Gary and Alison to Starr and look forward
to working with them to increase the number of families who
can benefit from high-quality, tailored support, which is already
valued by over 1,300 clients across Michigan and Ohio.
In Starr’s 100th year of helping children and families flourish,
we are not only celebrating significant outcomes for those we
have served over the years, we are actively embracing new opportunities
and responding to change. This is essential as we aim to demonstrate the
importance of Starr’s core themes of resilience, trauma-informed care,
racial healing and education to more people and communities.
Thank you for your continued support.
Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D., President/CEO
3
4 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
AUTISM IN EDUCATION
School is a safe environment where children have the opportunity to learn, are encouraged to explore and are supported in their interests, while at the same time connecting with peers, making friends and becoming social outside of their family unit.
For children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), now estimated by Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy
organization, to affect 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys, the traditional school environment is all too often not the
supportive, academically challenging or socially accepting atmosphere these children need. As the population
of children with ASD grows,
the challenges and oppor-
tunities facing educators
are greater than ever.
In a recent interview with
SEEN Magazine, Dr. Temple
Grandin, a world-renowned
author, professor and
autism advocate who was
diagnosed with autism
as a child, stresses the
importance of focusing on
children’s strengths. For
a child who struggles in
reading and excels in math
or art, Grandin suggests giving that child the tools to pursue his or her advanced
studies in math or art while working to maintain or improve reading provides the
child with the flexibility and creativity to continually feel challenged.
Supporting and expanding on the interests of a child with ASD is crucial as well.
Children with ASD often fixate on things, whether it be trains, planes, or, like in
Grandin’s case, animals. A child may repeatedly draw, talk or play with the same
item. Expanding a child’s fixation, encouraging them to draw other animals that
4 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
Montcalm School’s Outside In program features small sensory areas in classrooms for students who feel the need to calm or relax themselves.
5C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S 5C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
would live in the same habitat or including train tracks and a landscape in their drawing, for example, will
develop their abilities and focus.
Increasingly classrooms are being designed to support children with ASD. Montcalm School, a private
therapeutic residential program of Starr Commonwealth, features small sensory areas in the classrooms
for students with ASD in its Outside In program to utilize when they feel the need to calm, relax or alert
themselves. Providing students the ability to identify their sensory needs and address them can prevent
behavior from escalating.
Public schools are realizing the need and in some cases responding with early elementary programs for
ASD students. Gary Carone, MS, LLP, LMSW, BCBA – one of the co-founders of PsychSystems, a new
department of Starr – who is Board Certified in Applied Behavior Analysis, has contracted with school districts,
which includes working with teachers to identify activities for this population of students and designing
classrooms conducive to learning.
As the prevalence of youth diagnosed with ASD continues to rise, the need for services, programs and
professionals to support them is evident.
“Students with autism spectrum disorders can absolutely be successful in traditional classroom
settings,” Carone said. “But teachers need to be aware of how to respond to these students who may
require a different kind of attention. Through gaining knowledge of this growing population, educators
can help these students get on the path to reaching their potential.”
For more information on autism spectrum disorders, visit www.starr.org/autism.
Parents and caregivers have a seemingly countless number of schools available, but many struggle with
where to send their children due to poor statistics surrounding graduation rates and college readiness.
According to Detroit Public Schools, its graduation rate has hovered around 60 percent for the last few years.
Other cities in Michigan and across the U.S. have similarly low rates of graduation, causing parents to seek
alternatives to traditional public schools.
Victoria Thomas, who has four grandchildren attending Starr Detroit Academy, has been unsatisfied by
her experience with public schools in Detroit of late.
“Education in Detroit is not
where it used to be,” Thomas
said. “I came from Detroit
Public Schools and I sent
my kids there, but it’s just
a different world than it
used to be.”
This frustration led her to
learning more about Starr
Detroit Academy, which is
in its first year of operation,
at a kindergarten roundup.
She said the focus on
college preparation and
the highly accessible staff
have renewed her faith
in Detroit schools.
6 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
STARR DETROIT ACADEMY STUDENTS AREFOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
The educational system in the United States has been struggling to accomplish quality outcomes for many years, particularly in large metropolitan areas like Detroit.
“My experience with Starr Detroit
Academy has been great,” Thomas
said. “The staff is always willing to help
because education is the No. 1 priority
at the school. They greet the students
with a handshake every morning, so
the structure is there. It’s just a great
environment all around.”
The academy is dedicated to the
mission of preparing students for
academic mastery, college, work and life.
Thomas believes this is what makes
Starr Detroit Academy a special place.
“A lot of kids in the inner city don’t
know much if anything about college,”
Thomas said. “These kids aren’t thinking past 12th grade. In today’s world kids need to be preparing for college
early and striving to be the best they can be. It’s really important for kids to learn about college at a young
age and learn that this should be a goal, a goal they can achieve if they’re willing to work at it.”
From staying after school and helping students who need more attention to calling each child’s parents for
updates on student progress, Thomas said Starr Detroit Academy teachers go above and beyond. This, along
with the focus on college, has made her a strong advocate for the school.
“My grandchildren come home all the time talking about college and singing school fight songs because of
the college-themed classrooms at the school,” Thomas said. “They are already thinking about college and what
they want to do with their lives. That’s a special thing to hear as parent or grandparent. You always want what’s
best for your kids, and the academy reinforces all of the goals I talk to my grandchildren about every day.”
“My grandchildren come home all the time talking about college and singing school fight songs because of the college-themed classrooms at the school.”
- Victoria Thomas, grandmother of four SDA students
7C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
College banners are displayed in the Starr Detroit Academy cafeteria, promoting the
school’s mission to prepare all of its students for post-secondary education.
PSYCHSYSTEMSJOINS STARR
One of the most pronounced trends in the human services field is the shift toward community-based services,which respect the fact that treating children and families in their familiar surroundings is generally preferred to taking them into residential care.
Starr’s acquisition of PsychSystems, a highly respected
provider of in-home behavioral and mental health services,
is a major advancement of the organization’s strategy to grow
its community-based services. This also means that Starr is
able to take its strength-based approaches to more
people in need of developmental support.
Since being founded in 2001 by Alison Donigan and Gary
Carone, PsychSystems has provided in-home psychological
assessments, testing and therapy for individuals and groups,
serving both children and adults in Michigan and northern Ohio.
PsychSystems specializes in helping people with develop-
mental disabilities and mental illness.
Dr. Martin L. Mitchell, president and CEO of Starr, said: “We are
delighted to have PsychSystems join Starr. This move will enable
Starr to help many more children and families flourish. PsychSystems has had great success in working with
contracted professionals to reach its current case load of nearly 1,300 clients across several counties in Michigan
and Ohio, and brings rich experience, fresh expertise and access to new client groups to Starr. We now look
forward to building on this to reach many more people in need of quality, person-centered services.”
Gary Carone, co-founder of PsychSytems, said: “Joining Starr will mean we can continue to grow the reach
of PsychSystems’ services while maintaining the excellent standards our current clients have come to expect.
We know there is much demand for in-home and community-based services in areas such as mental health,
behavioral health, autism and other neurological conditions. Our model has delivered excellent results for
our clients, and we see Starr’s extensive experience in meeting the developmental needs of children and
families as exactly what we need to help us reach even more people who currently don’t have access
to such high-quality services.”
“ PsychSystems brings rich experience, fresh expertise and access to new client groups to Starr.” - Dr. Martin Mitchell, President and CEO of Starr
8 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
PsychSystems office is located at 35640 Michigan Ave.
West in Wayne, Mich
For Starr this represents a response to changes in how people want to receive services, changes in
how human services are funded and the need for Starr to operate in new ways as a leader in its field.
The services provided by PsychSystems are often covered by private healthcare plans or Medicaid,
while Starr’s longstanding programs are not covered by such funding in Michigan.
While PsychSystems is now a division of Starr, the people it serves will see no change to the high-quality
experience they’ve come to know. Therefore PsychSystems will retain its current identity and continue
to serve its clients just as it has for the last 12 years.
Starr welcomes Gary and Alison of PsychSystems to the organization, which continues its mission
of creating positive environments where children and families flourish.
Looking back on where we have been and what we have accomplished
over these past 11 years brings back many memories of where we were
and how we got to be a division within Starr Commonwealth.
My career has always been in the area of providing help to those
people who I believe need it most. People with developmental
disabilities, chronic mental illness or serious emotional disturbances
are frequently underserved by professionals in the system. I have
always felt that these people deserve the best treatment the system
has to offer, and this is what led me to work in this field.
Approximately 12 years ago, Alison Donigan and I started PsychSystems
to allow us to provide a range of services to people with developmental
disabilities who were served in the Community Mental Health system. We were the first company of our type to do
this – in the past the agencies themselves hired and maintained a staff of professionals to help.
We quickly saw that our methods could not only provide the publicly funded agencies with the financial
flexibility they needed, but we could provide services that could help our community-based clients lead better
lives in their community-based placements. We grew from one contract and 10 total therapists in a converted
storage room office to nine contracts and 30 contractors in our own building in Wayne. Looking back it is
hard to see where the time went, but we are proud of what we have accomplished in a relatively short time.
Joining forces with Starr Commonwealth was the logical next step in our efforts to provide our service
model to more people. Starr’s commitment to people, the organization’s desire to do the right thing and help
those who are less fortunate was a perfect match.
In our model we provide outreach, home-based services to adults, children and families who have behavioral
concerns. Working with Starr will allow us to provide the same type of outreach services to many more people
in many more places. I can’t think of a better future – two groups of caring, competent staff now joined
together to create better lives for the people we serve.
We could not have been more fortunate than to join Starr Commonwealth, and we expect that
we will have a productive future. – Gary Carone, co-founder of PsychSystems
9C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
Gary Carone and Alison Donigan of PsychSystems
When our supportdwindles, so doher chances.
Since 1913, Starr has relied on supporters
like you to help children reach their potential.
Today, we still need your help. More children
and families are requiring more intensive
support. This, coupled with a decrease in
government funding, is putting a significant
strain on Starr’s resources. At Starr, we’re
committed to securing brighter futures for
children and families for the next 100 years.
That’s why we’re looking for 2113 donations
by December. With your help, Starr can
provide services for another 100 years to the
children and families who need it most.
Please give today.
starr.org
As of March, we’ve received 120 donations for this campaign
Our goal is to receive 450 donations by July 2013
December 2013 - Goal to receive 2113 donations in honor of serving children, families and communities for another 100 years
11C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
PREPARING THE 21ST CENTURY STUDENT
Dr. Terance Lunger,
Superintendent of the
Calhoun Intermediate
School District
We are living in a world where more things than ever are possible and fewer things than ever are guaranteed. As educators and service providers, we need to ask ourselves what we need to do to ensure that the students who are entrusted to our care have the greatest chance of success.
One of the most promising opportunities is competition afforded us by the global-
ization of our economy. We can no longer, as individuals or as a society, operate
in isolation. We are a nation known for rising to any challenge set before us. To best
compete in a global economy, we need to better understand 21st century students
and the world in which they operate, as well as the adult’s role in helping them
be most successful.
Our students will live and work in a world that is fundamentally different than that
of their parents, teachers and mentors. They will thrive on change whereas adults tend to resist change.
Our youth can expect to have multiple careers in their lifetime in contrast to having dedicated
a lifetime of work in a particular job.
In our global economy, youth will need post-high school education or training. They will need to be in
a state of constant preparation as new trends and opportunities arise. Along with this they will need to be
knowledgeable and curious about our world regions and global issues. To be successful our students
will need to be able to communicate across various cultures and even, possibly, in other languages.
In 1965 Intel Founder Robert Moore coined the phrase, “technology (chip) speed would double every 18 months
and cost half as much.” A key characteristic of a strong and vibrant society is the ability to adapt to the fast-
paced changes around us. It is crystal clear with many unfortunate examples, “that when the rate of change
on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is clearly in sight.”
How do we as educators, mentors, leaders and parents adjust our thinking to meet the needs of our students?
By acknowledging that we do need to make changes in our thinking and embrace it, and work to understand
the ever-evolving students we serve. We will then know that we are on the path of true educational reform
and offering the best educational opportunity for our students. Our goal should be to always monitor and to
assure that the rate of change on the inside always outpaces the rate of change on the outside.
A key characteristic of a strong and vibrant society is the ability to adapt to the fast-paced changes around us.
continued on page 14
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
At 6-foot-8 and 245 pounds, James Kelly has an intimidating physical presence and possesses supreme athletic ability. Couple that with an opportunity to play Division I college basketball at the University of Miami, and you have a young man with every reason to be arrogant and boastful.
But the 19-year-old Starr Commonwealth alumnus is anything but conceited.
“I’m just really happy to be in the position I am,” Kelly said. “I’m grateful to everyone
who has helped me get to where I am today.”
The themes of humility and hard work are what have led Kelly to his present-day
situation. But his road to success has been difficult, with some bumps along
the way. Growing up in Ann Arbor, Mich., Kelly had to overcome several obstacles.
“Life was hard growing up,” Kelly said. “I struggled, and I hung out with a lot of negative people.
It just wasn’t a very good spot to be in.”
Upon coming to Starr, Kelly’s outlook changed dramatically. He began to learn life skills, such as responsibility,
maturity and the ability to effectively communicate.
“I learned a lot at Starr, but one of the most important things was learning how to ask for help,” Kelly said.
“So many staff impacted me and helped me while I was there.”
Kelly developed a special connection with one staff member in particular, Senior Clinician Kristi Wichmann.
“She helped me so much as the group leader,” Kelly said. “She put her foot down when she needed to,
helping to keep me straight, and she taught me to be more responsible. I learned to believe in myself at Starr,
which has helped me a lot since leaving the program.”
Wichmann pushed Kelly to work harder, promoting accountability in and out of the classroom, potential
she said he has always possessed but not necessarily harnessed.
“I learned a lot at Starr, but one of the most important things was learning how to ask for help.” - James Kelly
12 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
Senior Clinician Kristi Wichmann
is pictured here with
Starr alumnus James Kelly.
13C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
“James has always had leadership potential, but he had to be taught how to utilize it,” Wichmann said.
“At Starr he developed into one of our group leaders and was very well liked by the other students.”
When Kelly exited Starr’s program in 2008, he returned to Ann Arbor and attended Ann Arbor Pioneer
High School. With a renewed dedication to academics, Kelly made graduating and moving on to college
his No. 1 priority, while his basketball career began with little fanfare.
“I didn’t start playing basketball until my junior year in high school,” Kelly said.
“I never really played before that, but I realized I liked playing and it proved to be
a good outlet when I was stressed out. I just went in the gym and took some
shots, tried to relax a little bit.”
But his basketball career didn’t remain unassuming for long. In his first game,
Kelly scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, ending any hope he had to remain anonymous.
The spectacular play continued -- as did his focus on education -- and after graduating from high school
in 2011, Kelly enrolled at Owens Community College near Toledo, Ohio and joined the basketball team.
In his freshman season at Owens, Kelly averaged 17.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, garnering Second
Team All-Conference honors. This season, as a sophomore, Kelly improved even further, boosting his
scoring and rebounding totals to 18.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. He was
named to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II All-American
Second Team, the first player from Owens to achieve the feat in 13 years.
“I’ve worked really hard on basketball, hoping to get offers to play at larger
schools,” Kelly said. “It’s been fun seeing all of my hard work pay off.”
Receiving numerous offers to play Division 1 basketball, Kelly ultimately chose the University of Miami,
where he will be coached by Jim Larranaga, named The Associated Press Coach of the Year for 2012-13.
Kelly has worked diligently in the classroom as well and will graduate with his associate degree this year.
To help pay for school at Miami, Kelly will be receiving scholarships, including support from Starr.
“It was a hard decision to make (where he will attend college next year),” Kelly said. “But the coaches from
Miami were really concerned with academics, and I liked that they were focused on school.”
Criminal justice will be Kelly’s area of study at Miami, something with which he has always had an interest.
But he will ride the wave of basketball for as long as it takes him.
“I’ve always wanted to be a cop,” Kelly said. “I’m focused on getting better at basketball, so I’ll have to see
where that goes. But I want to help people.”
For Kelly paying it forward is extremely important. Many others, like Wichmann, have helped Kelly achieve
some of his goals, and he wants to return the favor.
“His future is so bright if he can stay on this path,” Wichmann said. “I am so proud of what he has accomplished.
I get very emotional about it as this is what you dream of for each child who enters the program. I plan on
attending some of his games in Miami or one closer (to Michigan) if possible.”
With Kelly’s positive attitude and excellent work ethic, he has a great chance to create a long-term success story. Just don’t expect him to do much bragging when he does.
“James has always had leadership potential, but he had to be taught how to utilize it.” - Kristi Wichmann
SAVE THE DATE!
CELEBRATE STARR’S 100 YEARS OF SERVING
CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND
COMMUNITIES BY JOINING
US ON FOUNDER’S DAY, OCTOBER 6, 2013, ON THE ALBION CAMPUS.
Go to www.starr.org for more information.
14 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
continued from page 11
The Calhoun Intermediate School District is an Educational
Service Agency serving over 25,000 students in Calhoun
County, Mich., including the students of Starr Common-
wealth’s Albion campus. We are a proud partner with Starr
and look forward to serving our students there, preparing
them for a 21st century global economy.
Dr. Terance Lunger is the superintendent of the Calhoun
Intermediate School District. He has held several administrative
positions throughout the state of Michigan, including in
the Jonesville, Western, New Lothrop and Greenville School
Districts. He is a passionate advocate on behalf of the
students, teachers and families he serves in Calhoun County
and throughout the region.
Help them take their learningto a higher level.
Starr Commonwealth Scholarship ProgramSince 1978, we’ve provided 938 Starr graduates the opportunity to pursue
higher education through the Starr Commonwealth Scholarship Program.
Created in 1977 with the estate of former trustee Thomas Lloyd, the scholarship
program provides financial assistance for those students in “good academic
standing” who want to take their education to the next level. Last year,
57 students were awarded over $250,000 in fund assistance, however, total
requests averaged over $370,000. Your generous donation will help us
continue to provide scholarships to students who want to reach even higher.
Please donate today.To learn more about how you can contribute to the Starr Commonwealth
Scholarship Program, please contact Sherie Veramay, Director of Development,
at 800.837.5591 or [email protected].
UNPACKING THEEMOTIONAL BACKPACK
For Hetty Colver, this is the first step to students prospering in the classroom. She believes addressing the emotional challenges students face and providing them with opportun-ities to increase their academic confidence is what makes Starr Commonwealth’s educational services different from a traditional public or private school experience.
Colver, who is employed by Calhoun Intermediate School District (CISD), serves
as principal and special education supervisor for Starr’s public residential
program in Albion, Mich.
Students arriving at Starr’s residential campus have faced many significant
challenges in their lives, often resulting in poor academic performance.
“Many of the kids who come to Starr are disenfranchised with the idea of school,”
Colver said. “Our goal is to work with the co-occurring challenges surrounding school, like the issues students
may have been dealing with at home. Our teachers become important members of the treatment team,
working directly with the clinicians and other staff members.”
Colver said the teachers are exceptional at working with Starr’s
population of youth because they are passionate advocates for
student success and have a broad range of expertise.
“All of our teachers are highly qualified in all core subject areas,”
Colver said. “They are also certified to work with students with emotional
impairments. This becomes crucial to the treatment process, and it
allows the teachers to better understand how education can fit under the
treatment umbrella.”
The CISD operates Starr’s school program, which functions as closely
to a public school as possible. The school is aligned with and follows
the Michigan Department of Education regulations, meeting the same
requirements of a regular school. This allows students to transfer
credits back to their home school when they leave the program.
Starr’s residential program allows students to trans-fer credits back to their home school when they leave.
16 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
Students are also afforded the
opportunity to take appropriate
grade-level tests, like the Michigan
Educational Assessment Program
(MEAP) test, the Michigan Merit Exam
and the American College Testing
(ACT) standardized test.
While the educational aspect of
Starr’s program operates like a tradi-
tional public school, students may
have a difficult time applying the
skills they learn at school outside
of the classroom. For this reason,
the CISD, in conjunction with the
teachers and administration, pursued
a grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to develop and provide authentic learning
experiences embedded in the curriculum. The grant initially funded photography, culinary and gardening programs.
“These programs allow our kids to apply their new skills in practical ways,” Colver said. “For example, a student
might be using culinary skills in a science or math class. I heard one student taking photos say, ‘Wow, maybe
I could do this as a job when I leave Starr.’ It’s fun to hear things like that, things that get these kids excited
about school and what education can do for their futures.”
The programs are currently sustained through Title 1, Part D grants that must be
applied for each year through the state of Michigan.
Seeing academic improvement is wonderful, Colver said, but it is only one piece
of creating a brighter future for Starr students. When students leave with their own
goal to learn and pursue their education, she believes that is true success.
“I love that our program addresses the educational side of things, of course,”
Colver said. “But it’s so important to be involved in the treatment process. In a residential facility, we have
a really unique opportunity to connect with these children on a deeper level than in a normal school setting.
When students gain confidence and truly begin to see that they can achieve greatness, that’s the most
rewarding thing for anyone who works in education.”
“I heard one student taking photos say, ‘Wow, maybe I could do this as a job when I leave Starr.’” - Hetty Colver
THANK YOU to supporters of Starr Commonwealth’s
March appeal. Your generosity enables
Starr to help children and families
reach their potential.
17C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
HONOR/MEMORIAL GIFTS
HONOR GIFTS are thoughtful ways to
remember a special person and/or
a special occasion, such as a birth,
birthday, anniversary, graduation,
Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, while
also helping Starr children. When
sending an honor gift, please provide
the address of the honoree. We will
send an acknowledgment card to
let them know of your thoughtful-
ness, but we won’t mention the gift
amount. You may call in your honor
gift for faster acknowledgment at:
800.837.5591. Honor gifts also may
be made online at: www.starr.org.
MEMORIAL GIFTS offer an enduring
tribute to the memory of a friend or
loved one, while extending a helping
hand to the children of Starr Common-
wealth. When sending a memorial
gift, please provide the address of
a family member of the deceased to
whom we can send an acknowledg-
ment card. We will let them know
of your thoughtfulness but won’t
mention the gift amount. You may
call in your memorial gift for faster
acknowledgment at: 800.837.5591.
Memorial donations also may be
made online at: www.starr.org.
Here is a listing of Honor and Mem-
orial gifts received from 1-19-13 to
4-9-13. Donors are listed below the
name of the person in whose memory
or honor they contributed. Gifts not
listed here will appear in a future
issue of Starr News. If we missed your
name or an error has occurred with
your listing, please forgive us and
contact us so we may correct it
in the next issue.
IN HONOR OF:
JACK KEENAN
Ms. Caelan Kuban
MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL MANN
Mr. Craig Lapine
WILLIAM STEELE
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin G. Chapman
IN MEMORY OF:
MILDRED ANDERSON
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
PATRICIA L. ANDERSON
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
ROBERT C. ARMSTRONG
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Domingo
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
LOVELLA BARHITE
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Barhite
MARGARET S. BASSAGE
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cook
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Rewa
Mrs. Fran Weberling
ERMA BULGRIN
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
MARVIN L. COLNESS
Mrs. LaVerne I. Colness
VINCENTE DE OLIVEIRA
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
THOMAS DOBBINS
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Domingo
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
FREDERIC J. DRISCOLL JR.
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
PATRICIA L. ENDRESS
Mr. Richard B. Endress
CONCETTA FALCONE
Mr. John Falcone
CATHERINE HEINLEN
Dr. George H. Lauff
ALBERTA HENDERSON
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
JUSTIN JACKOWICZ
Mr. and Mrs. Marion J. Jackowicz
GEORGE J. LAUFF
Dr. George H. Lauff
MARY ANNA LAUFF
Dr. George H. Lauff
JESSIE LONGHURST
Mrs. Evelyn Gay
PATTI PAKNEY
Mrs. Jean Pakney
CLARA MAXINE PATTERSON
Mr. Richard A. Patterson
HAROLD AND ARLENE SEIFERT
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Mulnix
HELEN SMITH
Mrs. Arleen H. Sattler
MARY KAY SMITH
Dr. George H. Lauff
E. KATHLEEN “KAY” WEYERS
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
GREG WILKINSON
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Domingo
18 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
Chaplain Ken Ponds
The theme for this Starr News is a familiar one – education. While not stated
specifically in the Starr Commonwealth Creed, or later in Starr’s Core Values, education
has played, and continues to play, a pivotal role in the work of Starr Commonwealth.
Floyd Starr’s strong faith allowed the saying found in the book of Proverbs 22:6 to
serve as a guideline for this new thing he was creating outside of the town of Albion,
“Raise up a child in the way (s)he should go; even when (s)he is old (s)he will not
depart from it.” As a person reads either the Creed or the Core Values, some of
the educational ideas expressed are the following:
• When provided an environment of love and activity, a child will be good
• Given suitable work, a child can be taught the value of labor
• Self-expression can be learned through play
• Physical, mental, moral and spiritual development when
combined together allows a child to grow
• A young person’s ambition must be stimulated and developed
• Problems are opportunities to grow and develop
• Emphasizing the dignity of all people through the “oneness
of humankind”
• Helping children and their families develop positive relationships
• Incorporating the principles of “servant leadership” in what
we do at Starr
• Providing opportunities for children and families to reach
their full potential through spiritual growth
As we move into the future, not only will Starr continue
to follow these ideas, but Starr will continue to seek other
ideas in which to provide the best possible education
for the young people and families we serve.
CH
AP
LAIN
’S M
ES
SA
GE
The IRA Charitable Rollover Is Back for 2013!
The charitable IRA rollover legislation allows you to transfer lifetime
gifts up to $100,000 using funds from your individual retirement account
(IRA) without undesirable tax effects. Call Sherie Veramay, Director
of Development, at 800.837.5591, email [email protected]
or visit www.starr.org/givingtostarr.
Officers
Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D.President Chief Executive Officer
Wm. Chuck Jackson, MAExecutive Vice PresidentChief Program Officer
Christopher L. Smith, BBA., CPAExecutive Vice PresidentChief Financial Officer
Elizabeth A. Carey, MSWExecutive Vice PresidentChief Strategy Officer
Gary Q. Tester, MRCExecutive Vice PresidentChief Development Officer
Board of Trustees
Kyle Caldwell, ChairProgram DirectorCharles Stewart Mott FoundationFlint, MI
Honorable John Hallacy, Vice ChairDistrict Court Judge10th District CourtBattle Creek, MI
Tom Kolassa, SecretarySenior Vice President Hub InternationalBattle Creek, MI
Wally BakareVice President, OperationsTime Warner CableMid Ohio DivisionColumbus, OH
Scott BennettVice President UBS Financial ServicesBirmingham, MI
Craig CarrelPresident and PartnerTeam 1 PlasticsAlbion, MI
Doug ClarkSenior Vice PresidentMasterworksPoulsbo, WA
Dr. Velma ClayDirector of Equal Employment Opportunity (Retired)Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal CenterBattle Creek, MI
Erick StewartPresidentStewart Industries LLCBattle Creek, MI
Gary TaylorOwnerTaylor Auto Sales Inc.Van Wert, OH
Bruce Vande VusseAttorney Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.Farmington Hills, MI
George WilsonGeneral AgentWilson Insurance ServicesGilbert Wiseman AgencyFlint, MI
Trustees Emeritus
Margaret Starr LeutheuserDaughter of Floyd StarrHaverford, PA
Michael J. GableHuman Resources ExecutiveOrlans Associates, PCTroy, MI
George D. GoodmanExecutive Director (Retired)Michigan Municipal LeagueAnn Arbor, MI
Dr. Russell G. MawbyChairman EmeritusW.K. Kellogg FoundationBattle Creek, MI
Honorable Eugene A. MooreChief Probate Judge (Retired)Oakland CountyPontiac, MI
William K. Stoffer Chairman and CEOAlbion Machine & Tool Co.Albion, MI
Honorary Trustees
Anne Willson DupréGranddaughter of Floyd StarrToronto, Canada
Diana Starr LangleyMontecito, CA
Sylvia Starr RicheyGranddaughter of Floyd StarrSeal Beach, CA
President Emeritus
Arlin E. NessPresident EmeritusAnthem, AZ
Locations
Michigan: Albion, Battle Creek,Clinton Township, Detroit, Harper Woods Ohio: Columbus, Van Wert
South Dakota: Lennox
Joseph GesmundoCo-FounderAVB, Inc.Kalamazoo, MI Lawrence GivensBlackmond and Givens, Inc.Southfield, MI
George A. GoodmanYpsilanti, MI
Jack KresnakJournalist / Child AdvocateLivonia, MI
Michael LeachChief Financial OfficerNationwide InsuranceColumbus, OH
Dr. Pamela LemerandProfessorEastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MI
Kenneth MillerChief Executive OfficerPrincipal PartnerMillennium Restaurant GroupKalamazoo, MI
Randy NeumannVice PresidentJ.F. Daley, Inc.San Antonio, TX
William C. RandsManaging PartnerSagres Partners, L.P.Grosse Pointe, MI
Cornelia RomanowskiEducatorShavertown, PA
Mary E. RutanHuman Resources Director (Retired)Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
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