2013 annual report
celebrating a century of service to children, families and communities
Starr Commonwealth
Starr Commonwealth Leadership Officers Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D. President Chief Executive Officer Christopher L. Smith, BBA., CPA Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer Wm. Chuck Jackson, MA Executive Vice President Chief Clinical Officer Elizabeth A. Carey, MSW Executive Vice President Chief Strategy Officer Gary Q. Tester, MRC Executive Vice President Chief Development Officer
Governance and Oversight Board attendance for fiscal year 2013 was 71% Starr Commonwealth Board of Trustees meets regularly to review performance measures of our organization, including budgets, fundraising practices, financial policies and program quality.
Percentage of Contributions Spent on Fundraising Starr Commonwealth is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. With a focus on efficiency, Starr is pleased to report that in 2012-13 just 28 cents of each dollar raised was used for fundraising expenses.
Board of Trustees Kyle Caldwell, Chair Program Director Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Flint, MI Honorable John Hallacy, Vice Chair District Court Judge 10th District Court Battle Creek, MI Tom Kolassa, Secretary Senior Vice President Hub International Battle Creek, MI Wally Bakare Vice President/General Manager Charter Communications California Market Los Angeles, CA Scott Bennett Vice President UBS Financial Services Birmingham, MI Craig Carrel President and Partner Team 1 Plastics Albion, MI Doug Clark Senior Vice President Masterworks Poulsbo, WA Joseph Gesmundo Co-Founder AVB, Inc. Kalamazoo, MI Lawrence Givens Blackmond and Givens, Inc. Southfield, MI
George A. Goodman Child Advocate Ypsilanti, MI Laura Koziarski Child Advocate Battle Creek, MI Jack Kresnak Journalist / Child Advocate Livonia, MI Dr. Pamela Lemerand Professor Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI Kenneth Miller Chief Executive Officer Principal Partner Millennium Restaurant Group Kalamazoo, MI Randy Neumann Vice President J.F. Daley, Inc. San Antonio, TX William C. Rands Managing Partner Sagres Partners, L.P. Grosse Pointe, MI
Bruce Vande Vusse Attorney Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. Farmington Hills, MI George Wilson General Agent Wilson Insurance Services Gilbert Wiseman Agency Flint, MI
Trustees Emeritus Margaret Starr Leutheuser Daughter of Floyd Starr Haverford, PA Michael J. Gable Human Resources Executive Orlans Associates, PC Troy, 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
Cornelia Romanowski Educator Shavertown, PA
Honorable Eugene A. Moore Chief Probate Judge (Retired) Oakland County Pontiac, MI
Mary E. Rutan Human Resources Director (Retired) Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
William K. Stoffer Chairman and CEO Albion Machine & Tool Co. Albion, MI
Erick Stewart President Stewart Industries LLC Battle Creek, MI Gary Taylor Owner Taylor Auto Sales Inc. Van Wert, OH
Starr commonwealth - 100 years of impact Mission: Create positive environments where children flourish. Vision: Actively engage with communities worldwide to develop the greatness in every child. 2
Honorary Trustees Anne Willson DuprĂŠ Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Toronto, Canada Diana Starr Langley Montecito, CA Sylvia Starr Richey Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Seal Beach, CA
President Emeritus Arlin E. Ness President Emeritus Anthem, AZ
2013 Annual Report
president’s letter As Starr has responded to continual changes in the human services sector over the past year, the organization’s impact and reach have grown
s an executive team, we have truly been honored to have led Starr Commonwealth’s work of creating positive environments where children flourish in the organization’s centennial year.
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PsychSystems to Starr’s community-based programs. PsychSystems has a strong track record in supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral health issues across Michigan.
In addition to enjoying the celebrations that marked our 100th anniversary, we have made significant progress in positioning Starr for a bright and impactful second century.
The reach and impact of this service is now growing as part of Starr, as we continue to meet children and families where they are with strength-based, person-centered treatment approaches.
As the human services field and the needs of society at large change rapidly, so must Starr and the way it operates. The funding environment in our sector has been very challenging for a number of years, and in 2013 we acted to protect Starr’s long-term sustainability with the closure of some of our programs.
After a remarkable century, Starr has significant assets and capabilities that are being used to bring the Starr approach to thousands of children and families every day.
The decision to close any service that supports vulnerable children is far from easy, but the closures of our Columbus, Ohio, site and some of our community-based programs in Battle Creek, Mich., were necessary to ensure we can continue supporting and growing our other services. We are also pleased that all of the children and families served by these programs were smoothly transferred to other respected service providers. With change comes opportunity, and while some services are scaled back, others grow. Starr Detroit Academy, having launched in 2012 with 526 students K-5, ended 2013 with over 750 students K-6. The school also achieved significant academic gains in its first year, with students achieving an average of 1.4 years of growth in math and 1.1 years of growth in reading. Another major expansion in 2013 was the addition of
These include industry-leading knowledge, highly skilled and committed people, and the movement that began with our founder Floyd Starr in 1913, which continues to transform lives into our second century. Our impact over the decades has been made possible by the generosity of our donors and partners, and as we aim to impact more children, families and communities for years to come, we know such support is vital. We thank all of our supporters for the impact they have had on the lives of the children we serve. Often these are children who have gone without the care and attention they so richly deserve, making the support from Starr and its partners truly life-changing. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D. President & CEO
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Starr Commonwealth
Impacting local communities
Students from Albion and Marshall participated in a youth symposium on Starr’s Albion campus in July 2013.
Last summer, Starr worked with the communities of Albion and Marshall as the two high schools merged
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acing a nearly $1 million deficit, the school board for Albion Public Schools voted in May 2013 to close the district’s high school, a move with impact that reached far beyond the classroom. In an effort to assist displaced students, a subsequent agreement was made for Albion students to transition to the neighboring Marshall Public Schools.
During a May 21 celebration of Starr’s racial healing initiative, Glasswing, Starr hosted guest speaker Tim Wise, a widely known anti-racism advocate. Wise spoke to Starr staff and community members, including school board members and district superintendents, about topics like white privilege and the economic and social implications of racism.
Several members of each community expressed concerns over possible tension between the two areas, largely due to the significant differences in the makeup of each community. Albion’s high school population consists of roughly 65 percent African American students, while Marshall is over 90 percent white.
Having been briefed on the recent events in the Albion and Marshall communities, Wise took the opportunity to provide school administrators in the audience with ideas on how to make a successful transition for students.
Both communities felt it was an issue that needed to be dealt with head-on rather than waiting for a potential problem to occur. 4
Led by the superintendents from both Albion and Marshall, with Wise’s recommendations in mind, a collaboration developed between Starr and Albion College to give students from each school an opportunity to get to know one another on a more personal level. A three-day youth
2013 Annual Report symposium was held July 26-28 with 150 students from both districts. The students had the opportunity to stay in dorms on the Albion College campus, while engaging in many activities throughout the symposium. On July 26, the students came to Starr’s Albion campus, where they participated in adventure education activities, ground initiatives and other team-building exercises. Starr also provided facilitation on July 27 for a presentation called “Operating in a Diverse World.” Students were able to ask questions and talk openly about the transition. “I honestly think it’s going to have
a better impact than we thought,” Raquel Pasienza, a 16-year-old junior from Albion, told the Battle Creek Enquirer. “We’re uniting everyone, so everyone’s getting to know each other and understand each other. At first, I thought it was going to be kind of strange (rooming with a Marshall student). But I feel like, me and her, we’re beginning to get pretty close.” Landrie Long, a 15-year-old sophomore from Marshall, said the process should be a smooth one because Marshall students would welcome those from Albion with open arms. “We had a lot of great discussions about the worries that everyone had,”
Long said. “The transition this fall should be easy.” Since 1997 Starr has offered racial healing seminars to employees and the surrounding communities. This powerful belief in the oneness of humankind is one of the main reasons the districts partnered with Starr. Starr has been honored to be a part of this transition, using the organization’s expertise in relationship building and racial healing. The opportunity to help local communities grow closer is a privilege, and Starr will continue to support this process, helping all students and community members reach their potential.
Helen L. Kay Charitable Trust Supports Chapel Improvements Starr’s Chapel-in-the-Woods was built on Albion’s historic campus in 1950. Inspired by the architecture of Floyd Starr’s ancestral church in Kent County, England, the chapel was dedicated by internationally known minister and author, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Thanks to the Helen L. Kay Charitable Trust, Starr has been able to repair and improve the chapel that is now in its 64th year of operation. The front steps to the chapel were repaired, improving both quality and safety for our students, staff, families of students and guests. The chapel’s front doors were also renovated, which included stripping, re-staining, varnishing and re-sealing. A new computer was purchased to accompany the digital sound board, as well as the latest version of MediaShout software – MediaShout 5. The grant through the Helen L. Kay Charitable Trust is also funding new carpeting in the sanctuary and choir room, the creation of storage shelves, painting and updating the 14-year-old additions to the chapel structure, tuck pointing, bell tower repairs, refurbishing of pews and stone repairs. The importance of spiritual nurturing and growth has been conveyed for over 100 years as part of Starr Commonwealth’s Core Beliefs, first penned by founder Floyd Starr in 1913: “We believe all people are spiritual beings and, in order to reach their full potential, children and families must be given opportunities for spiritual growth.” Thanks to the generosity of the Helen L. Kay Charitable Trust, we are able to continue to celebrate and improve the spiritual development of the young people we serve. 5
Starr Commonwealth
Gifts of $500 or more We appreciate the following individuals, foundations, groups, businesses and organizations who have made donations of $500 or more to Starr Commonwealth during the 2012-13 fiscal year. Individual Donors: Names highlighted in blue indicate legacy gifts Mrs. Mary E. Abeles Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Allen Mr. and Mrs. Raymond I. Anderson Ms. Kristina M. Bailey Mrs. Lauren Bakaletz Mr. Oduwole Bakare Mr. and Mrs. Mitch H. Banchefsky Estate of Ursula Behr Mr. and Mrs. James D. Benseler Mr. and Mrs. James D. Benson Dr. and Mrs. Larry K. Brendtro Mr. and Mrs. F. Nathan Bryan Mr. and Mrs. Doug Callander Mr. Michael Young and Mrs. Elizabeth Carey Mr. and Mrs. Douglas K. Clark Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Collins Mrs. LaVerne I. Colness Mr. and Mrs. Randy L. Copas Dr. Ralph A. Cram Estate of Alton D. and Phyllis L. Crandell Mr. and Mrs. Gary Crist Estate of Robert C. Davis Estate of Theresa L. Davis Mr. Leo Domzalski Mrs. Mary A. Domzalski Miss Nellie J. Drake Mr. and Mrs. Keith Dufrane Estate of John Dean Eckersley Mr. Thomas J. Edwards Mr. Donald Efremoff Mr. and Mrs. Melvin D. Ely Mr. Donald Erickson Estate of Harold Fassold Estate of Ruby I. Fassold Mrs. Shirley Flanagan Dr. and Mrs. Andrew French Barbara Garrett Trust Mr. Robert W. Garthwait Mr. and Mrs. Martin K. Gaudiose Estate of Carl Gerlach Mr. and Mrs. Larry Gill Mr. and Mrs. William R. Gillam Mr. and Mrs. George D. Goodman Estate of Joan J. Graham Mr. James R. Greene Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Grossbart Eugene B. Hamilton Trust Mrs. Carol Hartman Mr. and Mrs. James R. Hartzell Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Hastings Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Hepp Mrs. Joan Hinkamp Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hixon Ms. Ann Honhart
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Mr. and Mrs. William W. Houghton Mr. and Mrs. William D. Hunter Mr. and Mrs. William C. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Scott Jacob Mr. and Mrs. David L. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Ted F. Johnson Mrs. Cecelia R. Jokerst Estate of Ralph and Phyllis Keller Ms. Judi Kipfer Ms. Jenny L. Klitch, Esq. Mr. Richard G. Knapp Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Koegel Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kolassa Mr. and Mrs. Dennis J. LaFleur Dr. George H. Lauff Mr. and Mrs. John Lawter Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Leach Mr. and Mrs. Peter P. Lenkey Dr. Hanmin Liu and Ms. Jennifer Mei Mr. Austin D. Bryan and Ms. Ann Longfellow Dr. and Mrs. James E. Longhurst Estate of Bess (Betty) Maddox Estate of George W. Maddox Mr. Michael Mahaffey Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Maldegen Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. Marantette Mr. and Mrs. David H. Mason Mr. Lynn S. Mathews Dr. Larraine Matusak Dr. and Mrs. Russell G. Mawby Mary McVicar Trust Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. James A. Moore Mr. Bil Moore and Mrs. Tobi Moore Dr. and Mrs. Don E. Nelson Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness Dr. Linda Paramore Pastors Randy and Karen Parlor Mr. Richard A. Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Bruce R. Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Pettengill Dr. and Mrs. R. Garth Pews Dr. Richard L. Pinkerton, Ph.D. George J. Pohl Zora B. Pohl Mr. Mike Sayre and Ms. Susan Porter Mr. and Mrs. Donald Raithel Ms. Connie Rebar Mr. Donald M. Rebar Dr. and Mrs. David Reimann Mrs. Margaret A. Riecker Mrs. Doris Roeder Mr. and Mrs. Edward Romanowski Mr. and Mrs. Philip A. Scala Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Schafer Mr. and Mrs. William H. Schaper Estate of Evelyn Schwarz Mr. Jared C. Scofield Mr. and Mrs. Dallas E. Seiler
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Shaw Estate of Maxine H. Sigafoose Mr. and Mrs. John S. Slavens Dr. Daniel Smith and Ms. Angela O. Murray Ms. Joyce Soebbing Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Speirn Mr. and Mrs. Richard I. Spence Dr. William Steele Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Stewart Estate of Edward H. Stoller Estate of Richard W. Sturgis Mr. Scott Sturgis Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Tate Mr. Gary L. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Kurt O. Tech Mr. and Mrs. Gary Q. Tester Mr. Donald L. Tocco Mr. and Mrs. Jack Turner Mrs. James C. Tyler Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas A. Valentine Dr. and Mrs. Warren Van Wicklin Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Vande Vusse Ms. Sherie L. Veramay Mr. Don Vermeulen Dr. Charles W. Walton Trust Mr. Harvey M. Weitkamp Alma L. Weixelbaum George M. Wilkins, Jr. Trust Foundations, Corporations, Groups & Organizations: Albion Community Foundation Alliance for Children and Families American Psychological Association Anna Paulina Foundation Automatiq Measurement Systems LLC BalletMet Columbus Battle Creek Community Foundation The Beck Foundation Bob Evans Farms, Inc. Burnham Family Foundation Chemical Bank Circle of Courage, Inc. The Cleveland Foundation The Colina Foundation The Columbus Foundation Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Deaf Services Center, Inc. Dollar General Literacy Foundation Edward E. MacCrone Private Foundation O.P. & W.E. Edwards Foundation Emerson Network Power Walter and Marian English Foundation J. F. Ervin Foundation
The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation Fifth Third Bank Fitch H. Beach Charitable Foundation Franklin Public Affairs LLC Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation Hannah Neil Center Foundation Hartzell-Norris Charitable Trust Helen L. Kay Charitable Trust Huntington National Bank Ice Miller Jasam Foundation Jessie R. Stewart Trust Kellogg's Corporate Citizenship Fund Leo Yassenoff Foundation Limited Brands Foundation Longfellow Investment Management Company Loraine and Melinese Reuter Foundation Louise Tuller Miller Trust Masterworks Measurement Resources MGM Resorts Foundation The Montei Foundation National Gardening Association National Resource Center for the Healing of Racism Nationwide - United Way Campaign Nationwide Insurance Nationwide Insurance Foundation North Congregational Church Ohio State Fair Nina B. Pohlman Fund Post Foods, LLC The San Francisco Foundation Sedco, Inc. Siemer Family Foundation Time Warner Cable, Inc. Time Warner Communications Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation The Troy Foundation Tyler-Little Family Foundation United Educational Credit Union United Way of Central Ohio United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region US Bancorp Foundation Vince & Linda McMahon Family Foundation, Inc. W. K. Kellogg Foundation Wal-Mart Foundation Woman's National Farm & Garden Association Zanetti Foundation
2013 Annual Report
Champions for ChildrenSM The good work of Starr Commonwealth would not be possible without many friends giving at all levels during their lifetime and beyond. Starr Commonwealth’s Champions for Children recognition society was created to recognize this support and celebrate those who help us transform the lives of troubled children and families. All costs associated with our three stewardship programs are underwritten by special friends who join us in saying, “Thank you for caring!”
Arlin E. Ness Circle “There are no disposable kids.” Named after Starr Commonwealth’s president emeritus, this recognition society remembers our history as a working dairy farm and symbolizes our work of nurturing children’s bodies, minds and spirits. Each bottle represents $2,500 of accumulated gifts to Starr Commonwealth. Receiving eight bottles represents total accumulated giving of $20,000 or more. The following donors reached the next level of accumulated giving and qualified for new milk bottles in the 2012 - 2013 fiscal year.
Metropolitan Process Service Time Warner Cable, Inc. United Educational Credit Union Wal-Mart Foundation
The Colina Foundation Dollar General Literacy Foundation Post Foods, LLC
Milk Bottle 1 - Summary of Gifts $2,500 - $4,999
Milk Bottle 2 - Summary of Gifts $5,000 - $7,499
Milk Bottle 4 - Summary of Gifts $10,000 - $12,499
Individuals: Mrs. Mary E. Abeles Mr. and Mrs. Ira B. Artman Mr. Oduwole Bakare Mr. and Mrs. Doug Callander Mr. and Mrs. Randy L. Copas Mr. Donald Efremoff Mr. Richard B. Endress Mr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Glubke Mrs. Cecelia R. Jokerst Mr. and Mrs. Peter P. Lenkey Mr. and Mrs. Ernest L. Nicolay Mr. and Mrs. Arnold W. Penzek Mr. and Mrs. Donald Raithel Mr. and Mrs. Ahmad Sinno Mr. and Mrs. Eddie M. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. Tate Mr. and Mrs. Gary Q. Tester Mr. Donald L. Tocco Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Vande Vusse Ms. Mary Jane Voelker Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Walters Mr. Peter K. Warren Mr. Edward A. Zeschin
Individuals: Mr. and Mrs. Mitch H. Banchefsky Mrs. Charlotte H. Kirk Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Pettengill Dr. Richard L. Pinkerton, Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Romanowski Dr. Daniel Smith and Ms. Angela O. Murray Mr. Don Vermeulen
Individuals: Mr. and Mrs. R. Bud Davis Mr. Michael Young and Mrs. Elizabeth Carey
Organizations: Circle of Courage, Inc.
Organizations: BalletMet Columbus
Organizations: Anna Paulina Foundation Franklin Public Affairs LLC
Milk Bottle 3 - Summary of Gifts $7,500 - $9,999 Individuals: Mr. and Mrs. F. Nathan Bryan Mr. and Mrs. Douglas K. Clark Mr. and Mrs. David Dunshee Mr. Lynn S. Mathews Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Speirn Mrs. James C. Tyler
Organizations: The Beck Foundation Limited Brands Foundation
Milk Bottle 5 - Summary of Gifts $12,500 - $14,999
Milk Bottle 7 - Summary of Gifts $17,500 - $19,999 Individuals: Dr. Larraine Matusak Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Tate
Milk Bottle 8 - Summary of Gifts more than $20,000 Individuals: Mr. Leo Domzalski Organizations: American Psychological Association The Montei Foundation
Individuals: Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Leach Mr. Harvey M. Weitkamp
Milk Bottle 6 - Summary of Gifts $15,000 - $17,499 Individuals: Mr. and Mrs. David L. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Maldegen Organizations: Edward E. MacCrone Private Foundation Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association
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Starr Commonwealth
Floyd Starr Founder’s Circle “There’s no such thing as a bad child.” Floyd Starr Founder’s Circle recognizes friends who give to Starr Commonwealth through their wills or estate plans. Members can receive a beautiful replica of the statue, “Floyd Starr with a Boy,” that graces the entrance of our Albion campus. Floyd Starr Founder’s Circle celebrates “Uncle” Floyd’s dedication to children and the dedication of those who continue to support his vision. Legacies:
Several friends passed away last year and remembered our children in their wills and estate plans. We will never forget them. Miss Evelin Corsey Mrs. Phyllis A. Crandell Mrs. Theresa L. Davis Mrs. Mary Domzalski Mrs. Betty (Bess) Maddox Mrs. Ruth B. Phillips Ms. Kathleen Soderstrom Miss Helen I. Tucker Mrs. Enid Wenk
Will Inclusions:
We are pleased to recognize our friends who have informed us that they have included Starr Commonwealth in their wills and estate plans.
Mrs. Pearl Albert Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Allen Dr. and Mrs. Rick E. Amidon Mrs. Lavonne G. Bauer Mr. and Mrs. Bruce H. Bellard Mr. Jim Bolton Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Buhler Mrs. Helen Z. Bunker Mr. Paul E. P. Carlson Mr. William E. Chapman Mrs. LaVerne Colness Ms. Julia Crenshaw Patterson Ms. Nellie J. Drake Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Higby Mr. Ronald Hooker Miss Ruth J. Husung Ms. Diana S. Langley Mr. Calvin A. Lehman Mrs. Geneva Leonard Mrs. Beryl H. Martin Dr. and Mrs. Russell G. Mawby Drs. Thomas and JoAnne Milburn
Mr. Kenneth Miller Miss Beverly Milner * Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness Mrs. Richard Owen Mr. Richard A. Patterson Prof. Richard L. Pinkerton Mrs. Sylvia S. Richey Mrs. MerryAnn L. Sauls Mrs. Ann J. Simpson Mr. Roger K. Smiley Mr. and Mrs. Christopher L. Smith Ms. Joyce Soebbling * Mr. William K. Stoffer *New Floyd Starr Founder’s Circle members
Gladsome Circle “There’s no such thing as a bad child.” Gladsome Circle recognizes our friends who fund named endowments, endowed scholarships, charitable gift annuities and charitable trusts. These planned gifts secure the future financial stability of Starr Commonwealth. Each member of Gladsome Circle can receive a limited edition print of “The Old Barn,” depicting Floyd Starr’s original barn and the story of its significance. Gladsome Circle celebrates the ongoing mission of Starr Commonwealth and our friends who ensure that our services are available to children in need as long as these services are needed. Named Endowments:
We are pleased to recognize our friends who have fully funded named endowments and endowed scholarships for Starr Commonwealth. The income from these gifts is used to provide services and scholarships, while the principal is kept intact. Charles and Russell Amidon Endowment Fund
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Norma T. Anderson Endowment Fund John M. Ankrum and Murphy Swindell Endowment Fund Mildred Asselstine Endowment Fund Lee and Merle Baker Endowment Fund Kathleen Barnett Endowment Fund Robert O. and Edna I. Barstow Endowment Fund Lillian H. Beach Endowment Fund Roy W. Watula and Ernest C. Beckman
Endowment Fund Endowment Fund Jim and Wanda Bolton Endowment Fund Ashel G. and Dorothy J. Bryan Irma M. Bradley Memorial Endowment Fund Endowment Fund Garth M. Bryan Endowment in Fred M. and Maude Brakeman and Memory of Jesse and Myrtle Bryan Blanche VanDyke Endowment Fund Fred C. and Dorothy A. Buhler Brasseur Family Endowment Fund Endowment Fund Louise R. Breisch Endowment Fund Phyllis C. Clark Endowment Fund Ellen and Erwin Breternitz Memorial Edward S. Coe Memorial Endowment Fund Endowment Fund Kenneth A. Brower, Sr. Memorial David and Edie Cole Endowment Fund
2013 Annual Report Alice N. Coleman Endowment Fund Lucille Beebe Coles Endowment Fund Marvin L. and Laverne I. Colness Endowment Fund Grace Oliver Colter Endowment Fund for Oliver Cottage Marjorie S. Cowherd Endowment Fund Bettie and Jim Cox Memorial Endowment Fund Alton D. and Phyllis Crandell Endowment Fund Robert C. and Theresa L. Davis Endowment Fund Julia Dalrymple Memorial Endowment Fund * Jeannette A. Davis Memorial Named Endowment Leland F. and Gertrude A. Deibele Endowment Fund Dent Family Endowment Fund David W. and Amanda B. Deshler Endowment Fund Theodore S. and Adelaide M. Diehm Endowment Fund Marion and John Dix, Sr. Memorial Endowment Fund * Anna and Raymond Dowden Endowment for Fine Arts Hugh C. and Marian W. Downer Endowment Fund William F. and Mary F. Earle Endowment Fund Elsie and Carl Eggebrecht Endowment Fund Patricia Ann Ellis Endowment Fund For Tomorrow’s Children Endowment Evelyn M. Fry-English Endowment Fund Gary R. and Betty E. Faircloth Endowment Fund Martinus Faircloth Memorial Endowment Fund Elsie M. Farley Endowment Fund Clarence E. and Harvey D. Fassold Endowment Fund I. Janet Field Endowment Fund Dorothy Jean Fowler and Elizabeth Leone Heaton Endowment Fund J. Deloras (Cashman) Friderichsen Endowment Fund Edna A. Frobenius Memorial Endowment Fund Helen M. Gager Endowment Fund Susan and William Gillam Endowment Fund M. Gene Smith and Joseph J. Gondol Education Endowment Fund
George and Judith Goodman Endowment Fund Evelyn Shores Hall Endowment Fund C. M. Hargraves Family Memorial Endowment Fund Harold and Ruth Hicks, Sr. Endowment Fund Dale and Rita Hollandsworth Music and Art Therapy Endowment Fund * William Johnston and Ronda Stryker Endowment Fund Helen E. Jones Endowment Fund Robert A. and Anita M. Junker Memorial Endowment Fund Calvin W. and Mary E. Kalte Endowment Fund Howard W. and M. Josephine Kern Endowment Fund Sophie C. Kunz Endowment Fund Charles W. and Alma M. LaFleur Named Endowment Andrew and Greta Lamberson Endowment Fund Jerry Neil Lantz Memorial Endowment Fund William C. and Gladys E. Larson Endowment Fund Lauff Family Endowment Fund Frances Lehmann Memorial Endowment Fund * John and Judy Lore Endowment Fund Betty Lowman Memorial Endowment Fund * Carl G. and Betty L. Maple Endowment Fund Ruth and Russ Mawby for Continuing Education Named Endowment Ruth and Russ Mawby for the Fine Arts Named Endowment Edward F. and Sarah McCauley Family Endowment Fund Donald J. and Dorothy C. McIntosh Endowment Fund Chandan Mehta Endowment Fund Mary L. Melvin Endowment Fund Peter J. E. Mitchell Endowment Fund Phyllis Mitchell Memorial Endowment Fund Stewart Payne Moffatt Endowment Fund for Payne Family Cottage Francis E. Morse Endowment Fund Arlin E. and Barbara A. Ness Endowment Fund Keith O. Palmer Endowment Fund Verne and Marlene Plassman Endowment Fund George and Joan Staudt Pracy Memorial Endowment Fund
Glen and Joan Rager Endowment Fund Margaret Ann Riecker Endowment Fund George and Sandy Ropp Endowment Fund William Sallach Memorial Endowment Fund * Gail M. Seitz Endowment Fund Herbert and Christine Sellers Memorial Endowment Fund Chad M. Shelton Memorial Endowment Fund Charles E. Shontz Endowment Fund Lora M. Sims Endowment Fund Doris E. Slater Endowment Fund Christopher L. and Cathy L. Smith Endowment Fund Jessie L. Soars and Janet Soars Platt Endowment Fund Spade Family Endowment Fund Virginia Z. Spieth Endowment Fund David & Elta Starr Endowment Fund Edward S. and Clara H. Starr Endowment Fund John F. Starr Endowment Fund Paul Stearns Named Endowment Fund William K. Stoffer Endowment Fund Milton and Ella Stover Endowment Fund Richard W. and Jonsie M. Sturgis Endowment Fund Margaret I. Syring Endowment Fund Vivian B. Tate Endowment Fund Dr. Carl S. and Florence Taylor Endowment Fund Kurt O. Tech II Endowment Fund Wilbert and Mary Thiltgen Endowment Fund Eunice and Roger Thompson Endowment Fund Joseph A. and Judith S. Valentine Endowment Fund Warren and Maria Van Wicklin Endowment Fund Madeline G. and Leonard O. Weidman Endowment Fund Robert Reino Williams Endowment Fund Ralph Lindsay Williamson Memorial Endowment Fund Haslet H. Wilson Endowment Fund for Fine Arts Wayne L. Yanz Endowment Fund John E. and Catherine C. Yarnelle Endowment Fund Harold H. and Geneva B. Youngs Endowment Fund
* Restricted to the Hannah Neil Center Foundation
Scholarship Funds: Christian and Emma L. Breisch Scholarship Collins Carter Scholarship Mildred J. Carter Scholarship Alton D. and Phyllis L. Crandell Scholarship Miriam and Samuel Crowder Memorial Scholarship John D. and Ruth Gillman Scholarship Fund F. Floyd Kent Scholarship Thomas Metz Kent Scholarship Thomas E. and Gayle J. Kolassa Scholarship Fund Clyde and Kathy LeTarte Scholarship Fund Thomas T. Lloyd Scholarship Lou Ann and Russ Mawby Scholarship Fund Harry C. Moores Scholarship Charles and Evelyn Munford Scholarship Timothy A. Ness Memorial Scholarship Richard A. and Clara M. Patterson Scholarship Fund Earl F. and V. Eileen Payne Scholarship Ruth N. and William B. Pierce Scholarship Frederick and Anne Raisch Scholarship Herbert J. and Ruth Ann Richmond Scholarship Mark and Elizabeth Schmidt Scholarship Floyd Starr Scholarship Mary Towler Scholarship Ubuntu Scholarship Fund Jane and Dwight Weber Scholarship Wayne L. Yanz Scholarship Fund
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Starr Commonwealth
montcalm student singing new tune thanks to school
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Vanessa Ferri has faced several challenges. Now at Montcalm, she is flourishing hen Jennifer Ferri adopted Vanessa at age one, there was a lot she did not know.
staff noticed that she didn’t make friends, but even then the professionals would not listen to Jennifer’s concerns about a deeper problem.
She didn’t know that Vanessa had already been moved between several situations, none of which had provided the kind of love and care that is so critical in a child’s early years.
After many attempts to get expert help, Jennifer found a psychologist who determined that Vanessa had a “Reactive Attachment Disorder” stemming from her early experiences. The diagnosis was a step forward but it couldn’t prevent many years of destructive behaviors, including self-harm, theft, deception and aggressive breakdowns.
She didn’t know that Vanessa’s experience as an infant in South Korea had left some emotional scars that would dramatically affect her development, eventually leading to a breaking point in their relationship when they would feel little love, almost hatred, for each other. Jennifer could also not have imagined that when Vanessa came into her life it was the beginning of a journey that would lead to her talking to groups across the nation about her daughter’s remarkable progress, while watching Vanessa demonstrate this with stunning singing performances in front of audiences of thousands. “If you haven’t experienced it, you will never understand what it is like to have to fight for people to even recognize that there is a problem with your child; to fight for some understanding of what is going on; and then search the nation for people who can help. Meanwhile, your child’s early years are passing by,” Jennifer said. The signs were there at an early stage for Jennifer. Vanessa would avoid eye contact and suffered what are now recognized as night terrors. In kindergarten, 10
“The behaviors became so extreme that we could hardly leave Vanessa alone. I was constantly concerned about the potential for her to harm herself and eventually I reached total exhaustion. I could no longer live with Vanessa and I had to find somewhere she could be properly supported,” Jennifer said.
exhausted her financial options, Jennifer came into contact with an educational consultant who was doing pro bono work as part of the Saving Teens program, which helps teenagers and families in crisis. Through the consultant, Jennifer and Vanessa were introduced to Montcalm School on Starr’s Albion campus. With help from Montcalm’s scholarship program, Vanessa was enrolled in the therapeutic boarding school in November 2011. “At this stage, it was pretty much a stop, drop and roll situation. Vanessa and I had reached what felt like the end of the road,” Jennifer said. Vanessa’s challenges with communication and her resistance to contact from others were instantly noticeable for Montcalm staff.
Vanessa was enrolled in a program in Montana and, after nine months, made some initial progress before quickly slipping back into her troublesome ways. The next stop for Vanessa was a program in North Carolina, but little changed and the costs of Vanessa’s treatment were causing distress for Jennifer.
“When I arrived, I was very quiet. At most I would produce one-word answers if people spoke to me and did not want to participate. It took eight months before the staff and my peers could talk me into joining the choir, even though I’d been passionate about singing since the age of four,” Vanessa said.
Feeling like she had exhausted all of the treatment options and knowing she had
Her first year at Montcalm was difficult, but as Vanessa became involved with
“Now I’m much more confident, both in day-to-day life and in my musical performances.” - Vanessa Ferri, Montcalm student
2013 Annual Report Montcalm’s Fine Arts Program, things began to change. She formed a critical relationship with Jeff Cornhill, fine arts director for Montcalm and Starr Commonwealth and a certified music therapist, and joined the All Starr Choir. Involvement in the choir helped to build confidence and a sense of belonging. Jennifer began to see fundamental changes in her daughter. “I began to see new sides to Vanessa. Suddenly, she was a teenager with a sharp sense of humor and some strong friendships.” Jennifer said. Now 16, Vanessa is seen as a role model by fellow students and has her sights set on a more independent life, with singing being a central part of her future. “Now I’m much more confident, both in day-to-day life and in my musical performances. I don’t get nervous in front of large audiences because I’ve done it so many times. I enjoy being in the studio most, because I can focus on my voice and recording songs. I hope to eventually write my own songs,” Vanessa said. Vanessa’s potential is enormous, according to Cornhill: “Her voice is one of the best I’ve worked with – it is of a caliber that people would hire her for performances. We plan on entering
her into some major competitions.” After more than two years at Montcalm, Vanessa is a leading figure of the All Starr Choir and has performed in several major events, including Starr’s 100th anniversary Founder’s Day event and the 2014 Saving Teens Annual Charity Gala in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the relationship between Jennifer and Vanessa has also transformed. “We talk to each other like best friends,” Jennifer said. “It’s a totally different relationship.” “I’m much more honest with her now,” Vanessa said. “Before, I was constantly in a negative mindset. It makes me happy that I can go to her for things.” “We have both been through a very traumatic journey and there are still many challenges ahead, but I’m thankful to Vanessa for where we are now,” Jennifer said. “We’ve met so many amazing people across the country - people who care for children even in the most difficult circumstances - and we are thankful for the support we have received.”
Rollin M. Gerstacker foundation funding therapy through art A generous three-year grant of $150,000 from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation has allowed Starr Commonwealth to expand its Fine Arts program to provide added expressive arts therapy, education and performing ensemble opportunities.
Students performed “The Wizard of Oz” in February 2013.
As a result of this grant, the Fine Arts program has hired contract artists to teach pottery, scrapbooking, art therapy, guitar, piano, theater building and set design, and a rhythm and moves music and exercise program. In addition to acquiring supplies and equipment for each of these new offerings, the Gerstacker Foundation grant provided the means to purchase a new computer and recording software to expand Starr’s recording studio. This equipment will allow students to capture and record their many talented voices. Soon a recording and live sound tech class and drum classes will be added as well. Art therapy sessions have also been added to the program, providing students with an outlet through which they can express emotions and feelings in a healthy, creative manner. Art therapy sessions give students insight into themselves and their surroundings, and help to increase their artistic skills and potential. It is a great blessing to be able to provide our youth with meaningful experiences working with, and learning from, skilled artists who are experts at their craft. Starr’s Fine Arts program looks forward to continued expansion of its Fine Arts program as a result of this generous gift. 11
Starr Commonwealth
client information & treatment outcomes Clients served
Number of clients served trend - 2003-2013 (All Starr) (2013 reflects additions of PsychSystems & Starr Detroit Academy)
Number served by location 406 Albion 455 Battle Creek
4000 3500
Columbus
410
3000
Detroit
472
2500
PsychSystems
1,550
Starr Detroit Academy
526
All Starr
3,819
3819
2000 1583
1500 1000
1536
1458
1940
2003
03 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Starr Detroit Academy student growth Years of growth on NWEA tests in 2012-13 1.5
100
1.2
80
92%
89%
40
0.9
1. Passing in school 2. Free of convictions
1.4
1.1
MATH
READING
0.6 0.3
20
1
2
0.0
Testimonials
“Looking back, I never thought I had it in me to keep learning
“I love this program. I’ve seen a great change in my behavior and
it. For the first time, I started taking my education in my own
my thought process. I don’t feel any pressure to stop smoking,
hands, and I started making good grades because I wanted to, not
but now I have other means of relieving stress. This program has
because my parents told me to. At Montcalm I realized that what
been a good thing for me because it makes me open my eyes and
I become in life is up to me, not anybody else.”
see how smart I am and that I can be successful in life by taking things I’ve learned here and applying them on the streets and in my community. I would recommend this program to anyone trying to get off a bad pathway and onto a good one.” - A student in Starr’s residential substance abuse program
12
1848
20
Youth status 12-month after discharge – All Starr services
0
1656
1423
Treatment outcomes (excluding PsychSystems & Starr Detroit Academy)
60
2225
2063
and to get a degree, but I learned at Montcalm that I can do
- A Montcalm School alumnus “My experience with Starr Detroit Academy has been great. The staff is always willing to help because education is the No. 1 priority at the school. It’s just a great environment all around.” - Victoria Thomas, a grandparent of four SDA students
2013 Annual Report
starr detroit academy helping students reach their potential Students achieved significant growth in math, reading in school’s inaugural year
C
hanging the landscape of education in Detroit was Starr’s objective when opening Starr Detroit Academy. That is no easy task, as Detroit remains home to one of the lowest performing public school systems in the country. But in just one year, Starr Detroit Academy empowered 526 K-5 students to achieve impressive growth, both in and out of the classroom. One of the Academy’s primary goals is to prepare its students for academic mastery. As many states across the country adopt common core standards, which aim to provide a consistent curriculum that gives students the necessary skills to be college-ready, standardized tests have been identified as one way to measure progress. Several schools, especially charters like Starr Detroit Academy, have decided to use testing through the Northwest Evaluation Association. NWEA began in the 1970s as a small collaboration between school districts in the Pacific Northwest but has evolved into a global leader in data-driven assessments and academic progress measurement.
The purpose of these tests is to measure academic gains from the beginning of the school year until the end, particularly in the areas of math and reading. In 2012-13 Starr Detroit Academy students achieved progress in both of these areas, including an average of 1.4 years of growth in math and 1.1 years in reading. “I’m very pleased with the results of our NWEA testing this year,” said Kimberley Pressley, the school director of Starr Detroit Academy. “Our teachers have done an exceptional job with our scholars, and the students have put in a great deal of work to improve.” As many students come to the Academy behind in school, there is still important work to be done. “We are focused on closing the achievement gap,” Pressley said. “So many students are behind, for a variety of reasons, and we need to help those kids catch up. As pleased as we are with achieving the results we have so far, we need to continue to get better.” For the 2013-14 school year, the Academy moved to K-6 and serves over 750 students. The plan is to continue supporting students all the way to graduation. “While we are proud of the foundation we’ve built with Starr Detroit Academy, we need to expand our reach to truly have a profound impact in Detroit,” said Jeremy Vidito, the executive director of strategic planning and new schools for Starr Educational Services, the schools’ management company. “We believe our school offers something special – a well-rounded educational experience in the core subjects and several extracurricular options. It’s a great thing for Starr and a great thing for Detroit.” 13
Starr Commonwealth
starr provided hope for the clark family in time of need “He learned how to better control and manage his anger and express his needs,” Doug said. “The staff at Starr was amazing to work with. They treated our son as if he were their own.” Today Jonathan is enrolled at Bellevue College in Washington, where he participates in the Occupational Living Skills program. He hopes to return to Michigan one day to work at Starr, helping young people like himself reach their potential. The Clarks at Founder’s Day 2013, pictured here with guest speakers, The Peetes.
When their son, Jonathan, was 16 years old, Doug and Sandie Clark faced a difficult realization: He needed more help than they could provide at home. His behavior had become hard to manage, and he was struggling in several aspects of life, including school, family and social interactions. After an exhaustive, nationwide search, the Clarks decided Starr’s Montcalm School was the place for Jonathan. They wanted a school that knew how to work with autism spectrum disorders -- Jonathan was diagnosed with Asperger’s -- that wasn’t punitive. While it was difficult to send him over 2,000 miles from the Clark’s home outside of Seattle, Jonathan began to thrive at Montcalm.
“It was a hard decision to send Jonathan that far away from home, but looking back it was the smartest thing we ever did,” Doug said. “Staff continue to stay in contact with our son, offering encouragement and counsel. We will be forever grateful to Starr and the staff for what they’ve done for our family. “We feel it’s extremely important to give back. That’s why we are donors to Starr. This organization changed our family forever. And as many funding sources continue to struggle, it is critical for donors to step up and help fill this gap.” Starr would like to thank all supporters of the organization for making stories like Jonathan’s possible. Your generosity helps further our mission of creating positive environments where children flourish.
Ethel and james flinn foundation funds tlc project for traumatized youth in southeast michigan The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC), a program of the Starr Global Learning Network, conducted the project, “Restoring Resiliency in Adjudicated Youth Exposed to Trauma” during 2012 and 2013. This project, funded by The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, evaluated 200 trauma-focused treatment group participants to document how short-term trauma intervention can result in long-term gains for adjudicated and at-risk youth who have been exposed to multiple traumatic events in their lives. This project also strived to identify gaps in service delivery for adjudicated youth and identify recommendations for improvement of the juvenile justice system and overall outcomes for youth. In addition to trauma intervention, over 105 days of training and 26 online courses were delivered for a total of 681 training hours to professionals working with traumatized and adjudicated youth in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties. Sixty-five professionals received trauma-informed training during this two-year project. Of the 65 professionals, 52 have completed Level 1 TLC Trauma Certification and can use the Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS) credential. Results from the project will provide southeastern Michigan with the practical knowledge it needs to begin juvenile detention reform. It also will serve to refine and expand ongoing efforts to better support continued resiliency of traumatized youth and will result in improved treatment delivery and additional positive outcomes for future participants. 14
2013 Annual Report
Financial Summary Starr Commonwealth Statement of Activities for the year ended September 30, 2013 000 omitted
2%
17%
9% 1% 35%
52%
6% 13%
53%
6%
Expenses
6%
Revenue
• Agency Fees • Contributions • Investment Income Appropriated • Non-Operating and Other Income*
24,961
Total
46,894
2,848 2,999 16,086
• Residential Treatment Services • Community-Based Services • Home-Based Services • Clinical Support • Leadership & Training • General & Administration • Fundraising Total
20,307 5,229 2,183 159 3,659 6,528 791 38,856
Temporarily Permanently Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Net Assets Net Assets Net Assets Total Change in Net Assets for year ended September 30, 2013 11,706 (5,209) 1,541 8,038 Net Assets - Beginning of Year 1,480 8,836 53,878 64,194 Net Assets - End of Year 13,186 3,627 55,419 72,232
Notes: *Non-operating and other income consists of interest, dividends and capital gains net of investment income appropriated for operations and pension-related changes. This is an unaudited summary financial report. A complete audited report is available upon request.
15
100 years of service 65 countries reached through training
OVER 160,000 clients served directly since 1913
99,500 trained professionals
1 mission
13725 Starr Commonwealth Road Albion, MI 49224 www.starr.org 800.837.5591