2022 Annual Report | Starr Commonwealth

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Our Mission

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

Our Vision

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

Our Theory of Change

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

Our Equity Statement

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

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

Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, or sexuality. Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Founded in 1913, Starr Commonwealth’s Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site and has been selected and recognized nationally as a Best Nonprofit to Work For. Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations, insurance companies, and individuals.

Becoming the Change

Dear Friends, Partners, and Supporters,

Every year when I sit down to write this letter for our annual report, I am deeply humbled and forever grateful for those who make the work of Starr Commonwealth possible. They include an amazing team of behavioral health clinicians, trauma-informed trainers, and a courageous staff who come to work at Starr every day in the hope of making the world a better place for children, families, and communities throughout the country and the world. They also include a passionate board of trustees who provided guidance and leadership as we navigated turbulent times during and after a global pandemic. Naturally, my appreciation also always turns to you—our friends, partners, and supporters—who give your time, talent, and treasure to make Starr a true “Commonwealth” year after year.

Together in 2022:

• We served hundreds of children and families through outpatient behavioral health services and Starr’s new Student Resilience and Empowerment Center for school-integrated behavioral health.

• We trained thousands of professionals in trauma-informed and resilience-focused care, including teachers, clinicians, health care providers, refugee agencies, and juvenile justice systems.

• We exceeded our fundraising goal and raised over $2,000,000 to support children, families, and communities throughout the country and the world!

Now we look to the future and Starr Commonwealth’s 110th anniversary in 2023. While our mission, vision, and commitment to service remain steadfast, I am also reminded of the ever-present crises that exist for children and families. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have subsided, its impacts are lasting in so many ways. This past year, Starr joined voices with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association in their declaration of a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health. I hope each of you reading this letter will continue to join us in this courageous march toward a future when mental health solutions are as present as the challenges faced by children and families in today’s world. This is an invitation to become the change the world needs most.

Yours in Healing,

Elizabeth Carey

243 Behavioral Health clients

4,245 Behavioral Health sessions

94% Rated quality of services as excellent or good*

28 Student Resilience and Empowerment Center graduates

100% Student Resilience and Empowerment Center students who indicated that some, most, or all of their needs were met.

Training

10,361 Professionals trained

686 Newly certified professionals

92% Participants who rated Starr’s foundational course Children of Trauma and Resilience as beneficial, very beneficial, or extremely beneficial*

138 Trainings and consultations

Gifts and Donors

Starr Commonwealth thanks you for your generosity and continued support.

1,141 gifts

430 donors

$2,028,950.44 raised**

“[Clinician] tailors our sessions to be flexible to what I need at that point in time rather than [Clinician’s] own opinion of what my needs are. I can’t really give any higher praise than what I can articulate here.”

- Client

“It has been an amazing journey, and I’m so grateful to Starr and [Clinician] for helping our family.”

- Parent/Guardian of Starr Behavioral Health client

“The Student REC program has initiated colossal change in my son this semester. The amazing staff helped identify key challenges that stand between my son and success. Change is difficult, frustrating, and at times uncomfortable, but the positive reassurance, hands on support and dedication within this group is unmatched.” - Parent/Guardian of Student Resilience and Empowerment Center student

“I will look through a trauma-informed lens in my classroom and build relationships in order to dive deep with my students. I want them to feel comfortable talking to me and to know they can trust me. This course gave me the confidence in doing that.” - Training participant

“Validation that what we are doing in our rooms is beneficial and backed by data and statistics.”

- Training participant

“I will be much more aware of why children act the way they do and what is typical behavior of someone going through a traumatic experience.” - Training participant

“I think of my own children and the many wonderful opportunities they have been given. It makes me want the same for all children. This is what attracted me to Starr. [Their] mission to create positive experiences so that all children, families, and communities flourish continues to speak to my heart.”

- Cathy Dillon, Angels, Saints & Stuff

“Oaklawn has many values in common with Starr Commonwealth. We strive to heal those around us and we want to see our communities flourish. We cannot reach our mission alone and it is imperative that we have these types of strong community relationships and partnerships.”

- Gregg Beeg, Oaklawn

Student Resilience and Empowerment Center

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

“Since the inception and planning of the Student Resilience and Empowerment Center, we have strived to serve as a model for radical success for kids through community collaboration,” says REC Director Katie Carpenter. “Our students in the first year have grown so much. While REC staff had the pleasure of witnessing student success firsthand, I’m so proud to now be able to celebrate with stakeholders the real-world results we’re seeing through these great kids.”

Guided by a staff with more than 130 years of combined experience serving youth, students participate in a range of empowerment and behavioral health supports including:

• Developing social-emotional skills.

• Academic support and enrichment.

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

89 Students referred 78 Students enrolled

28 Students graduated

• Wraparound support for the student and family.

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

• Support and coaching for each student.

• Transitional support upon completion of the program.

The program is free for the students’ families and includes family activities and engagement, as well as complementary membership to the YMCA.

Learn more at starr.org/rec

Starr Behavioral Health

Starr Comonwealth’s 30 years of expertise in trauma-informed care is the cornerstone upon which Starr Behavioral Health is built. Opened for trauma assessment and intervention in 2019, it has served as a model of what’s possible by embracing “the village”. Often referred by schools and local health system partners, our team works with not only the individual child, but also the parent or guardian to provide therapy, support, or education as needed. Parents receiving treatment are better equipped to support their child’s unique needs and challenges. In addition, Starr’s results help inform partners to better assess the needs of their patients to effectively intervene as quickly as possible.

Three years of growth in southeast Michigan laid a foundation for 2022 to be a banner year for Starr Behavioral Health—an opportunity to truly lean into the presence our clinicians have established. The result is dedicated professionals equipped to care for and guide clients and their families through the winding path of healing.

“Helping clients and their families grow and thrive despite the odds and external conditions is what makes this work worthwhile,” says Starr Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor Jenny Sloan. “It is easy to take on the strong emotions of our clients, which can certainly have an effect on one’s own mental health. Despite the adversity, we are surrounded by incredible family-centered examples of resilience each day. Our team is dedicated and our partners are trusting. We are healing as a community, and we’re honored to have the opportunity.”

“It has turned my negative thoughts into positive thoughts and made me realize that I am a warrior.”

- Client

“Starr clinicians are very talented and serve [our] patient population well. They are extremely flexible, easy to reach and conscientious in all of the contacts with [our agency].”

- Referring agency

“I have had individual counseling with two therapists, and both have been excellent. My teenager was also attending counseling with Starr before he went back with his dad and really liked sessions. Overall, my experience has been very good.”

- Client

“The REC was the best experience ever.” - REC Student

“I am so very thankful to be a part of this program, and [for] those special individuals who lead it.” - REC Parent

“They are treating each other with respect, they are displaying safer behavior, and making better choices. They talk about resetting their mind and body. They work together and are a family. They can model all of the different behavior expectations. They know if we make a mistake, we own it and make it right. It’s

Professional Training &

Coaching

To truly achieve systems-level change so that all children, families, and communities can flourish, Starr’s work must rely on equipping professionals in all communities with the skillset they need to empower children long after the training has ended. From embedded support and consultation to intimate sessions with a single school, Starr’s expertise does not stop at the theoretical. Rather, Starr walks alongside child-caring professionals equipping them with tools and real-time support in their time of greatest need. Regardless of the setting, Starr Commonwealth is delighted with the feedback received on a weekly basis from any number of the 138 trainings throughout 2022:

What was the most impactful part of the trainings?

• “Getting a better understanding of how trauma affects the brain.”

• “I enjoyed gaining a more realistic perspective of a child going through trauma...”

• “[Starr’s training] really encouraged me to think deeper about [student] struggles and the behavior challenges that could present themselves in the classroom due to their trauma.”

• “Learning about private logic and how kids see the world from a traumatized perspective.”

In addition to in-person trainings, Starr Commonwealth also offers robust subscription and a la carte digital courses, which were enjoyed by more than 3,000 professionals in 2022. While being continuously updated to bring the latest information for enrollees, the past year has also provided a unique opportunity to reframe the experience of both individual professionals and school-wide personnel. Through intensive review and collaboration with our school partners, Starr’s new flagship course 10 Steps to Create a Trauma-Informed Resilient School and a reimagined path to accreditation are breaking down barriers to access—providing the potential for healing for more children than ever before.

Resilient Schools Project

Informed with 110 years of resilience, Starr Commonwealth’s Resilient School Project consists of several long-term partnerships between Starr and school districts across the country where Starr provides training, consultation, and coaching to create trauma-informed and resilient school buildings and districts. Systems-focused in nature, Resilient Schools Projects challenge districts and communities to shift traditional practices and procedures in their schools to better meet the needs of all children—all while being guided by Starr professionals and supported by community partners.

2022 marked a year of both affirmation and evolution for the Resilient Schools Project. Starr was delighted to receive third-party validation of our work through STATCOM at the University of Michigan, who determined participants found Starr’s courses to be useful and beneficial, and overall, participants were highly satisfied with the content and materials of the course, the instructor, and the teaching quality. Learn more at starr.org/statcom

Capitalizing on the reception, Starr’s eLearning team was able to refine and rebrand our foundational content (on which every Resilient Schools Project stands) into a more dynamic and accessible accreditation package Great care was put into ensuring our new offering challenges schools to envision every aspect of what they improve throughout a Resilient Schools Project and what that might look like in their own school. The dream, as always, is a nation equipped with caring teachers, dedicated and credentialed support staff, and public education system that will always put children’s universal needs at the center of development.

“Students are becoming so adept at self-regulating. They ask for what they need and are responsible enough to do the job. They can be trusted to use the sensory path or sit in the calming corner. Many are able to self-regulate using strategies that can be done right in their seat and no one needs to know. Also, students are not triggered as much. They are learning their signs and responding to their needs and feel safe that the adults in the building will allow them to do what they need to do. In addition, since so many are becoming so good at self-regulation, they are not set off by others in the room that may be having a difficult time.”

- Educator in a Resilient Schools Project partner school

Read Starr’s Resilient Schools Project Whitepaper at starr.org/whitepaper

ok to make mistakes.”

- Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools participant

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

Starr Commonwealth believes deeply in the oneness of the human family, and are proud to build upon that cornerstone as we continue to expand our work across the spectrum of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Starr’s Glasswing Program is designed to create a catalyst for conversation around racism and building compassion, honesty, and unity between all people.

In 2022, Starr Commonwealth applied what we have learned in our 30-year Glasswing Racial Healing journey to develop a range of courses across a spectrum of topics within Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI-B). Our new courses, workshops and services, under the header Glasswing: DEI-B, are a means to expand our reach across the nation.

Starr believes in the deeply held value of healing in connection, through experiences of belonging. Therefore Starr has introduced these additional DEI-B workshops, trainings, and eLearning courses such as:

• Intro to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI-B)

• Implicit Bias for Helping Professionals

• From Oppression to Oneness, Five Shifts to Transformation

• and courses such as LGBTQIA+: From Trauma to Belonging, with more to come!

Starr’s unique trauma-informed, resilience-focused approach to DEI-B provides a safe and supportive space for people to tell their stories, connect with their hearts, and heal collectively, guided by the Five Shifts to Transformation:

• Material to Spritual

• Cognitive to Affective

• Certainty to Curiosity

• Debate to Dialogue

• Solution to Transformation

Learn more at starr.org/glasswing-programming.

In Memoriam: Stanley Allen

Starr Commonwealth lost dear friend, alumnus, board member, and champion of children Stanley Allen in 2022. While every life Stanley touched has a story, we are honored to share his beloved wife Patricia’s story shared with attendees at the 6th Annual Night of Starrs.

Stan and I met in 1999 in San Francisco. He coached a youth football team and volunteered with a couple organizations as a mentor. I soon realized that huge heart came from the trauma he had experienced as a young child. In 1970, a big deputy and a social worker came to the juvenile facility he was at and brought him to Starr Commonwealth.

He was part of a group of young men who attended Albion High School. There he met his chosen mom Hazel Lias, a sharp looking PE teacher who wore matching track outfits and color coordinated sneakers. He had a huge chip on his shoulder, but Hazel kept whittling away at it and eventually earned his trust and everlasting love.

Stan left Albion in early 1975 and didn’t return until June of 2002. Although he was involved in various organizations over the years, Starr was his heart. Every time he visited campus, which was at least 6-8 times a year prepandemic, he made sure to go to the cottages and classrooms and visit with the students. He wanted them to know he’d been where they were and encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity—whether or not it felt like an opportunity at the time. He came home one time to tell me about a young

man who had been at Starr, was released, but eventually was sent back to Starr. The kid came up to Stan and said, “I remember you talking to us in class one day and all I saw was this old guy saying blahblahblah. Now I’m back... and man I get it. You are right.”

Being able to engage with the young people on campus was his favorite thing—he saw himself in those kids. He enjoyed alumni events where he got to meet fellow alumni through the decades and hear their stories. I saw a lot of healing in my husband as a result of his re-engagement at Starr.

Stan was the best at being able to look past the surface someone presented. He knew from personal experience how someone looked, acted, sounded, or behaved might be covering a plethora of issues not apparent unless you took the time to really listen and cared enough to see what was going on.

I know if he had a message to leave with us all it would be just that–get involved, care, engage, and listen. Be present not only for those nearest to us but especially for those who have nobody there for them. One of his favorite sayings was “you’ve gotta lean into it.”

Lean into life dear friends.

- Patricia Allen, September 2022

“I have had really good past experiences with Starr that have been key to my learning and growth and want to pass that on to others.”

“Organizational bias and the activities hit home and painted a clear picture of affinity bias.”

“[I will] facilitat[e] more conversations among team members about ways to teach/address bias in the workplace.”

Gladsome Circle

driven to heal

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 the 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 those 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

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., W. Watula and Ernest C. Beckman Endowment

Fund

Clair E. and Mary H. Berry Endowment Fund

Jim and Wanda Bolton Endowment Fund

Irma M. Bradley Memorial Endowment Fund

Fred M. and Maude

Brakeman and Blanche VanDyke Endowment Fund

Brasseur Family Endowment Fund

Louise R. Breisch Endowment Fund

Ellen and Erwin Breternitz

Memorial Endowment Fund

Kenneth A. Brower, Sr. Memorial Endowment Fund

Ashel G. and Dorothy J. Bryan Endowment Fund

Garth M. Bryan Endowment in Memory of Jesse and Myrtle Bryan

Fred C. and Dorothy A. Buhler Endowment Fund

Phyllis C. Clark Endowment Fund

Edward S. Coe Memorial Endowment Fund

David and Edie Cole 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

Jeannette A. Davis Memorial Named Endowment

Leland F. and Gertrude A. Deibele Endowment Fund

David W. and Amanda B.

Deshler Endowment Fund

Theodore S. and Adelaide M. Diehm 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

J. Dean Eckersley 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

Michael & Jeanne Gable Endowment Fund

William C. and Gladys E. Larson Endowment Fund

Lauff Family Endowment Fund

Donna Lee Lehman Endowment Fund

John and Judy Lore 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

Dr. and Mrs. T. Ellsworth McDowell 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

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

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

Alyce Lorraine Smith Endowment Fund

Christopher L. and Cathy L. Smith Endowment Fund

M. Gene Smith and Joseph J. Gondol Educational Endowment Fund

Jessie L. Soars and Janet Soars Platt 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

John H. Tucker and Helen I Tucker Memorial Fund

Joseph A. and Judith S. Valentine Endowment Fund

Warren and Maria Van Wicklin Endowment Fund

Alice Heminway Wardwell Endowment Fund

Madeline G. and Leonard O. Weidman Endowment Fund

Ervin J. and Helen A. Wilee Memorial Endowment Fund

Scholarship Funds

Bassage Memorial Scholarship Fund

Christian and Emma L. Breisch Scholarship

Collins Carter Scholarship

Mildred J. Carter Scholarship

John Corsey Memorial Fund

Alton D. and Phyllis L. Crandell Scholarship

John D. and Ruth Gillman Scholarship Fund

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

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

Helen M. Gager Endowment Fund

Barbara P. Garrett Endowment

Robert C. and Dorothy A. Gerholz Endowment Fund

Susan and William Gillam 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

Ruth J. Husung R. N. 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

Andrew and Greta Lamberson Endowment Fund

Jerry Neil Lantz Memorial Endowment Fund

Gladys and William Larson Endowment for Training

Stewart Payne Moffatt Endowment Fund for Payne Family Cottage

Francis E. Morse Endowment Fund

Sylvia Morse Memorial Endowment Fund

Robert & Mary Lu Nepil Endowment Fund

Arlin E. and Barbara A. Ness Endowment Fund

Keith O. Palmer Endowment Fund

Spade Family Endowment Fund

Virginia Z. Spieth Endowment Fund

David and Elta Starr Endowment Fund

Floyd Starr Endowment For Fine Arts

Edward S. and Clara H. Starr Endowment Fund

John F. Starr Endowment Fund

Paul Stearns Named 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

Frederick and Anne Raisch Scholarship

Herbert J. and Ruth Ann Richmond Scholarship

Floyd Starr Scholarship

Starr Commonwealth Scholarship Fund

Mary Towler Scholarship

Ubuntu Scholarship Fund

Wayne L. Yanz Scholarship Fund

Thank you to all of our supporters!

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 cost associated with our three stewardship programs are underwritten by special friends who join us in saying, “Thank you for caring!”

Floyd Starr Founder’s Circle

Legacies

We are grateful to have received gifts from the estates of these loyal friends during the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Barbara J and Bruce Charitable Remainder Trust

Estate of Byron Cole

Fitch H. Beach Charitable Foundation Trust

Eugene B. Hamilton Trust

Helen L. Kay Charitable Trust

Robert Picking CRUT

George J. Pohl Trust

Zora B. Pohl Trust

Carrie M. & Alex A. Reid Charitable Trust

Estate of Melvin and Kathleen St. John

Charles W and Genevieve M W. Walton Trust

Alma L. Weixelbaum Trust

Arlin E. Ness Circle

there are no

disposable kids

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.

Mr. Stanley Allen and Mrs. Patricia Allen

Mrs. Lavonne G. Bauer

Mrs. LaVerne I. Colness

Mrs. Janet C. Hewett

Dr. Thomas F. Higby

Mr. Ronald Hooker

Mr. Ted Johnson and Mrs. Maria Johnson

Ms. Diana S. Langley

Dr. Harry Leibowitz and Mrs. Kay Isaacson

Mrs. Frances M. Miller

Dr. Martin Mitchell and Mrs. Shirlee Mitchell

Dr. Arlin Ness and Mrs. Barbara Ness

Mr. Randy R. Neumann and Mrs. Tracey Neumann

Mr. Andy Nowlin

Dr. Richard L. Pinkerton, Ph.D.

Mrs. Merry Ann L. Sauls

Mrs. Ann J. Simpson

Mr. Roger K. Smiley

Mr. Christopher L. Smith and Mrs. Cathy Smith

Mrs. Libby Stearns

Mrs. Mary L. Weber

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 qualify for new milk bottles in the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Milk Bottle 1 - Summary of Gifts $2,500 - $4,999

Individuals:

Mr. Armando G. Alviani

Ms. Angela Dawson

Mr. Thomas Dean and Mrs. Jeanine Dean

Ms. Joan M. Ermish

Mr. Ivan B. Fall

Dr. Michael Glass

Mrs. Kathy Hart and Mr. Al Hart

Mr. Bruce W. Loughry

Miss Grace Main

Mr. Larry M. Oman and Mrs. Linda Oman

Ms. Mary Ann Sabo

Mr. Robert W. VanSumeren and Mrs. Dana VanSumeren

Mr. James B. Welch and Mrs. Pauline Welch

Mr. George W. Wilson and Mrs. Carol Wilson

Floyd Starr Founder’s Circle recognizes friends who give to Starr Commonwealth through their wills or estate plans. Members receive a beautiful replica of the statue “Floyd Starr with a Boy” that graces the entrance of our Albion campus, as well as other benefits.

Floyd Starr Founder’s Circle celebrates “Uncle” Floyd’s dedication to children, and the dedication of those who continue to support his vision.

Organizations: Human Service Solutions, LLC

Milk Bottle 2 - Summary of Gifts $5,000 - $7,499

Individuals:

Ms. Paula C. Dolson and Ms. Gretchen Jakubiak

Mr. Charles W. Puttkammer and Mrs. Cordelia Puttkammer

Mr. Norman E. Riester

Mr. Terry Roth

Mr. Sean Silver and Mrs. Ann Swisshelm

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

Organizations:

Albion-Homer United Way

State Farm – Woods Insurance & Financial Service, INC

Milk Bottle 3 - Summary of Gifts $7,500 - $9,999

Individuals:

Mrs. Lisa Miller and Mr. Kurt Miller

Mr. Bruce R. Peterson and Mrs. Barbara A. Peterson

Mr. William H. Tousey

Organizations:

Albion-Homer United Way Dayton Foundation

Milk Bottle 4 - Summary of Gifts $10,000 - $12,499

Individuals:

Mr. Derek Allen

Mrs. Danielle Jacob and Mr. Scott Jacob

Mrs. Carla Ness Harker and Mr. Robert Ness Harker

Mr. Dale C. Park and Mrs. Alice Park

Milk Bottle 6 - Summary of Gifts $15,000 - $17,499

Organizations: Schuler’s Inc.

Milk Bottle 7 - Summary of Gifts $17,500 - $19,999

Organizations: North Congregational Church

Milk Bottle 8 - Summary of Gifts more than $20,000

Individuals:

Mr. Robert Fenech and Mrs. Linda Fenech

Mr. Ted F. Johnson and Mrs. Maria Johnson

Mr. Robert S. Pettengill and Mrs. Priscilla Pettengill

Organizations: Keller Partners & Company

there’s no such thing as a bad child

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 2021-22 fiscal year. Names highlighted in blue indicate legacy gifts.

Individual Donors

Mr. Derek Allen

Mrs. Patricia Allen

Mr. Sam Allen and Mrs. Brenda Allen

Mr. Armando G. Alviani

Ms. Annette Andrews and Mr. Doug McKillop

Mr. John Barrett and Mrs. Christi Barrett

Mr. Gregg Beeg

Mr. Robert Bertrand and Mrs. Suzanne Bertrand

Mr. Simon Bisson and Mrs. Molly Bisson

Mr. Darrell J. Black

Mr. Daniel Blumen and Mrs. Jane Quamme

Barbara J and Bruce Charitable

Remainder Trust

Mr. Gary R. Campbell and Mrs. Karen Campbell

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Carey and Mr. Michael Young

Mr. Craig Carrel

Mr. Douglas K. Clark and Mrs. Sandie Clark

Estate of Byron Cole

Mr. Gary Crist and Mrs. Betsy Crist

Mr. Fred Damron and Mrs. Lisa Damron

Ms. Susan Damron

Mr. Richard Ressler and Mrs. Rebecca Davis

Mr. Spencer L. Davis

Ms. Angela Dawson

Ms. Paula C. Dolson and Ms. Gretchen Jakubiak

Mr. Robert R. Dunn and Mrs. Amy Dunn

Mrs. Anne Willson Dupre

Mr. Ivan B. Fall

Mr. Robert Fenech and Mrs. Linda Fenech

Mr. Bryan Fields and Mrs. Barbara Fields

Mr. Larry Gill and Mrs. Susan Gill

Mr. William R. Gillam and Mrs. Susan Gillam

Dr. Michael Glass

Mr. George A. Goodman

Mr. James R. Greene

Mr. H. Ronald Griffith and Mrs. Sharon Griffith

Eugene B. Hamilton Trust

Mrs. Kathy Hart and Mr. Al Hart

Mr. Richard V. Hendrian

Mrs. Danielle Jacob and Mr. Scott Jacob

Mr. Ted F. Johnson and Mrs. Maria Johnson

Mr. Albert J. Koegel and Mrs. Barbara Koegel

Mrs. Lynn Komasara

Dr. Huilan Krenn and Mr. Michael Krenn

Mr. Dennis J. LaFleur and Mrs. Connie LaFleur

Dr. Stacey Levin and Mr. Michael Dixon

Ms. Hazel Lias

Mr. Robert M. McCormick and Mrs. Catherine McCormick

Mr. Thomas J. McDowell and Mrs. Sue McDowell

Mrs. Lisa Miller and Mr. Kurt Miller

Dr. Martin L. Mitchell and Mrs. Shirlee Mitchell

Dr. Arlin E. Ness and Mrs. Barbara Ness

Mrs. Carla Ness Harker and Mr. Robert Ness Harker

Mr. Randy R. Neumann and Mrs. Tracey Neumann

Mr. Larry M. Oman and Mrs. Linda Oman

Mr. Dale C. Park and Mrs. Alice Park

Mr. Edward J. Peters

Mr. Bruce R. Peterson and Mrs. Barbara A. Peterson

Ms. Carol Petredean

Mr. Robert S. Pettengill and Mrs. Priscilla Pettengill

Robert Picking CRUT

George J. Pohl Trust

Zora B. Pohl Trust

Mr. Charles W. Puttkammer and Mrs. Cordelia Puttkammer

Mr. Norman E. Riester

Mr. Terry Roth

Dr. David Roush and Mrs. Nancy Roush

Ms. Mary Ann Sabo

Mr. Sean Silver and Mrs. Ann Swisshelm

Mr. Christopher L. Smith and Mrs. Cathy Smith

Mr. H. Warren Smith and Mrs. Nancy Smith

Dr. Caelan K. Soma and Mr. John Soma

Mr. Dudley Spade and Mrs. Nancy Spade

Estate of Melvin and Kathleen

St. John

Mrs. Clara J. Stewart and Mr. Joseph M. Stewart

Mr. Erick Stewart

Mr. William H. Tousey

Mr. Michael Turner and Mrs. Peg Turner

Mr. Nicholas A. Valentine and Mrs. Karen Valentine

Mr. Bruce A. Vande Vusse and Mrs. Kristen Vande Vusse

Mr. Robert W. VanSumeren and Mrs. Dana VanSumeren

Mrs. Julie Voigt and Mr. Robert Voigt

Douglas C Walton Charitable Remainder Trust

Charles W and Genevieve M W. Walton Trust

Alma L. Weixelbaum Trust

Mr. Edward A. Zeschin

Mr. Joseph Zima

Foundations, Corporations, Groups & Organizations

Albion-Homer United Way

Anna Paulina Foundation Bailey Cavalieri LLC

Bank of America Matching Gifts Program

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Battle Creek Tile & Mosaic Co.

Guido A. and Elizabeth H.

Binda Foundation

Brown and Brown of Lehigh Valley

Calhoun County

Camp Kita City of Battle Creek

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Damron Brothers Asphalt

Edward E. MacCrone Private Foundation

O.P. & W.E. Edwards Foundation

Elite Companies

Feldpausch Foundation

Fitch H. Beach Charitable Foundation Trust

Google Graphics 3 Inc.

Halderman Farm Management Service

Helen L. Kay Charitable Trust

Highland Consulting Associate, Inc.

Human Service Solutions, LLC

ITC A Fortis Company

J & L Manufacturing

Jessie R. Stewart Trust

John D. & Jean E. Dinan Foundation

Keller Partners & Company

Marshall Community Credit Union

Marshall Community Foundation

Michigan Health Endowment Fund

Miller Johnson Attorneys

North Congregational Church

Oaklawn Hospital

Plante & Moran, PLLC

Plenty Consulting

Real Estate One - Rosemary Davis Realty

ReMax Perrett Associates

Santo, Maria, Frank, & John Zanetti Foundation

SBD Commercial Interiors

Schuler’s, Inc.

Southern Michigan Bank and Trust

Spartan Podiatry

State Farm - Woods Insurance & Financial Service Inc.

Sturgis Bank & Trust Co.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Susan S Gill Donor Advised Fund

Team 1 Plastics

United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region

Upston Contracting LLC

Viceroy Properties, LLC

Victory Supply Inc

Villa On Verona

W. K. Kellogg Foundation

Heroes Among Us

No matter their journey, children can heal—they can be empowered—and with the help of a caring community, they can become heroes of resilience.

It all started as a dream of Floyd Starr in 1913, to help homeless and neglected children find a place to belong and thrive in this world. This dream has been nurtured, it has flourished and it has evolved for over a century. Throughout Starr’s own story of resilience and empowerment, we still come to the same conclusion our founder did:

“There is no such thing as a bad child.”

However, millions of childhood stories are still being written in ways that leave them victimized. Rates of childhood mental health concerns and suicide rose steadily between 2010 and 2020, and suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24. The pandemic has intensified this crisis, and across the country we have witnessed dramatic increases in mental health emergencies.

The National State of Emergency in Childhood Mental Health

Over the past two years, the pandemic struck at the safety, stability, hearts, and minds of families. More than 140,000 children in the United States lost a caregiver, with youth of color disproportionately impacted. As child and family service providers, we are caring for young people with soaring rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, and suicidality

that will have lasting impacts on them, their families, and their communities. We must identify strategies to meet these challenges through innovation and action, using state, local, and national approaches to improve the access to and quality of care across the continuum. That is why Starr joined voices with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) to highlight a National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health.

Starr believes when trauma-informed and resilience-focused adults work within traumainformed and resilience-focused systems, the wellbeing and success of children will increase. This Theory of Change manifests in children, families, and organizations we work with across the country and throughout the world with improved overall health, better educational outcomes, and reduced social, emotional and behavioral health issues. These breakthroughs ripple across families and communities providing limitless success for both young and old. 2023 will celebrate 110 years of healing, empowerment, and resilience for Starr, but it will take heroes both young and old to overcome the emergency we face together.

Learn more and get involved at starr.org/110

2021-2022 Leadership

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Lisa Miller, Chair (2018 – 2027)

President, MMK Consulting Group Coldwater, MI

Randy Neumann, Vice Chair (2013 – 2022)

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

Milton Barnes (2019 – 2028)

Albion College & Play Right Basketball Academy

CEO & Founder Albion, MI

Simon P. Bisson, Secretary (2018 – 2027)

Vice President, Philanthropy OhioHealth Foundation Cleveland, OH

George A. Goodman (2010 – 2019) (2021 – 2030)

Ypsilanti, MI

Huilan Krenn (2017 – 2026)

Director of Learning & Impact

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Battle Creek, MI

Sean Silver, Treasurer (2019 – 2028)

Senior Vice President Bank of America, Merrill Lynch Troy, MI

Erick Stewart, Past Chair (2009 – 2023)

President, Lagniappe Global Commodity Group

Battle Creek, MI

Keena Williams (2019 – 2028)

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

OFFICERS

Elizabeth A. Carey

President and Chief Executive Officer

Derek S. Allen

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Caelan Soma

Chief Clinical Officer

Paula Dolson Chief Financial Officer

TRUSTEES EMERITUS

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

George D. Goodman

Executive Director (Retired) Michigan Municipal League Mackinac Island, MI

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

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Anne Willson Dupré Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Toronto, Canada

Diana Starr Langley Montecito, CA

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Martin L. Mitchell

President Emeritus Coldwater, MI

Arlin E. Ness

President Emeritus Phoenix, AZ

Larry K. Brendtro

President Emeritus Lennox, SD

Financial Summary

Starr Commonwealth Statement of Activities for the year ended September 30, 2022. 000 omitted.

REVENUE EXPENSES FINANCIAL POSITION

*All Officers and Trustees can be reached at the following address and phone number: Starr Commonwealth, 13725 Starr Commonwealth Road, Albion, MI 49224, (517) 629-5591

Since 1913, Starr has relied on donors and other supporters to help us heal trauma and build resilience so that all can flourish.

Whether working with schools, clinics, or public agencies and foundations, Starr’s partners are integral to the expansion of the impact of the Commonwealth.

To become certified through Starr is a commitment to transforming the lens through which you see children and signifies your dedication to healing.

All one needs to do to join the mission is to raise your voice in support of breaking down barriers for children and staying connected with Starr Commonwealth.

Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, or sexuality. Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Founded in 1913, Starr Commonwealth’s Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site and has been selected and recognized nationally as a Best Nonprofit to Work For. Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations, insurance companies, and individuals.