Starr News Summer 2022

NEWS N EWS EWS

STUDENT RESILIENCE & EMPOWERMENT CENTER

WELCOME BACK KEN PONDS

STARR NAMED BEST NONPROFIT

A SACRED TIME

MEET CHÉRIE ELAHL, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTOR

Our Mission

Starr Commonwealth leads with courage to create positive experiences so that all children, families, and communities flourish.

Our Vision

Universal Hope, Boundless Love, and Limitless Success for all children.

Our Theory of Change

When trauma-informed and resilience-focused adults work within trauma-informed and resilience-focused systems, the wellbeing and success of children will increase.

Our Equity Statement

We recognize the past and current struggles of identity groups who have been historically marginalized, impacted by toxic hierarchy, and taken by violence. We believe that equitable environments create opportunities for effective problem solving, sustainable growth, and, in general, a more holistic understanding of the world.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Lisa Miller, Chair (2018 – 2027) President

MMK Consulting Group Coldwater, MI

Randy Neumann, Vice Chair (2013 – 2022) Vice President

J.F. Daley, Inc. San Antonio, TX

Milton Barnes (2019 – 2028) Albion College & Play Right Basketball Academy CEO & Founder Albion, MI

Simon P. Bisson, Secretary (2018 – 2027)

Vice President, Institutional Relations and Development University Hospitals Health System Cleveland, OH

George A. Goodman (2010 – 2019) (2021 – 2030) Ypsilanti, MI

Huilan Krenn (2017 – 2026) Director of Learning & Impact W.K. Kellogg Foundation Battle Creek, MI

Sean Silver, Treasurer (2019 – 2028)

Senior Vice President Bank of America Merrill Lynch Troy, MI

Erick Stewart, Past Chair (2009 – 2023) President Stewart Industries LLC Battle Creek, MI

Keena Williams (2019 – 2028)

Chief Belonging Officer & Title IX Coordinator Albion College Albion, MI

OFFICERS

Elizabeth A. Carey

President and Chief Executive Officer

Derek S. Allen

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Caelan Soma

Chief Clinical Officer

Paula Dolson

Chief Financial Officer

TRUSTEES EMERITUS

Michael J. Gable

Human Resources Executive (Retired) Orlans Associates, PC Troy, MI

George D. Goodman

Executive Director (Retired) Michigan Municipal League Ann Arbor, MI

Honorable Eugene A. Moore Chief Probate Judge (Retired) Oakland County Pontiac, MI

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Anne Willson Dupré

Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Toronto, Canada

Diana Starr Langley Montecito, CA

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Martin L. Mitchell

President Emeritus Coldwater, MI

Arlin E. Ness

President Emeritus Anthem, AZ

Larry K. Brendtro

President Emeritus Lennox, SD

13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd., Albion, MI 49224 800.837.5591 | info@starr.org | www.starr.org

Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion, color, national origin,

and individuals.

*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

Matt Ray, Editor Deva Ludwig, Designer

Cover photo: A student getting some quiet time and comfort from Starr’s therapy dog, Baloo at the Student Resilience & Empowerment Center.

Introductions, Resilience, & Reaffirmations

Dear Friends of Starr,

“He’s smiling at school now—we hadn’t ever seen that.”

“They’re even using our language and holding each other accountable at school.”

“We need this program in every community.”

The above paraphrasing represents only a few of the testimonials we have heard coming from our newest program. In the coming pages, I am honored to introduce you to the Student Resilience and Empowerment Center. It is my hope that you will see what we see (and have heard from many stakeholders) in this initiative, an embodiment of our theory of change—when truama-informed and resilience-focused adults work within trauma-informed and resilienced-focused systems, the wellbeing and success of children will increase. We cannot wait to greet more students this fall.

As we have focused on the wellbeing of individual children through the Student Resilience and Empowerment Center, as well as the many other Starr programs, we also look to the communities in which those children live. No matter where these children call home, the oneness of humankind is present. We continue to strive for wellness for all through a lens of resilience and equity. Accordingly, we are delighted to reintroduce you to Ken Ponds as he oversees our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as our vice president of oneness and special advisor to the president.

These are incredibly exciting times for Starr Commonwealth. In addition to the announcements above, I’m delighted to share a new director for Starr Behavioral Health and continued recognition for Starr’s organizational operations. All told, I am confident this issue of Starr News reaffirms what is possible for the future success of children. We cannot do it alone, and it is an honor to tell what is possible through your passion for our mission.

Yours in Healing,

Elizabeth Carey, President & CEO

RESILIENCE & EMPOWERMENT CE N TE R STUDENT

Starr Commonwealth, in partnership with Summit Pointe, Battle Creek Family YMCA, and participating area schools, has opened the Student Resilience and Empowerment Center (REC) housed within the Battle Creek Family YMCA. The program’s purpose is to create a dynamic environment for middle school students that fosters resilience and helps them develop confidence, self-esteem, and a growth mindset. The goal of the program is to match students with supports that allow them to develop and flourish socially, emotionally, and academically.

Middle school-aged students from participating Calhoun County school districts can enroll in the 6-week program five days a week, two and a half hours per day. Students participate in a range of empowerment and behavioral health supports including mind body skills, social-emotional practice and support, peer to peer group support, academic support, and more. The program is free for the students’ families and includes family activities and engagement, as well as complementary membership to the YMCA.

Resilience Coaches, teacher, and students start the day in a circle to check-in with each child. Note: Some student faces have been blurred to respect their privacy.

“Building resilience is a community practice—we are stronger when we learn together,” said Starr President and CEO Elizabeth Carey. “Through the growth of every student who participates, the Resilience and Empowerment Center will serve to bolster not only their own success, but the districts and towns they call home. The result is a more unified and empowered Calhoun County, and we are honored to work with our partners to achieve just that.”

In addition to the operational partners, Starr has also secured funding partners to make the vision a reality. Starr has secured philanthropic support from the Marshall Community Foundation, Santo, Maria, Frank, & John Zanetti Foundation, OP and WE Edwards Foundation, the Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation, the Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation, the Albion-Homer United Way, and Feldpausch Foundation.

The Student Resilience and Empowerment Center has recently completed its pilot phase, and will continue to grow each year with additional students to full capacity in the fall of 2024. The student application and selection process is coordinated through each student’s home district.

RESILIENCE ST EMPOWERMENT

Albion College art student, Lexi Taylor, painting a mural at the REC.

REC Program Design Leader, Erica Ilcyn presenting what a typical week at the REC provides to the students to the Sunrise Cereal City Rotary.

At the Battle Creek YMCA getting the space ready for the REC.

Each student engages in a minimum of a 6-week enrollment at the Student Resilience & Empowerment Center. Maximum/optimal length of participation may be adjusted on an individualized basis dependent on the student’s unique strengths and needs in collaboration with the Student Resilience & Empowerment Center Advisory Team.

Students participating in the program receive the following services, supports, and interventions on a daily and/or weekly basis (including but not limited to the below list):

4 Develop social-emotional skills.

4 Academic support and enrichment.

4 Individual, group, and family-based supports weekly or as needed.

4 Wraparound support for the student and family.

4 Transitional support upon completion of the program.

4 A student centered environment designed for each child’s success.

4 Support and coaching for each student.

A WEEK AT A GLANCE

Welcoming & Inclusion Activities

• 21/2 HOURS A DAY

• 5 DAYS A WEEK

• 6 WEEKS (OR MORE)

• INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM SCHOOL

Mind Body Skills Practice

Social-Emotional Practice and Support

Peer to Peer Group Support

Family Meetings with Clinician

Community Circle & Goal Setting

• INCLUDES A HEALTHY SNACK

• FAMILY ACTIVITIES

• PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT

• FAMILY MEMBERSHIP TO YMCA

Optimistic Closure

Academic Support

Individual Meetings with Clinician

Guided & Mindful Movement

Structured Sensory Interventions

Social & Emotional Growth Activities

Community Snack

welcome back

KEN PONDS

To further Starr Commonwealth’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Kenneth Ponds has been named to the newly created position of vice president of oneness and special advisor to the president.

As an executive member of the cabinet and advisor, Ponds provides expertise and guidance to the organization on topics and issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all forms, furthering Starr’s core belief in the oneness of humankind. He assists Starr Commonwealth in efforts to achieve its mission and vision on an organizational level as well as in its offerings and services.

“For years, Starr has recognized that experiences of racism, toxic hierarchy, and oppression are experiences of individual, collective, and intergenerational trauma,” said Starr President & CEO Elizabeth Carey. “While we increased our efforts in this critical work, in the wake of recent social injustice and violence over the past few years, we knew we had to do more.

“From his professional experience to his heart and passion, I am confident Ken is the perfect person to spearhead our recommitment and guide the entire

organization ever closer to achieving true oneness of humankind.”

Ponds previously served as campus chaplain for 40 years, and has since played a key role in Starr Commonwealth’s Glasswing Racial Healing program. Glasswing has been a cornerstone of Starr’s equity, diversity, and inclusion work since 1996, and has helped communities across North America “embrace the value of diversity with dignity.” Ponds continues his contributions to Glasswing from an executive level as advisor, counselor, and mentor for staff.

“It’s an honor to have this wonderful opportunity to help Starr continue its journey of equity,” Ponds said. “This has always been a core belief for Starr, and along with the opportunity to help young people in their spiritual journey is what attracted me to Starr Commonwealth.”

“This commitment to connection—with the ultimate goal of love that Floyd Starr envisioned over 100 years ago—is one that lives close to my heart. I am honored to help Starr and its partners continue to grow and making love visible in the lives of those we serve.”

Ken Ponds, Vice President of Oneness and Special Advisor to the President

This is the third consecutive year Starr was named to the list, which is compiled in conjunction with Best Companies Group and recognizes organizations that are leaders in creating quality workplaces. Of 50 nonprofits recognized on this year’s list, Starr Commonwealth ranks 20th nationwide.

Honorees submit a survey, which evaluates an organization’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. Employees are also given a survey to measure their experience.

Best Nonprofits to Work For were those that scored exceptionally high when it came to leadership and planning, culture and communications, work environment, pay and benefits, and other key factors.

“Organizations are only as strong as the people who live and breathe their mission each day,” said President and CEO Elizabeth Carey. “From our first recognition from The NonProfit Times in 2020 to today’s honor, every individual at Starr Commonwealth has helped propel us forward. Being named among the Best NonProfits To Work For is a testament to the care our staff

brings to our collective passion of creating positive experiences so that all children, families, and communities flourish. I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of them.”

From its headquarters in Albion, Michigan, Starr Commonwealth blends three key focuses – healing trauma, addressing racism, and fostering positive growth – into a comprehensive model of working with youth that is unique in the nation. Unlike other agencies that focus on trauma and resilience, Starr offers tangible tools for teachers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and others on the front line of working with children.

Through its training and coaching programs, childcare professionals, clinicians, educators, and parents have access to Starr’s highly successful and innovative techniques aimed at bringing out the best in every child, parent, and community. Many of the classes are available online.

For more information on The NonProfit Times’ Best Nonprofits To Work For program, visit www.BestNonprofitsToW orkFor.com

Starr Commonwealth has been ranked nationally as the 20th best nonprofit to work for in 2022 by The NonProfit Times.

Starr Executive Vice President & COO Derek Allen with Starr President & CEO Elizabeth Carey at the Staff Appreciation Picnic.

A Sacred Time

Many years ago, around this time of year, I was involved in a horrific auto accident which took the life of a friend, but for some reason, spared my life along with others. Many days in the hospital, far from family and friends, I found myself amazed with the stark reality of death, and the joy, complexity and beauty of life. Fast forward, several years ago, once again around this time of year, I was standing on the Temple Mount in the city of Jerusalem in Israel. It was a bright, sunny day with a gentle breeze providing some comfort from the heat. As I stood in this place which is considered so sacred by three of the world’s great religions, a place for which people have fought and died the stark reality of death once again amazed me. Yet, there was a diversity of people and a diversity of faiths in this place, at that time, which shouted literally from the mountain top the joy, complexity and beauty of life.

At this moment, we are in an unusual time, a sacred time, when these great religions recognize and celebrate the joy, complexity and beauty of life while acknowledging the stark reality of death. Every thirty-three years, or so, the Islamic celebration of Ramadan, the Jewish celebration of Passover, and the Christian celebration of Easter occur in the same month. This year was such a year.

At this sacred time the world is confronted with the stark reality of death, every day, in so many ways and forms from poverty, to illnesses, to racism, to war. Yet, Ramadan, Passover and Easter remind us, and even call us into the joy, the complexity and beauty of this thing which we call life. Each faith tradition is manifested within community. It is within community that one lives and shares love; that one lives and shares peace; that one lives and shares forgiveness; that one lives and shares insights and understanding; that one lives and shares belonging; that one, according to the words of the French philosopher and theologian Pierre Tielhard de Chardin, lives and shares this truth – we are spiritual beings having a human experience, not human beings having a spiritual experience.

Hopefully, maybe this will be the time, a sacred time, when the convergence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter serve to remind us that “we really do belong to each other.

“It is our diversity which makes us, us; and, there is room at the table for all.” (Preemptive Love, Ben Irwin, April 2, 2021 blog)

“We really do belong to each other. It is our diversity which makes us, us; and, there is room at the table for all.”

–By Ken Ponds–

Every child’s perception and reaction to potential toxic stress is different. Often when we can’t explain a child’s behavior, it can be due to underlying trauma or stress. At Starr Behavioral Health, our clinicians work with children, families, and adults to build resilience. Chérie Elahl, LMSW, joined Starr Behavioral Health in April of 2022 as the director of behavioral health. Get to know Chérie and her vision for Starr Behavioral Health below.

What’s your personal and professional background?

I have often thought, since starting my employment with Starr, how my life is completing a full circle once again... I grew up in poverty and experienced a lot of traumas as a child/adolescent. I had my son when I was sixteen years old and continued the cycle of generational poverty as a single mom, piecing together two or three jobs to make ends meet (often in the human services field). I attempted to get my secondary education many times from the time that I graduated high school in 1995 and until my thirties, without success, due to our basic needs trumping my education. It wasn’t until the Great Recession, when I lost my job, and when the Obama administration changed policy that stated that you could receive your secondary education while collecting unemployment, that I was able to go back to school without the stress of juggling multiple jobs along with being a single mother. It was the break that I needed and speaks to how policies really do hinder or help individuals, systems, and communities.

Chérie Elahl

Starr’s New Director of Behavioral Health

The day that I graduated I got a job offer from the executive director of North Kent Connect (NKC) asking me to become their first program director in the organization’s 40 years of being established. During my four years at NKC, I created culturally competent policies and programs, which in turn helped me establish community partnerships to help address the basic needs of the NKC community. I am very proud of the impact and legacy that I left behind in northern Kent County.

Before I joined Starr, I worked for ProtoCall Services, Inc. which answers hundreds of crisis lines across the US that consists of Universities, Community Mental Health, Tribal Communities, Managed Care, and Employee Assistance Programs. I answered the lines for two and half years, saved many lives, and worked with some incredibly dedicated and talented clinicians. This is where my clinical skills developed, and where I feel that I became a well-rounded social worker, in both the micro and macro sense. My last year and a half at ProtoCall, I was promoted into the role of relationship manager and joined the account relations team. I managed over one hundred accounts. Although I love my account relations team very much, the work was not fulfilling to me, and I was not utilizing my skills. I was desperately hoping that the right opportunity would come along, and it did!

What brought you to Starr Behavioral Health?

Starr’s evaluator, Ouen Hunter! I met Ouen when I worked at NKC. She led the research and evaluation team that was overseeing the NKC Community Needs Assessment at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy. We worked closely together during that time and became friends. I hadn’t heard from her in several years, and then one day she reached out to me about the job opportunity when it opened. Since I was not familiar with Starr, I immediately did a lot of research… It is very important that my ethics and values match the organization that I work for. I liked what I saw, but what really brought me to Starr was the instant rapport that was built with the team that interviewed me. I had interviewed for another position just a few days before with another organization but knew that Starr was where I wanted/needed to be.

How does this work fulfill you?

Anything that involves dismantling white supremacy and systems of oppression, fulfills me. Those two things lead me in the work that I do.

What is your vision for Starr Behavioral Health?

First, I want to acknowledge the extremely talented team that makes up Starr Behavioral Health. Our behavioral health coordinator and clinical supervisor are my right and left hands, and I am so grateful for them. It makes me really excited for the future of our department. I am absolutely blown away by our behavioral health clinicians and the care, compassion, talent, and ethics that they put forth in the work that they do. It is very important to me that I find any opportunities to invest in their professional development as they continue to grow as clinicians in their practice areas. I’m quickly learning that our occupational therapist is providing some very niche services in her field, and what she brings to our team and our clients is invaluable. Also, I can’t forget Starr’s leadership who have been going above and beyond to provide me the support that I need as I am learning.

As I continue to immerse myself in Starr and our outpatient behavioral health program, I plan to examine needs in our community as well as surrounding communities to see how Starr services can be present and available. I want to strengthen the partnerships that we already have and create new partnerships. I want to use the wonderful resource that we have at Starr (our research and evaluation team) to create initiatives and programs that are needed. It is a priority for me to provide a redesigned internship program for new mental health professionals that are looking for an internship program that provides services to under served children, families, and communities.

What is most important for readers to know about the children your team serves?

In all of my years, I have not heard of or witnessed the traumas that our children and families have endured. My first Children’s Hospital of Michigan meeting consisted of a referral to our team that was absolutely heartbreaking.

Most of our clients come to us with either no insurance or they are underinsured, which correlates poverty as a factor of trauma. I could go on and on about how poverty is connected to systems of oppression, which is connected to white supremacy, which then trickles down into the BIPOC communities… What Starr Behavioral Health is doing with the services that we are providing when it concerns trauma and resiliency, is helping dismantle those broken systems. Our team is creating healing spaces as well as opportunities to learn new and healthy ways of coping. We are breaking down the

stigmas associated with behavioral health within certain communities/cultures. We are healing racial traumas, which in turn, heals families and communities for generations to come.

How can readers help fulfill the mission of Starr Behavioral Health?

Funding is needed to help provide services to clients who come to us without health insurance or who are underinsured. Often, there are some behavioral health services that are not covered by many health insurances companies.

If the readers are able to contribute financially or steer us towards other funding/grant opportunities, Starr Behavioral Health clients would be very grateful.

You Can Help!

Starr Behavioral Health’s services provide social, emotional, and educational resources for children and families across the state of Michigan. Starr builds resilience for all children, even those who have experienced:

• Neglect and/or removal from biological/foster family

• Physical/psychological/sexual abuse

• Prenatal exposure to alcohol/drugs

• Exposure to domestic/community violence

Starr Behavioral Health needs your help to provide clients and their families with every day essentials they need. Check out our Amazon wishlist and support those in need today at:

starr.org/sbh-wishlist

Planned Giving

Most of what Starr is able to do for children, we can’t do as individuals. If you believe in doing good, if you want to be committed to children, Starr just makes sense. That’s what real change is about— meeting the needs of others that individuals can’t meet alone.”

– Joe Stewart

Each day, we are moved by the generosity of donors—each Driven to Heal children. It is our responsibility to convey our gratitude and to remind you that your gift matters. To all who give, thank you!

You have made a great impact, now leave your legacy.

Including Starr Commonwealth in your estate plans ensures your commitment to the children, families, and communities we serve for years to come. Thank you for being Driven to Heal and fostering healing in future generations. Learn more at starr.org/my-legacy.

In Honor/Memorial Gifts

September 1, 2021 through June 3, 2022

IN HONOR OF:

VIVIAN DAVIS

Mr. and Mrs. David Farley

Professors John and Donna Williams

GEORGE D. GOODMAN

Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Puttkammer

RAYMOND OPEZZO

Rosie Wilkins

CHRIS PARKE

Beverly Parke

Anonymous

CAELAN K. SOMA

Ms. Patricia Guarino

STARR STAFF

Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson II

ELTA H. STARR

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Richey

KONNER & GARRETT VOIGT

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Voigt

IN MEMORY OF:

STANLEY ALLEN

Ms. Patricia J. Bissell

Miss Carla Burlage

Mr. Michael Young and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Carey

Ms. Shirley A. Daniels

Mr. Douglas D. Fuller

Dr. and Mrs. James E. Longhurst

Mr. and Mrs. Toren Luloff

Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell

Ms. Elizabeth A. Opp

Mr. and Mrs. Steven D. Schirm

Starr Anonymous

Mr. Eddie Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Voigt

JANNA BRENDTRO

Mr. Michael Young and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Carey

Dr. and Mrs. James E. Longhurst

Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell

Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Voigt

RALPH CAREY

Dr. James Crowfoot and Ms. Ruth Carey

DAVID COLE

Dr. Edie Cole

MAURICE N. DAVIS

Mr. Richard Ressler and Mrs. Rebecca Davis

MARGUERITE W. ENDRES

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Demarchis

BETTY FAIRCLOTH

Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness

ROBERT FALL

Mr. Ivan B. Fall

TOM FRANKE

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Voigt

WILLIAM R. GENTER

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Amundsen

WILLIAM F. HERMANN

Mrs. Dorothy Hermann

JOHN & BARBARA HUDSON

Mr. John W. Hudson

CLAUDE E. KANTNER

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kantner

ROSA AIDA LASALA

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Amundsen

Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness

DONALD H. LILJE

Ms. Betty A. Lilje

R. BRADNER MEAD

Ms. Pam J. Davis

GLADYS & GEORGE MESLER

Dr. Linda M. Muul

LINDA MICH

Mrs. Lorraine Mich

BRYAN MOORE

Mr. James M. Moore

LOVELLA PATTERSON

Mrs. Joy Ferguson

MARGARET M. PETSCH

Mrs. Marian M. Wood

JOSEPH RANEY

Mrs. Connie Raney

GERALD D. ROBINSON

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cass

Mrs. Mary Ann Davis

MARION ROBINSON

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cass

Mrs. Mary Ann Davis

VIRGINIA SLAVENS

Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness

RICHARD I. SPENCE

Mrs. Nancy Spence

“UNCLE” Floyd STARR

Mr. and Mrs. Ted F. Johnson

SYLVIA STARR RICHEY

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Richey

PAUL STEARNS

Mrs. Libby Stearns

MARY THORNE

Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Mason

BARBARA TOUSEY

Mr. William H. Tousey

JEAN L. TROTTER

Mr. Reginald S. Trotter

ALEXANDER TRYBULSKI

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Voigt

HERBERT & ORVA S. VELTMAN

Ms. Gloria Veltman

PHYLLIS M. WEISSINGER

Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey C. Carrier

Mrs. Connie Raney

ERVIN J. & HELEN A. WILEE

Ms. Marilyn J. Heiling