Learn about the root causes of poverty based on scientific evidence. Learn about this proven program that empowers those you serve and utilize existing resources coordinated across all sectors. Marcella Wilson, Ph.D. has over 30 years of extensive experience in healthcare administration, nonprofit management, behavioral health, criminal justice and public sector programming. As CEO and…
For the fourth consecutive year, Starr Commonwealth has been named one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2023 by the NonProfit Times. The leader in providing trauma-informed care and services to children and families was one of 50 organizations recognized as a nonprofit leader in creating quality workplaces. Honorees demonstrate exceptional commitment to…
Albion, Michigan, July 14, 2023 – In its 110th year of local, national, and global service to children and families, Starr Commonwealth will expand its impact by empowering older youth through a new community-based program: F.O.C.U.S. Forward. This leader in providing trauma-informed and resilience-focused services to children, families and communities is thrilled to announce the…
For the fourth consecutive year, Starr Commonwealth has been named one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2023 by the NonProfit Times. The leader in providing trauma-informed care and services to children and families was one of 50 organizations recognized as a nonprofit leader in creating quality workplaces. Honorees demonstrate exceptional commitment to…
In celebration of its 110th anniversary of providing hope and healing to children struggling with the effects of trauma, Starr Commonwealth is launching a year of education, outreach, advocacy and storytelling to celebrate its legacy and broaden its impact. The Albion-based nonprofit got its start in 1913, when a young man named Floyd Starr purchased…
As Michiganders struggle to deal with the aftermath of the shootings at Michigan State University on Feb. 13, many are juggling conflicting emotions: anger, fear, sadness, rage, grief, helplessness and others. That’s all normal in light of the trauma we collectively witnessed Monday night, according to Dr. Caelan Soma, the chief clinical officer for Starr…
Through the generosity of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust (SMBT), Starr Commonwealth was the recipient of gift baskets for students participating in its Student Resiliency and Empowerment Center (REC). Gifts were delivered prior to the holiday break during a celebration and photo opportunity, during which time Southern Michigan Bank & Trust representatives were presented with…
The holiday season is upon us: at home, in the workplace, in our communities, classrooms, and far and wide in the media, online, and in neighborhood stores. This time of year can inspire festive gatherings and activities of joy, togetherness, and heartfelt memories with family and friends. For some, though, the holidays can be a…
Starr Commonwealth has achieved national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA). Upon review of Starr’s policies, procedures and programs over the past three years, COA’s peer review team recommended expedited approval for Starr for meeting all compliance ratings in COA’s fundamental practice standards. The Accreditation Commission has approved this recommendation, confirming Starr…
Starr Commonwealth has been ranked nationally as the 20th best nonprofit to work for in 2022 by The NonProfit Times. This is the third consecutive year the leader in healing trauma and building resilience in children was named to the list, which is compiled in conjunction with Best Companies Group and recognizes organizations that are…
Starr Commonwealth, in partnership with Summit Pointe, Battle Creek Family YMCA, and participating area schools, has opened the Student Resilience and Empowerment Center 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…
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 will provide expertise and guidance to the organization on topics and issues of equity,…
Starr Commonwealth has been awarded $2,400 from the Branch County Community Foundation Forever Fund to enter phase 3 of the Union City Resilient Schools Project, which supports trauma-informed and resilience-focused experiences between students, teachers, administrators, and families to create supportive environments that leads to better outcomes socially, emotionally, and academically. The project began in early…
My name is Sara, I’m an occupational therapist specializing in the treatment of children who have experienced trauma at any stage in development. My focus is addressing regulation through a sensory-based intervention approach. My goal for the work I do with each family is to assist the child and their caregivers in improving their ability…
Welcome to Starr Behavioral Health! My name is Becca Gerlach, and I am the Director of Behavioral Health here at Starr. My specialty areas are LGBTQIA+ adolescents and adults, adult survivors of childhood trauma, and addictions. I also offer clinical consultation and supervision for professionals to help you become a trauma informed clinician or clinic….