Starr News Autumn 2011 by BluFish

Starr News A

STARR

COMMONWE ALTH

2 0 1 1

SERVI NG

6 8

CH ILDREN

AND

FAMILI ES

P R O G R A M S

F O R

Y O U T H

SI NCE

1913

Inside:

Wes Moore speaks at Founder’s Day TLC at Work Wonder Dad Hero

L E A D E R

I N

T R A N S F O R M A T I O N A L

Re s i d e n t i a l

–

Co m m u n i t y - b a s e d

–

Pr o f e s s i o n a l

A N D

F A M I L I E S

Tr a i n i n g s

Starr News Contents 3

President’s Message

Founder’s Day 2011

Meet Our Staff

TLC at Work (Interview)

10 Scholarships 2011 12 Relieving Holiday Stress 13 George Wilson,

TLC at work See Page 8

Wes Moore speaking at Founder’s Day See Page 4

Distinguished Alumni Award 15 Wonder Dad Hero 16 Commonwealthalia 17 Honor/Memorial Gifts 18 Thank You 19 Chaplain’s Letter

Mission: Create positive environments where children flourish.

Starr News

Autumn, 2011 Volume 68, No. 3

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, Detroit, and Clinton Township, MI.; Van Wert, and Columbus, 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; Wm. Chuck Jackson, MA, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer; Christopher L. Smith, B.B.A., C.P.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Gary Q. Tester, MRC, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer; Elizabeth A. Carey, MSW, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Administrative Services Officer. 13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, MI 49224-9525 517.629.5591 info@starr.org Editorial Staff: Dana Jacob, Communications Director; Becky Domingo, Marketing Manager

e are incredibly fortunate every year to reflect back on our

Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D. President/ CEO

Founder’s Day with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Our students have shown tremendous growth academically and

therapeutically, while our alumni are succeeding in college and in their careers. We also are so grateful for the tremendous speakers who have visited our campus and witnessed for themselves the fantastic work that takes place here with our residential program and in all our community-based programs throughout Michigan and Ohio. This year’s visit from Wes Moore is no exception. Founder’s Day allows us to showcase our programs, students and staff to the guests on our campus. Starr Commonwealth also has been fortunate to learn valuable lessons from those visitors as well. This year, Wes Moore reminded us that the environment is very important. An environment that encourages healthy decisions and is supportive and connected is essential to the development of youth. What Wes added to this, is that we all must do more to ensure that we’re not only creating positive environments where children flourish, but that we also are setting the expectations high. Children will fulfill the expectations we have set for them. If we set that bar low, what motivation do they have to reach their highest potential? It is important that we set our expectations high, but attainable, and remind youth frequently that we believe in their strengths and their personal area of genius. As Wes said on Founder’s Day, “The only way we can make it is if other people are there to push us.” Please keep this in mind during your interactions with youth. Help them see their worth and push them toward their potential. We all have a responsibility in this mission. I wish you all a blessed holiday season full of warmth, love and the people who bring you joy.

Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D., President/ CEO

Starr News

This is a place where second chances grow. With an infectious smile and his charismatic, approachable, caring demeanor, Wes Moore walked into a room of youth he had never met at Starr Commonwealthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Some of the adolescents, like Milan, came from troubled pasts and are now at Starr Commonwealth in lieu of a more secure detention center or jail. Others, like Izzy, are at Montcalm School, where they work to overcome academic, emotional and behavioral challenges that fracture their family. Moore, an author, veteran and youth advocate, displayed genuine interest in the stories the youth shared about their pasts and hopes for the future. He later answered their questions before taking the stage to speak to a crowd of several hundred staff, students, parents, alumni, donors, board members and other supporters.

Moore displayed genuine interest in the stories the youth shared about their pasts and hopes for the future.

The All Starr Choir performed

Starr News

“Young people are literally a decision away. They’re right at that line between greatness and devastation,” said Moore, who was a troubled Baltimore youth some believed to be destined for a life of bad grades and delinquency. Fortunately, he had a network of caring, supportive adults – mainly his mother – who refused to let him fail. “The only way we can make it is if other people are there to push us,” Moore said during the program. “My mother once said to me, ‘I didn’t give birth to you because I needed another friend.’” Unfortunately, there was a similar young man about the same age with the exact same name, in the same neighborhood, and also from a single-parent home who did not have that support. This Wes Moore was convicted of murdering an off-duty police officer and is serving a life sentence in prison. In his book, The Other Wes Moore, Moore parallels the lives of himself and the other Moore. He said the book and his life are about showing the importance of decisions and the influence others have on those decisions. “Society is full of ‘others,’ but you believe at Starr there is no such thing as a throw away. We are products of our expectations, not our environment,” he said. “And people can achieve when they are surrounded by high expectations.” Moore was very impressed with the youth he met while on campus and was proud to hear about their plans for the future. Each of the students he met that day said they will be attending college. “The beauty of Starr isn’t that it’s celebrating its 98th year, or that treatment is effective, or that it has a high graduation rate,” he said. “The beauty of Starr Commonwealth is in the stories of the youth, like Izzy and Milan, and all the students I met today.”

Wes Moore and CEO Martin Mitchell after presenting Moore with the Child Advocacy Award

In his book, The Other Wes Moore, Moore parallels the lives of himself and the other Moore.

“We need to know how we can do more to make sure second chances matter and that they mean something,” he added. “And this is a place where second chances can grow.”

Starr News

MEET OUR STAFF: Veronica Burroughs, MA, LISW-S

Foster Care programs throughout the country face an ever-increasing need for foster care homes ready to accept and help children presenting behavioral and mental health concerns. In January 2010, Ohio reported 7,900 children were placed in licensed foster homes. Veronica Burroughs, Assistant Director of Starr Columbus’ Treatment Foster Care program, is faced with not only ensuring compliance, providing supervision and reviewing assessments and case plans, but she must also actively recruit new foster parents, facilitating program growth and matching the demand for foster homes.

Burroughs came to Starr Commonwealth in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree from DePaul University and a Master of Arts from Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. Although her career began with providing drug and alcohol counseling to adults, Burroughs states, “after several years I decided I wanted to work with the youth population.” Burroughs enjoys the stories of resiliency and success of foster youth. “The youth are truly remarkable. It always amazes me to see how resilient a child can be in the face of horrible abuse and neglect,” she said. Burroughs feels that foster care can be a very rewarding field. She says she has learned “to not feel sorry for the children but to appreciate them for the skills they have learned and the strength they use to cope with adversity.” Starr Columbus’ foster care network consists of 24 foster homes currently serving 48 foster youth. The program is fortunate to have a very committed and talented group of foster parents. “We tend to be known for taking and maintaining some of the most difficult children. Our foster families are willing to take kids who have disrupted other foster homes and work with them until they meet their goals,” Burroughs said. Starr Columbus’ foster parents “work very well with their therapists to understand the challenges youth face and how they can help to meet their needs,” she added. “I love talking to them about the youth they care for; they always focus on strengths, even in some of the most trying circumstances.” In her position, Burroughs is responsible for keeping abreast of topics affecting foster care, including local policy changes, new treatments and present issues influencing youth. Currently, Burroughs is researching how Starr can continue to provide a foundation ensuring youth become healthy, productive members of our community once they have transitioned out of foster care. (continued on page 11)

Starr News

Continue your legacy of giving with an IRA gift.

As a friend of Starr Commonwealth, you have shown your compassion for the children we serve. And with the approach of the year’s end, we would like to share some tax-wise approaches that some of our donors have chosen to help our children. If you are 70 ½ or older and you don’t need your required IRA distribution for living expenses, a direct charitable distribution can be a convenient way to support the children of Starr Commonwealth. A charitable distribution from your IRA may also offer tax savings for you. Unfortunately, a combination of death, income and even generation-skipping transfer taxes can take 70 percent or more from your retirement accounts at death, leaving little remaining for your heirs. The good news is that the Pension Protection Act still allows you to make a gift to Starr Commonwealth with funds transferred directly from your IRA. You won’t pay any taxes on the amounts transferred, and you can transfer any amount up to $100,000 on or before December 31, 2011. Here’s how to do it: Contact your plan administrator and tell them that you’d like to make a direct charitable distribution from your Individual Retirement Account to Starr Commonwealth and to add your name and address as the donor of record in connection with the gift. They will send the gift directly to Starr Commonwealth, and you will receive a written acknowledgment. Contact Starr’s Development Office at 800.837.5591 for assistance with your IRA Distribution. Starr News

TLC AT WORK See how one therapist is using TLC tools with her practice Cherie Spehar, MSW, LCSW, CTS

As a program of the Starr Institute for Training, The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children's (TLC) mission is to bring out the best in every traumatized child by creating environments where children can flourish. Currently, more than 6,000 TLC Certified Trauma and Loss School Specialists and Clinical Specialists located worldwide provide TLC interventions and resources to children, adolescents, families, schools and communities daily. To learn more about TLC, visit www.starrtraining.org/tlc.

We wanted to learn a little more about what it means to be TLC Certified, including the benefits of doing so, and how children around the world are benefiting from TLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensory-based interventions. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk more with Cherie Spehar, MSW, LCSW, CTS, who currently owns a private practice in North Carolina. You can also learn more about Cherie at www.smilingspiritpathways.com. Q: Tell us about your profession. How long have you been licensed and practicing? A: As a child and family therapist and play therapist, I provide trauma-informed care, child and family therapy, play therapy, and group interventions. I also conduct workshops on grief, trauma, loss, resilience, parenting and motherhood, locally and nationally. Having been in practice since 1995 in various settings, I received my Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in social work in 1997, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2001. I am also a Certified Trauma Specialist via TLC and have recently completed the requirements for a Certified Trauma Consultant. Q: Describe your clients and those who are benefitting from TLC interventions? A: My clients are generally ages 4-17, and I also work with adult women. Most have been affected by some form of emotional, situational or developmental trauma or traumatic stress. The most common issues include painful experiences such as sexual abuse, medical illnesses, situational anxieties and phobias, traumatic life events, parental inheritance trauma (abuse/neglect), suicide, death, accidents, bullying and more. Q: What attracted you to TLC and made you want to pursue certification? A: I was immediately drawn to TLC because of its commitment to children and solid, evidence-based, trauma-informed care. I found a place that not only had the science, but the heart to match the interventions! Dr. William Steele and Caelan Kuban have a way of conveying the utmost compassion for children, while blending that with best-practice methods to make their healing tools safe, immensely effective, and positive. When I saw this in action, there was no question that I was going to pursue certification because it was a process I believed in. I wanted to have the best, gentlest, most sound information and tools available so that I, in turn, could offer that kind of care to the children and families I serve.

Starr News

Q: How have TLC resources and tools been helpful to you? A: From the very first course I took to begin my certifications (Children of Trauma), I was actively using the information in practice. That one course alone provided new language for me to â&#x20AC;&#x153;teach traumaâ&#x20AC;? in a way that made even more sense for parents and children. Upon completing my certification, I was so convinced of the efficacy of TLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interventive process that I purchased the programs for various ages and supplemental materials and began to weave them into my existing intervention strategies. Because I have most of the TLC manuals and have tested them out, I can say that each one works. I have witnessed near miraculous transformations of the most painful wounds for both parents and children. The adult program is also outstanding and completely supports my work with wounded women and mothers. What is even more helpful is that it also makes space for the blending of other Because I have most interventive strategies, like of the TLC manuals play therapy, for example.

and have tested them out, I can say that each one works.

Q: What would you want other professionals to know about TLC? A: TLC is on the cutting edge of implementing neuroscience in a way that heals gently yet profoundly. Further, TLC is the best, most solid source of trauma-informed practice information available. It is a resource for professionals as well as parents, caregivers and those currently in the healing process. Aside from that, TLC offers outstanding training to inform the care of your clients. There is nowhere else one can receive the dedicated attention, outstanding learning, and personal/professional growth in this essential knowledge. The certification process itself will be professionally and personally transforming, and it will also demonstrate to your clients that you are fully committed to providing them with the best treatment options available.

Starr News

Starr Commonwealth is committed to helping children and families succeed. Our educational and treatment programs are just a start. Many students want to continue their education, and we are able to help their dreams come true through many scholarship funds. We encourage our Starr and Montcalm alumni to apply for scholarships, and we try our best to assist them in their educational needs.

Quentin, a student at the University of Akron, is one of the Starr alumni who attended Founder’s Day this year and brought a guest.

SCHOLARSHIPS 2011 Thank you to all the generous donors and friends who support Starr with scholarship gifts that make our students' continued success possible. This year, we awarded more than 40 students with scholarships valued at more than $200,000.

Starr Commonwealth Scholarships: • Charles & Evelyn Munford Scholarship • Christian & Emma L. Breisch Scholarship • Clyde & Kathy LeTarte Scholarship Endowment • Collins Carter Scholarship • Dwight & Jane Weber Scholarship • Earl F. & V. Eileen Payne Scholarship • F. Floyd Kent Scholarship • Floyd Starr Scholarship • Frederick J. & Anne I. Raisch Scholarship • Harry C. Moores Scholarship • Herbert J. & Ruth Ann Richmond Scholarship

Starr News

• • • • • • • • • • •

John D. & Ruth Gillman Scholarship Lou Ann & Russ Mawby Scholarship Mildred J. Carter Scholarship Miriam & Samuel Crowder Scholarship Richard A. & Clara M. Patterson Scholarship Endowment Ruth N. & William B. Pierce Scholarship Thomas Franke Scholarship Thomas Metz Kent Scholarship Thomas T. Lloyd Scholarship Timothy A. Ness Scholarship Wayne L. Yanz Scholarship

2011-12 Starr Commonwealth Scholarship Recipients

Chuck Jackson, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, presented Allison with her scholarship certificate.

The following Starr and Montcalm alumni are receiving scholarship funds to assist with the costs of furthering their education at the schools and universities of their choice. David, Madison Media Institute Johnie, Lawrence Technological University Michael, Western Michigan University Bethami, DePaul University Dane, University of Iowa Ian, ITT Technical Institute Caitlin, Miami University (Ohio) Salimah, Everest Institute Bernardo, Murray State University Sarah, Central Michigan University Amber, Ferris State University Daniel, Kellogg Community College Anne, Bluffton University Janet, Kendall School of Art & Design Michael, Wayne State University Sarah, Wayne County Community College Tyler, Michigan State University Mason, Misericordia University Ryann, Northeastern Illinois University Frank, University of Phoenix Rodney, University of Toledo Gavin, Longwood University Alex, Gannon University Cameron, Durham Technical College Linda, Eastern Kentucky University

Gregory, Kettering University Nina, Indiana University Stephanie, Macomb Community College Allison, Albion College Michael, Ohio Dominican University Kevin, Kalamazoo Valley Community College Mark, Foothills Community College Lanier, University of Michigan-Dearborn Kyle, Wayne State University Sarah, Schoolcraft Community College Leif, Hocking College Amanda, Missouri Baptist University Henry, University of Akron Kadeem, Wayne State University David, Framingham State University Cierra, Michigan State University Kurt, Albion College Allison, Baker College-Flint Anthony, University of Northwestern Ohio Jermaine, Wayne County Community College Lukina, Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine Quentin, University of Akron Daniel, Western Michigan University

(Veronica Burroughs continued)

Burroughs enjoys seeing families unite, whether through adoption or biological families working with therapists and case managers ensuring their child’s return. She credits the foster care team, which includes foster parents, administrators and staff that support her work, with the success of the program and youth. “We have a lot of great people here who give advice, provide a laugh and teach so much. This has been a growth experience for me, and I look forward to my continued growth at Starr,” said Burroughs. In her spare time, Burroughs keeps busy with her 2 ½-year-old son, Silas. “He keeps me busy when I’m not at work,” she shares. She also enjoys reading and has helped to coordinate a Starr Columbus book club. To learn more about Starr Columbus’ Treatment Foster Care program, visit www.starrfostercare.org or call 614.491.5784. Starr News

19 1

Tips for relieving holiday stress The holiday season can be one full of joy and memories to last a lifetime, but it is easy to get overwhelmed, frustrated and anxious these last few months of the year with the constant flow of marketing and advertisements about holiday deals. Parents of children and teens are most likely to worry about creating the perfect holiday for their families at the expense of others and themselves. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” shows what can happen when one father tries too hard to plan the perfect family holiday gathering. We can’t ensure you a stress-free holiday season, but we can provide some tips for making these festive times a little jollier: You are not alone. First, understand that holidays are stressful, for one reason or another, for everyone! It’s a good idea to talk about the holiday, its meaning and what you value together. Put things in perspective, including expectations about the receiving and giving of gifts. Slow down and relax. We always look back to the “perfect” holidays we experienced as a child. Keep in mind that there was much that we didn’t see as a child – namely the planning and preparation – the cooking of meals, organizing of activities, the budget concerns and so on. That’s hard work. A lot of stress comes from trying to recreate what we remember as being “perfect.” Instead, take breaks, be patient with others, especially your children. Remember that even though the day may have flaws, children tend to remember the joy, smiles and warmth, not the perfectly coordinated wrapping paper or the pristinely shined silverware.

1 24

Starr News

Focus on people. People can stress themselves and family members by being so focused on creating the best time for everyone. Tell and listen to stories, watch movies, etc. Parents can lead by example by complimenting others, asking about others. How about bringing out a family album, a deck of cards or a board game? The holidays are about spending time together. Think before reacting too quickly. Don’t expect that problems in relationships are going to magically vanish during the holidays. Sometimes, because our expectations for the perfect holiday get so out of whack, normal conflicts get blown out of proportion and end up spiraling out of control. You will be surprised what a difference five seconds can make in how you can see and feel about things in a more positive, understanding light. Take time for yourself. Take a walk, a nap or both. All the extra meal preparation, shopping, wrapping, celebrating and entertaining can take a toll. Remember, this is your holiday, too. Don’t lose sight of the memories to be made. Someday you will want to remember reading a special holiday story to your children, instead of having spent all your time and energy on the details.

George Wilson – 2011 Distinguished Alumni Distinguished alumni are individuals who model Starr Commonwealth’s Core Values and embrace the principle of the Oneness of Humankind. Recipients of the Award provide an inspiration for current Starr students and serve as ambassadors for the organization. This year, Starr recognized Mr. George Wilson as the 2011 Distinguished Alumni at Starr’s Founder’s Day celebration.

George Wilson with Starr students after being presented with the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award

Mr. Wilson has been employed for the past 30 years as a licensed multi-line independent insurance agent and is a former award-winning broadcast journalist in both radio and television. He is also a contract commercial voice artist for local, national and international media companies. Mr. Wilson is active in church and civic events, with emphasis on the National Day of Prayer, serving as the regional coordinator and the co-chairman for the local event. He volunteers as a consultant to men's ministry in mentoring and disciple programs and is a motivational speaker on the subject of time management and core values. He has been married to his wife, Carol, for 25 years, and they have a blended family with three children and five grandchildren. As a proud Starr alumnus, Mr. Wilson is President of the Alumni Association, a Trustee, and co-chairman of the Development Committee. Past recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award are: Mr. Michael Amundsen, 1999; Dr. Wiley Brownlee, 1999; Dr. James Pelt, 2000; Mr. Gerald Robinson, 2000; Dr. John Seita, 2001; Mrs. Nicole Collins, 2003; Dr. Robert Failing, 2006; and Mr. Stanley Allen, 2008. Starr News

A great holiday gift. Here’s the perfect opportunity to honor a student, alumni, foster child, foster parent or Starr staff and tell the world of your support for them and Starr Commonwealth. When you reserve a commemorative brick, bench or picnic table, you get to choose the Starr campus – Albion or Columbus – where you’d like it displayed. You also get to choose the message you’d like engraved, and your tax-deductible charitable contribution will help our campuses remain beautiful, comfortable and easily accessible for all. Take a minute now to fill out the attached order form below and own a piece of the walk. Please return the form below along with payment to: Starr Commonwealth, 13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd., Albion, MI 49224

Official Order Form Designate a Campus: ___Albion Campus ___Columbus Campus

Mr. & Mrs.

Mr.

Mrs.

Ms.

Miss _________________________________________________________________ Your Name Daytime Phone e-mail

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address

City

Designation: ___Memorial

___Honor

___Chapel

___4"x 8" Bricks (1 to 3 lines) at $100/each = _________ ___8"x 8" Bricks (1 to 6 lines) at $200/each = _________ ___Bench at $2000/each

= _________

(1-4 lines; 25 spaces) ___Picnic Table at $1500/each

= _________

(1-4 lines; 25 spaces) Total Donation _________ Please bill my ___VISA

___MC

___AMEX

___ Check enclosed

____________________________________________ Card #

____________________________________________ Expiration Date

State

Zip

___Employee ___Alumni Here’s the text for my engraving. Up to 15 characters per line including spaces and punctuation. Use “&” for “and” to save space.

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnn #2 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n #3 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n #4 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n #5 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n #6 n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n #1

As foster parents through Starr Detroit over the past 8 years, Christopher and Donna Battle have fostered seven children, adopted two former foster children and are currently fostering another child. As foster parents who are described by their licensing worker, John Dodge, as “wonderful foster parents who are very dedicated to the well-being of children,” it should come as no surprise that Christopher Battle is regarded as a hero. In June 2011, Battle was crowned “Wonder Dad Hero” for Father’s Day by the Wonder Bread Company as part of its effort to honor “Everyday Heroes.” Nominated by a former employee and friend of the family, Battle was chosen due to his extraordinary contribution to his family and foster children. The Battles became interested in foster care during a foster care presentation at their church. They learned of the need for foster homes, specifically for minority children, and wanted to help. As Christopher stated, “We believe that providing foster care is a vitally important investment in our future. Everyone can do it.” Unaware of the nomination, Battle was skeptical when originally contacted regarding the honor. He said, “My wife and I, we like to serve and help in the background. To be pushed to the forefront was a bit of a stretch for our personalities.” Not surprising though, Battle credited his children as his inspiration stating, “They have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.”

DAD

HERO Christopher Battle and family

The Wonder Bread Company provided the Battle’s with a cash award and an all-expense-paid weekend trip to New York City. Their first trip to the city, Christopher and Donna were thrilled to find their hotel on Times Square with a view of the New Year’s Eve ball from their room. Their “parents only” weekend included being pampered with a spa treatment at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, a massage and tickets to see “Wicked” on Broadway. Regarding the honor and its effect on their lives, Christopher states, “When challenged with the acute needs of our children, I reflect on the award as a reminder that this is what I am supposed to be doing. Kids are put in these situations not of their own doing. I am here to help.” Battle feels that “not enough media attention is given to the positive stories on foster children and parents providing loving homes to kids in need.” He credits the staff of Starr Detroit for “keeping us going.” He states, “We appreciate the assistance and trust we have with Starr. The Starr foster care staff deserves just as much recognition.” The Battles plan to continue fostering and are proud to stay in contact with former foster children, helping them after aging out of the system. Battle explained, “Specifically, for one of our former foster daughters who is now 21 years old. To her, our home is always ‘home.’” For more information on Starr Detroit programs, including Foster Care, visit www.starr.org/detroit or call 313.794.4447. Starr News

by Amy Reimann, Director of Archives and Alumni Affairs

This past Founder’s Day, a true treasure appeared in attendance at the alumni meeting.Roselle Chilson Havens, daughter of Leslie Chilson, arrived with her daughter and tote of scrapbooks in tow.Leslie, one of the first 13 boys to help form what became Starr Commonwealth, had been lucky enough to raise a daughter who can put many professional genealogists and historical researchers to shame. Roselle has chronicled not only her father’s personal history, but also that of many of her ancestors.

Roselle Chilson Havens at Founder’s Day 2011

The Starr Commonwealth Archives have many personal stories contained within, but much of the early ones were lost in a school fire in 1936. Piecing together what remains can be a sometimes arduous and futile task. Roselle has helped fill in the gap of at least one more of our earliest stories. Leslie Theron Chilson, the second child and only son of Carrie and Theron Chilson, was born June 1, 1899 in Baroda Township, Michigan, 14 years after his older sister Ethel. Les’s mother suffered from heart disease and passed away when he was only 11 years old. Devastated by this loss, Leslie became incorrigible and uncontrollable to his family. He was placed in the Beulah Land Farm for Boys near Boyne City. Shortly after, the home closed and Floyd Starr, then the assistant director, was charged with placing the 50 boys in other Midwestern homes and institutions. Leslie was one of the 13 boys Floyd brought with him to the farm outside Albion to help build the new Commonwealth for Boys.

Starr News

1 Starr Commonwealth school group, 1914. Leslie Chilson is circled in back row. 2 Leslie Chilson, Army photograph, 1917. 3 Chilson Family 1941. Back Row: Roselle, age 13. Seated: Christine, age 38, John, age 4, Leslie, age 42 and Barbara age 8.

Les left Starr on May 31, 1915 to Galien, Michigan, where he eventually returned to high school. He enlisted in the Army in 1917 to serve in the Great War, and was sent to training at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. His unit was sent to France, but by the time they arrived, the war had ended and they were sent home. Les stayed on the east coast where he eventually met and married Christine Campagna. They had three children – Roselle, Barbara and Johnny. Johnny died at age 7 after being hit by a coal truck. The family relocated around the Midwest, with Les eventually retiring from Clark Equipment company in Buchanan.

SPECIAL REMEMBRANCES Honor and Memorial Gifts HONOR GIFTS are thoughtful ways to remember a special person and/or a special occasion, such as a new 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 acknowledgement card to let them know of your thoughtfulness, but we won’t mention the gift amount. You may call in your honor gift for faster acknowledgement at: 800.837.5591. Honor gifts also may be made online at: www.starr.org.

We are very grateful to Roselle for preserving and allowing the Starr archives to share in her father’s history. If you have an alumni story to share with the Starr Archives, please contact Amy Reimann, Director of Archives & Alumni Affairs, at 517.629.5591 or reimanna@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 Commonwealth. When sending a memorial gift, please provide the address of a family member of the deceased to whom we can send an acknowledgement 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 acknowledgement at: 800.837.5591. Memorial donations also may be made online at: www.starr.org.

We guard your privacy.

Here is a listing of Honor and Memorial gifts received from 07/26/2011 to 11/6/2011. 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.

Starr Commonwealth does not sell or trade donor contact information. We do recognize and celebrate our donors’ contributions by using their names in various publications. If you would like your gift to remain anonymous, please let us know. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Development Office at 800.837.5591, ext. 2436 or info@starr.org..

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: SUSAN L. BEAZLEY Mrs. Sylvia S. Richey TESSA R. BOLON Mr. Robert L. Combs LAUREN BRIEDENBAUGH Mrs. Mary J. Giblin MARGARET BROWN Mr. Prentiss M. Brown, Jr. DAVID AND EDIE COLE Mr. and Mrs. Harold L. Walters KAREN KIRCH Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Kirch WILLIAM KURKOWSKI Mrs. William Kurkowski

JACK AND SHIRLEY LAWLER Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness WALTER LUDWIG Mr. and Mrs. Louis Morel CORINNE J. OLSON Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Olson KENNETH T. PONDS Mr. and Mrs. Scott Jacob JEREMY REYNOLDS Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Kirch MADDY SHAW Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Shaw LINDSAY SMITH Mr. and Mrs. Louis Morel (continued on next page)

Starr News

Honor/ Memorial Gifts continued

IN MEMORY OF: MIRIAM A. ABBOTT Mr. and Mrs. A. Read HELEN BERRY Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fisher DR. DONALD L. BROWN Ms. Saundra Broadnax Ms. Veronica Burroughs Mrs. Elizabeth Carey and Mr. Michael Young Mrs. Lisa Chakroff Mrs. Bette D. Hawks Ms. Debra Hilliard Ms. Nancy Hughes Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Kilbane Ms. Betty Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. Clarence A. Nowlin Mr. and Mrs. Okpara Rice Ms. Julie Shea-Gordon Ms. Diann E. Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tate KITSA CHUCALES Mr. George T. Chucales JEAN M. CROWE Ms. Margaret Armstrong Mr. and Mrs. Bruce H. Atwell Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cobb Ms. Jane W. Coon Mr. and Mrs. Frederick J. Douglas Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Edison Ms. Marilyn Egan-Bokor Ms. Virginia Flock Ms. Ginny Gamber Ms. Lillian A. Hastings Mr. and Mrs. Wayne A. Kady Ms. Millie Lower Ms. Janice J. Mitchell Ms. Andrea Sheridan Ms. Patricia Symons Mr. Jeremy Taylor Mr. and Mrs. William C. Turland Ms. Fay Van Wormer Mr. and Mrs. Bill Westcott MAURICE N. DAVIS Mrs. Rebecca Davis JUSTINA DEIGHTON Dr. George H. Lauff FRED W. ENTENMAN Mrs. Mary A. Parker JAMES O. FALL Mr. Ivan Fall MR. AND MRS. DALE M. GRANGER Miss Diane M. Granger LLOYD GROSS Mrs. Mildred Williams VIRGINIA KLINE Mr. John H. Kline BETTY J. KNIGHT Mr. Lial Knight

Starr News

HENRY KONKLE Mr. and Mrs. Victor S. Burstein EVON LAMAN Mr. James W. Ochs LOUISA LANGE Dr. and Mrs. Alfred L. Britt Mrs. Ada Mead BERNARD J. LAUFF Dr. George H. Lauff JOHN TERRENCE LEACH Mrs. Lucille Leach SELMAR AND FRANCIE LEHMANN Miss M. Drue Lehmann JESSIE LONGHURST Dr. and Mrs. James E. Longhurst CHARLES W. MALTBY Mrs. Katie Maltby MARIAN B. MATHEWS Mr. and Mrs. Lynn S. Mathews MURIEL J. MCCUNE Ms. Laverne M. Brown Ms. Jean M. Koss Mr. and Mrs. Gordon J. Mason MAX L. MITCHELL Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery W. Conley ERNESTINE J. NEARPASS Mr. and Mrs. Harley Dodge Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell Ms. Elsie Williamson MARION OCHS Mr. James W. Ochs CLARA MAXINE PATTERSON Mr. Richard A. Patterson HENRY SALESKI Ms. Lois Veith DR. LARRY W. SIMPSON Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert R. Ashbridge Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bell Ms. Saundra Broadnax Ms. Veronica Burroughs Mrs. Elizabeth Carey and Mr. Michael Young

Mrs. Lisa Chakroff Mr. and Mrs. Julian Currie Mr. and Mrs. Elwood A. Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Chris Franckhauser Mrs. Bette D. Hawks Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hermes Ms. Debra Hilliard Ms. Sharon Hinshaw Ms. Nancy Hughes Mr. Charles A. Kerwood, III Ms. Betty Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. Clarence A. Nowlin Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin T. Owings Ms. Arlene M. Pohlman Mr. and Mrs. H. Wayne Potter Mr. and Mrs. Okpara Rice Mr. and Mrs. Ed Schoonmaker Ms. Anne Seibel Ms. Julie Shea-Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Lanny E. Showers Ms. Diann E. Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tate Waller Financial Planning Group, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Fred T. Ward, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Tim Wetzel "UNCLE" FLOYD STARR Mr. and Mrs. John R. Dickerson ELTA HELEN ARBER STARR Mrs. Sylvia S. Richey MR. AND MRS. SYDNEY H. WARDELL Mr. and Mrs. Ronald S. Wardell ROBERT A. WEBER Mrs. Mary L. Weber WERNER WIBERG Mrs. Joyce Wiberg RALPH WILLIAMSON Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery W. Conley PHILIP JOHN WRIGHT Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Allen Names appearing in green denote gifts designated for Starr Columbusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hannah Neil Center

You think the world of kids. Our friends and supporters continue to understand the incredible success stories that Starr Commonwealth is helping to write for formerly troubled youth and vulnerable families. Because of you, our generous donors, we received more than 125 gifts valuing more than $10,000 in donations from our latest appeal. We thank you for your ongoing investment in our mission and vision. We think the world of kids, and apparently you do, too!

C haplain’s M essage Have you ever thought about Heaven? What is it like? Is it a place, or just an idea? If it is a place, is it up in the sky or down here on earth? Perhaps, Heaven exists in another dimension. I don’t know. At the time of writing this, it is autumn in our little part of the world, and autumn has been truly magnificent. So much so that, if my grandfather were still alive today, he would say that “God has been showing off!” The sky has been clear blue; the true colors of the leaves of the trees have been shining through in their reds and yellows and gold; the grass is a deep green; the crops in the fields are turning brown ready to be harvested; the mornings and evenings are cool and the days are warm; the sun shines brightly during the day, and the moon dances with the stars in the crystal clear sky of night. Maybe, this is what Heaven is like. Perhaps, Heaven is like a moment of grace and love. Wes Moore, the author of the New York Times bestseller “The Other Wes Moore,” spoke at this year’s Founder’s Day event. Moore, a youth advocate, entrepreneur and military veteran, told the story of another man who grew up in the same Baltimore, Maryland neighborhood as he did, facing the same challenges he faced, but who experienced a totally different life outcome. One Wes Moore is incarcerated for life, and the other travels around the country, advocating for positive systems that can have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young people. He spoke about the grace and love of a parent whose expectations of him finally led him to turn his life around. This grace and love was not present in the life of the other Wes Moore. As Mr. Moore stated, “A person is not a product of their environment, but of their expectations.” One has to hear what is being said to them, understand the expectations that come with that hearing, take action to meet the expectations that make their dreams come true, and in the process help others to do the same. Grace and love enabled Wes Moore to experience an empowered life, a changed life, a hope-filled life, a connected life, a life of positive expectations – maybe this is what Heaven is like, too.

Watch your gift grow.

Do you work for a company that offers a matching gifts program?

Or, are you retired from a matching gifts company? If so, you could double – maybe even triple – your gifts to Starr Commonwealth children simply by letting us know. Just ask your employer or former employer to provide you with the paperwork you need. Fill it out and send it to Attention: Development Office, Starr Commonwealth, 13725 Starr Commonwealth Road, Albion, MI 49224-9910

Thank you for caring!

Starr News

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #975 Lansing, MI

13725 Starr Commonwealth Road Albion, Michigan 49224 www.starr.org Duplicate mailing? Call (800) 837-5591 Address service requested

Officers

Board of Trustees

Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D. President Chief Executive Officer

Kyle Caldwell, Chair President and CEO Michigan Nonprofit Association Lansing, MI

Wm. Chuck Jackson, MA Executive Vice President Chief Clinical Officer Christopher L. Smith, BBA., CPA Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth A. Carey, MSW Executive Vice President Chief Strategy and Administrative Services Officer Gary Q. Tester, MRC Executive Vice President Chief Development Officer

Lawrence Givens Blackmond and Givens, Inc. Southfield, MI George A. Goodman Ypsilanti, MI

Michael Leach, Vice Chair Chief Financial Officer Nationwide Insurance Columbus, OH

H. Ronald Griffith President (Retired) Baker College of Jackson Jackson, MI

Tom Kolassa, Secretary Senior Vice President Hub International Battle Creek, MI

Jack Kresnak President and CEO Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Children Lansing, MI

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

Dr. Pamela Lemerand Professor Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI

Erick Stewart President Stewart Industries LLC Battle Creek, MI Gary Taylor Owner Taylor Auto Sales Inc. Van Wert, OH Bruce Vande Vusse Attorney Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. Farmington Hills, MI

Diana Starr Langley Montecito, CA Sylvia Starr Richey Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Seal Beach, CA

Arlin E. Ness President Emeritus Anthem, AZ

Locations Trustees Emeritus

Scott Bennett Vice President UBS Financial Services Birmingham, MI Ralph J. Burrell President and CEO SymCon, Inc. Detroit, MI

William C. Rands Managing Partner Sagres Partners, L.P. Grosse Pointe, MI

Michael J. Gable Chief Operating Officer Howard and Howard Royal Oak, MI

Craig Carrel President and Partner Team 1 Plastics Albion, MI

Jon A. Rhoades Vice President (Retired) Central Mutual Insurance Van Wert, OH

George D. Goodman Executive Director (Retired) Michigan Municipal League Ann Arbor, MI

Dr. Velma Clay Director of Equal Employment Opportunity (Retired) Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center Battle Creek, MI

Cornelia Romanowski Educator Shavertown, PA

Dr. Russell G. Mawby Chairman Emeritus W.K. Kellogg Foundation Battle Creek, MI

Honorable John Hallacy District Court Judge 10th District Court Battle Creek, MI

Anne Willson DuprĂŠ Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Toronto, Canada

President Emeritus George Wilson General Agent Wilson Insurance Services Gilbert Wiseman Agency Flint, MI

Albert Little Vice President and Business Development Officer Greenleaf Trust Kalamazoo, MI

Ahmad E. Sinno Chief Information Officer Bricker & Eckler LLC Columbus, OH

Honorary Trustees

Margaret Starr Leutheuser Daughter of Floyd Starr Haverford, PA

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

Michigan: Albion, Battle Creek, Detroit, Clinton Township Ohio: Van Wert, Columbus South Dakota: Lennox