Starr News Fall 2017

NEWS Vol. 79 • No. 4 Fall 2017

2017 Starr Alumni Homecoming Belonging and the Circle of CourageÂŽ Create Your Legacy Donor Spotlight: Dr. Larraine Matusak Helping Children After Trauma

Starr News

starr commonwealth leadership Officers

Board of Trustees

Elizabeth A. Carey President Chief Executive Officer

Craig Carrel, Chair (2008 – 2021) President and Partner Team 1 Plastics Albion, MI

Dudley N. Spade Chief of Staff Thomas F. Tate Chief Operating Officer

Honorable John Hallacy, Immediate Past Chair (2009 – 2019) Circuit Court Judge 37th District Court Battle Creek, MI Erick Stewart Vice Chair (2009 – 2018) President Stewart Industries LLC Battle Creek, MI Bruce Vande Vusse, Secretary (2009 – 2018) Attorney Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. Southfield, MI Stanley Allen (2014 – 2023) Configuration Engineering Wells Fargo & Company Des Moines, IA

Scott Bennett (2010 – 2019) Senior Vice President Wealth Management UBS Financial Services Birmingham, MI Doug Clark (2013 – 2022) Executive Director, Donor Mktg U.S. Office of Development Cru International Camano Island, WA George A. Goodman (2010 – 2019) Ypsilanti, MI Laura Koziarski (2013-2022) Child Advocate Battle Creek, MI Huilan Krenn (2017 – 2026) W.K. Kellogg Foundation Director of Learning & Impact Battle Creek, MI Randy Neumann (2013 – 2022) Vice President J.F. Daley, Inc. San Antonio, TX

Trustees Emeritus

President Emeritus

Michael J. Gable Human Resources Executive (Retired) Orlans Associates, PC Troy, MI

Martin L. Mitchell President Emeritus Coldwater, MI

George D. Goodman Executive Director (Retired) Michigan Municipal League Ann Arbor, MI Dr. Russell G. Mawby Chairman Emeritus W.K. Kellogg Foundation Battle Creek, MI Honorable Eugene A. Moore Chief Probate Judge (Retired) Oakland County Pontiac, MI

Arlin E. Ness President Emeritus Anthem, AZ *All Officers and Trustees can be reached at the following address and phone number: Starr Commonwealth 13725 Starr Commonwealth Road Albion, MI 49224 (517) 629-5591

William K. Stoffer Chairman and CEO (Retired) Albion Machine & Tool Co. Albion, MI

Honorary Trustees Anne Willson Dupré Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Toronto, Canada Diana Starr Langley Montecito, CA

Starr is dedicated to the mission of creating positive environments where children and families flourish.

Starr News Fall 2017 Volume 79 • No. 4 Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion, color or national origin.

Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation.

Founded in 1913, Starr is licensed by the state of Michigan.

The Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site.

Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations and individuals.

13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, MI 49224-9525 800.837.5591 info@starr.org

2

Table of Contents

President’s Letter 3 2017 Starr Alumni Homecoming 4 Belonging and Circle of Courage®

7

Create Your Legacy

8

Donor Spotlight: Dr. Larraine Matusak 9 Helping Children After Trauma

10

Honor and Memorial Gifts

11

Fall 2017

president’s letter

W

Belonging

hat a beautiful time of year in Michigan. The autumn has descended and the leaves have burst forward with bright colors of red, yellow, orange and brown. The crisp, cooler temperatures signal the time to prepare for hibernation for plants and animals alike. In the Midwest, we know these changes mean winter is coming. It brings to mind a desire to bundle up, to settle in, to find warmth and comfort and a desire to spend time with those we love. We envision Thanksgiving dinners, football season and the upcoming December holidays of Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa.

Uri Bronfenbrenner stated was a critical component of human development, “Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her.”

I have not only one person like this, my mother, but have been lucky enough throughout my life to have had more than one. This sense of unconditional belonging allows us to tackle our fears, try new things, move through hard times, and know we always have someone who will be there.

In the Midwest, there is a communal understanding about the autumn. We love its beauty and love the challenge of For many of the youth we serve at Starr Commonwealth, preparing. We talk about it and we sometimes fret about there has been little sense of belonging. For some, there what is coming in just a few short has never been someone who is ‘irramonths. Some of us rejoice at the end tionally crazy’ about them. We strive “Every child needs at to fill this need for our young people. of humidity and heat and find rejuvenation in the beauty of nature. Some least one adult who We make sure they know they beof us lament its arrival along with the long. We focus on helping them build is irrationally crazy dark and the cold. Whether we are healthy relationships with their peers, about him or her.” happy or unhappy about this time of with teachers, with parents and with year, Midwesterners know we belong – Uri Bronfenbrenner healthy adults. When they know they here. These are our seasons, and there belong, resilience is possible. Trauma are millions of others who agree and can pull people apart, but love and belonging can pull them welcome us into their group of autumn lovers or haters. back together again.

Why should the turning of the seasons in Michigan be such a significant event for Starr Commonwealth and the As autumn sets and winter begins, the young people we youth and families we serve? One of the critical compo- serve know that they belong to Starr Commonwealth. I nents of need that each child, family and adult requires to want them to know they also belong to you. For it is a be whole is a sense of belonging. Knowing there is a person village, a society, a group of interested and dedicated inor a group to which you ‘fit’. A person or group that wants dividuals, that can propel our kids into healthy futures. you to be with them and is thrilled to belong to you as well. Join me in creating a sense of Belonging for our youth This Universal Need of Belonging is ancient and critical. – join me in being ‘irrationally crazy’ about them.

We see it in every culture, every age, every society and I know personally how important it is for emotional and Sincerely, social wellbeing. I know what it means to belong. I know how safe and comfortable the world can feel to me when I have friends, family or even just one person that loves me. I am blessed to have what the famous Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Carey, President and CEO

3

alumni homecoming

O

ur Albion campus was colorful and bright for the first weekend of October this year; perfect for welcoming back former staff and

alumni for our Alumni Homecoming.

at Starr Commonwealth. One alumnus began the discussion, standing up to talk about how Starr changed his life. “Starr Commonwealth made me the man I am

We opened the doors at 10 AM to begin registration,

now,” he told the group. “And whenever I need a re-

with each alumnus receiving a pin and a

check, I take a ride to Starr Commonwealth.

t-shirt when they signed in. In a change

Sometimes the staff members will see me

from last year’s homecoming, we personally

just sitting down by the lake, and they’ll

invited many former staff members to cam-

wave hello.” To him, Starr wasn’t just a place

pus, giving them and our former students a

he was sent as a child – it was a life-chang-

chance to meet again and catch up on their lives since they were here together. A hearty brunch was served to all guests, with plenty of time in between bites to meet with new friends and old ones.

As networking continued, former staff and 4

students began to share some thoughts about their time

“Floyd Starr hit a home run when he created this place.”

ing experience.

Chaplain Ken Ponds, who later spoke to the group during the program, also stood up and introduced himself. He talked about first starting to work at Starr, and how what he thought would be a few years at a starter

starr alumni homecoming 2017

job became a lifetime of fulfillment working with the

is no such thing as a bad child” – and added a few of

students who came to the Chapel-in-the-Woods.

her own. “We believe that every child is a success story waiting to be told.”

All too soon our current students began coming into the auditorium,

Elizabeth

and it was time to halt the remi-

ended

by

inviting

Craig Carrel, the President of

niscing and begin the program.

the Starr Commonwealth Board

Stanley Allen, President of the

of Trustees, up to the podium.

Starr Alumni Association and

Craig talked to the crowd about

member of our Board of Trustees,

his experience serving on Starr’s

welcomed everyone back to cam-

board and how rewarding it is to

pus. He spoke about the impor-

be a part of providing opportuni-

tance of the Alumni Association,

ties to youth. He encouraged our

and how current and former stu-

current students to take a hold of

dents can use these connections to help them expand their circles and reach their full potential.

those opportunities as they strive Craig Carrel, President of the Starr Board of Trustees.

Stanley then introduced Elizabeth Carey, the President and CEO of Starr Commonwealth, who told the group about Floyd Starr and how his legacy has continued for over 100 years on this campus and beyond through direct service, teachings, learning, trainings, and lives on

for success.

Next up was Chaplain Ken Ponds, who entranced the audience with stories from his own life, from being one of two people of color at his college to starting each day with The Rascals hit “A Beautiful Morning”. He reminded the students, young and old, to look at each day

today through the ever-growing expanse of alumni who

the way that songwriter did; knowing that it will be a

are served by Starr. Elizabeth reminded those gathered

beautiful morning, because “It’s your chance to wake

of Uncle Floyd’s belief that still hold true today – “there

up and plan another brand new day.”

2017 Scholarship Recipients Carliema Early - Western Michigan University Bryan Johnson - College of Central Florida Blake Hamilton - Pellissippi State Community College Mariah Mapp - Lawrence Technological University Ro’Kiya Parker - Tennessee State University Kadeem Sims - Wayne State University Kiera Whann - Florida Gulf Coast University Muhammad Ali Zion - Nova Southeastern University Starr COO, Tom Tate, with two recent Starr Alumni.

5

starr alumni homecoming 2017

An added treat to the day was recognition of this year’s recipients of the Starr Commonwealth Scholarships.

Christine Green, Vice President for Advancement, reminded everyone that Starr offers scholarships to students who have been in our programs, and that money

hand in congratulations.

After the program ended, there was a small reception in the lobby with cookies and juice for all attendees.

Alumni had another chance to catch up and talk with

can go towards college, vo-

current students, and we

cational schools, complet-

took advantage of the beau-

ing a GED, and any other

tiful weather to get a group

form of furthering their

photo outside with the for-

education. Christine went

mer students.

on to read the names of the

Some

2017 scholarship recipients,

livered leftover cookies to

We ended the program with

cottages who were not able

a surprise presentation of

to come to the program.

our Alumni Appreciation Alumni Appreciation Award recipient John Davidson and Alumni Association President, Stanley Allen.

Davidson. When Stanley an-

Everyone ended the day with a sentimental heart for the place that had changed

nounced who would receive the award, the audience

their lives. One former student summed up his feelings

exploded – alumni who knew John were thrilled that

the best: “Floyd Starr hit a home run when he created

he was being honored, and they were eager to shake his

this place.” F

George Wilson and Jim Pelt, former Alumni Association presidents.

6

to

afternoon, while others de-

school they are attending.

to former staff member John

chose

walk around campus that

along with the name of the

Award, which this year went

alumni

Rich Mattea and Starr CEO, Elizabeth Carey.

Belonging and the Circle of Courage

®

The Circle of Courage® model is the resilience-

focused philosophical foundation for

age kids to feel safe and comfortable

GEN ER

in our care. It is designed to encour-

BEL ON

NG GI

Y IT OS

the way Starr works with the youth

feel like a part of a larger whole, we allow them to forge

in an environment of understanding NCE DE N

longing, mastery, independence, and generosity are the universal needs all

IND EP E

the Circle of Courage states that be-

people require to be emotionally well. Only when these four needs are met are our circles complete.

Lakota anthropologist Ella Deloria describes the core value of Belonging in these simple words: “Be related, somehow, to everyone you know.” At Starr, we do this

MA ST

cultural wisdom of the Lakota people,

You see these types of bonds over

and over again in the students we serve – our alumni who have built powerful friendships with one another, the

Y ER

and acceptance. Developed from the

strong social bonds.

emotional attachment to current and former teachers and counselors, and the sense of community that comes from being all together for a period of time. Our students experience this

Belonging, and it helps them heal the wounds from the past to allow them a brighter future.

The concept of Belonging can be summed up in a popular saying: “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Without our community to lean on and work with, we

by fostering a sense of community for every student

are not whole – that is why Belonging is an important

who comes through our doors. By helping our students

part of the Circle of Courage®. F 7

create your legacy Spread Your Love Most people would like to make their mark on the world, to do something that leaves the earth a better place than before. For our donors, your contributions to Starr’s future make a statement about you.

Why not continue that support through your estate plan?

• C onsider a bequest. Gifts through your will can be of a particular item, dollar amount, or a percentage of your estate. They can be contingent (passing to us only if another beneficiary dies before you) or in a trust, providing income to your spouse or children before passing to us.

• G ive life insurance. You can name us as the beneficiary of a policy on your life or contribute an old policy that you no longer need.

• L eave bank accounts. Ask the account manager how CD’s or savings, checking, or other financial accounts can be made payable to us upon your death.

• A dd us to your living trust. Include us as a beneficiary of your revocable living trust.

• I nclude us in your retirement plan. Make us a beneficiary of part or all of your IRA or other retirement account.

We would be happy to talk over all of the possibilities with you and your financial advisors.

13725 Starr Commonwealth Road Albion, MI 49224 8

Please contact us today!

517.630.2317

Donor Spotlight Donor Spotlight Dr. Larraine Matusak

Dr. Larraine Matusak and Elizabeth Carey

There are many ways to become a donor to an orga-

nization like Starr Commonwealth: you can volunteer

your time, make monetary contributions, or create a

planned gift to continue your contributions after you pass. Or, if you are Dr. Larraine Matusak, you can do all three.

Larraine first associated with Starr when she served on our Board of Trustees in 2004, and that is when she became a donor. “It was only then that I discovered what a wonderful job the organization was doing for youth,” explains Matusak.

“Serving on the Board was a great privilege and experience. Meeting others committed to the organization and dealing with challenging possibilities was a responsibility we all recognized,” Larraine explains. As a Board member, she also had the opportunity to meet with the students on our Albion campus and talk to them about their lives, which is why the residential program has a special place in her heart.

Since leaving the Board in 2008, Larraine has continued to give to our cause, recently setting up an estate plan to continue her donations after she is gone. When asked why she supports Starr, the answer came easily. “Starr is one of the few organizations dealing with troubled youth that firmly believes that everyone deserves a second chance.

More importantly, they believe that each youngster has a gift. Helping them recognize their gifts and then helping them develop these gifts for their own good and the good of their families or communities is an admirable task.”

Larraine has donated her time to a lot of organizations over the years, having served on multiple board in Battle Creek, Mich., where she resides. We are fortunate that she was brought onto our Board and invited to see the work that we do with children from all over. We are helping them flourish by showing them the good within themselves, and it is through donors like Larraine Matusak that we have been able to do this work for over 100 years If you would like to become a donor like Larraine, you can set up monthly donations at www.starr.org/donate. F 9

Helping Children After Trauma

We are all aware of the recent tragedies that have befallen our country in the past months: shootings, wildfires, and multiple hurricanes have caused devastation to those who live in the affected areas.

This devastation is not solely felt by adults. So many children have lost their homes, lost family members, or are living in a state of uncertainty for an extended period of time. But, in the words of the immortal Mr. Rogers, “look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

This is why The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC), part of the training arm of Starr Commonwealth, decided to turn to the helpers in their circle. TLC sent out requests for donations of $15, which will buy a copy of Brave Bart, a book designed to help children who have experienced trauma. Brave Bart tells the story of a cat, named Bart, who has had something very scary happen to him, and how he overcomes his fears and becomes a survivor. This book has helped many children heal from a traumatic experience, and we hope that it can help many more in the future.

10

The TLC helpers stepped up to the challenge, and multiple copies of Brave Bart have already been sent to Florida schools to help the children who are still reeling from the recent hurricane. With TLC Certified Trauma Practitioners in the area, we hope that these books will bring healing to the children who have already experienced so much hurt.

If you would like to donate a copy of “Brave Bart: A Story for Traumatized and Grieving Children” to help children who have been affected by recent tragedies, you can visit www.starr.org/donate or buy your own copy at www.starr.org/bravebart.

Honor & Memorial gifts The gifts reflect the period from 8/25/2017 - 10/26/2017.

Donors are listed below the name of the person in whose memory or honor they contributed.

HONOR & MEMORIAL GIFTS are thoughtful ways to remember a special person or occasion, such as a birth, birthday, anniversary, graduation, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or as an enduring tribute to the memory of a friend or loved one. Extend a helping hand to the children of Starr by making your donation to Starr at www.starr.org.

In Honor of:

In Memory of:

JOHN DAVIDSON Mr. Scott Paschal Dr. James E. Pelt Mr. Jayson Walker Mr. Michael E. Williams

EDWIN COTTRELL Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. DesJardins

PATRICIA L. ENDRESS Mr. Richard B. Endress

GERALD D. ROBINSON Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cass

WILLIAM MACKIE BLACK Mr. Darrell J. Black

WILLIAM F. HERMANN Mrs. Dorothy Hermann

MARION ROBINSON Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cass

KONNER AND GARRETT VOIGT Mrs. Julie Voigt

MAURICE N. DAVIS Mrs. Rebecca Davis

LEO KENNETH HORNETT Mrs. Lynn Komasara

SHARON ROITER Mrs. Lynn Komasara

CAROLYN E. DONAHUE Mr. Glen R. Donahue

SUSAN K. HOWE Mr. Brian V. Howe

DAVID SIEJA Mr. and Mrs. Randy R. Neumann

ELEANOR DONAHUE Mr. Glen R. Donahue

BILL IRWIN Mr. Ben C. Morris

BARBARA TOUSEY Mr. William H. Tousey

RAY DONAHUE Mr. Glen R. Donahue

SALLY MAGEE REYNOLDS Mr. and Mrs. Randy R. Neumann

RICHARD, DARYL AND WALLACE Dr. Deborah Pace

One of our most well-known quotes from founder Floyd Starr is “beauty is a silent teacher.” He used this phrase to explain why he chose the lakeside plot of land in Albion on which to start his organization; he wanted a beautiful place to reflect the inherent beauty of his kids.

Born out of this dedication to keeping our planet beautiful, Starr is going more green in 2017. We will publish two beautiful printed editions of the Starr News in 2017 and all four issues this year will be available on our website, social media, and via email!

We here at Starr care about our planet, and we truly believe that keeping it healthy for future generations is important.

If you would like to receive Starr News through email, please sign up at www.starr.org/starr-news-email. To read past issues of Starr News, please visit www.starr.org/news-center.

11

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #975 Lansing, MI 13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, Michigan 49224 www.starr.org

Duplicate mailing? Call (800) 837-5591 Change service requested

Thank you for Standing Tall with Starr!

Because of supporters like you, Starr Commonwealth is able to stand tall with children and show them the success story they always had within them. Starr is what it is today because people like you care about children; our residential program, our in-home and communitybased treatment programs help children and families thrive, and now we are sharing our knowledge with the world through our unique and far-reaching international training program. If it weren’t for donations from people like you, Starr Commonwealth could not show the children we work with how successful they can be. With your generosity today, other children will also have the opportunity for a second chance.

Give today at Starr.org/donate