Starr News Fall 2015

NEWS

Vol. 72 • No. 3 Fall 2015

Founder’s Day at Starr Detroit Academy DONOR SPOTLIGHT A Life of Service: Dr. Miriam Daly Giving Tuesday

Starr News

starr commonwealth leadership Officers

Board of Trustees

Elizabeth A. Carey, MSW President Chief Executive Officer

Honorable John Hallacy, Chair (2009 – 2018) Chief District Court Judge 10th District Court Battle Creek, MI

Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D. Immediate Past President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher L. Smith, BBA., CPA Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer

Craig Carrel, Vice Chair (2008 – 2017) President and Partner Team 1 Plastics Albion, MI Lawrence Givens, Secretary (2010 – 2019) Blackmond and Givens, Inc. Southfield, MI Kyle Caldwell, Immediate Past Chair (2007 – 2016) Executive Director Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids, MI

George A. Goodman (2010 – 2019) Ypsilanti, MI Tom Kolassa (2007 – 2016) Senior Vice President Hub International Battle Creek, MI

Trustees Emeritus

President Emeritus

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

Martin L. Mitchell President Emeritus Coldwater, MI

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

Laura Koziarski (2013-2022) Child Advocate Battle Creek, MI

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

Jack Kresnak (2009 – 2018) Journalist / Child Advocate Livonia, MI

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

Randy Neumann (2013 – 2022) Vice President J.F. Daley, Inc. San Antonio, TX

Arlin E. Ness President Emeritus Anthem, AZ *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

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

Stanley Allen (2014 – 2023) Configuration Engineering Wells Fargo & Company Des Moines, IA

Mary E. Rutan (2013 – 2022) Human Resources Director (Retired) Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

Scott Bennett (2010 – 2019) Vice President UBS Financial Services Birmingham, MI

Erick Stewart (2009 – 2018) President Stewart Industries LLC Battle Creek, MI

Doug Clark (2013 – 2022) Executive Director Cru International Mill Creek, WA

Bruce Vande Vusse (2009 – 2018) Attorney Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. Farmington Hills, MI

Honorary Trustees Anne Willson Dupré Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Toronto, Canada Diana Starr Langley Montecito, CA

Starr is dedicated to the mission of creating positive environments where children and families flourish.

Starr News Fall 2015 Volume 72 • No. 3 Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion, color or national origin.

Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation.

Founded in 1913, Starr is licensed by the state of Michigan.

The Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site.

Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations and individuals.

13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, MI 49224-9525 800.837.5591 info@starr.org

Table of Contents President’s Letter Founder’s Day A Life of Service: Dr. Miriam Daly

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Scholarships

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Gifts Giving Tuesday 2

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Fall 2015

president’s letter

Give Thanks A

s we approach the holiday season, many

of us begin to think of family gatherings, giving thanks with our loved ones, and enjoying a time of celebration.

At Starr, we are thinking about the reality faced by so many of those we serve. Every day we work with people who have found themselves isolated, feeling lonely, and in need of care and attention. For those people, the holiday season can be particularly tough.

Our staff, driven by a belief in the strengths of children and families, are doing everything they can to support people and make the holiday season a safe, warm, and even joyous one for those in our care.

We think of them as being part of the Starr ‘family’.

Having just celebrated Starr’s 102nd anniversary on Founder’s Day, we are thankful for the support of our generous donors, who enable us to meet the needs of thousands of children and families each year. Through the event we raised more than $10,000 for Starr’s scholarship program – thank you to everyone who contributed to this great effort! By donating to our scholarship program, you can help students further their education and achieve even more than before.

Founder’s Day featured a number of heartfelt accounts of how Starr’s programs, and our staff, have helped vulnerable and troubled young people to

find a path to success and independence. Such stories inspire us to continue delivering excellence in the areas of youth development, education, behavioral health and professional development.

Our anniversary also highlighted what makes Starr different – our core values and philosophy on how to support children and families, which have been passionately championed by each of my predecessors. This year, it was very special to be joined at Founder’s Day by three previous Starr presidents, Dr. Larry Brendtro, Dr. Arlin Ness, and Dr. Martin Mitchell. Nearly half a century of leadership still supporting our cause!

As we begin our 103rd year, I am honored to be leading Starr Commonwealth, and excited by the potential for our organization to help thousands of children and families reach their potential. Each and every day, our services are reaching over 1200 people and we strive to serve more.

I would like to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season, and I thank you for your continued support of Starr’s mission – creating positive environments where children and families flourish.

Elizabeth Carey, President and CEO

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Founder’s Day Children and families in the spotlight at Founder’s Day 2015

NEWS

“Soon, I will become the first person in my family to graduate from college,” said Tim Styszko, a former member of Starr Detroit’s community based programs, on the Founder’s Day stage.

L

ike so many Founder’s Days before it, the 2015 celebration of Starr’s beginning delivered memorable moments in great number.

Before the event had even begun, it was special for a few reasons: it was the first Founder’s Day held anywhere other than Starr’s

Albion campus; it was held at Starr Detroit Academy, which now serves around 950 students K-8 just three years after its founding; and it was the first Founder’s Day since Elizabeth Carey became Starr’s fifth president.

The focus of the event was on the young people and families impacted by Starr’s diverse range of services, particularly those based in southeast Michigan.

“As we celebrate the founding of Starr’s mission and values, it is important to recognize the ways in which they are being lived today – in response to the current needs of those we serve. Founder’s Day this year was a fantastic showcase of how our belief in the strengths of children and families truly does drive results in the community – real lives being transformed by the work of our staff,” said Elizabeth Carey, President and CEO. Attended by students and parents from the Academy, trustees, donors, community leaders and staff, the program was opened quite literally with a bang, as 25 members of FIRE Entertainment’s marching band entered the school gymnasium and entertained the guests with an energetic and colorful performance.

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The band was followed by a pas-

his 46 years at Starr, the campus

sage of resilience, a choir of 50

sionate rendition of the national

in Harper Woods, home to Starr

singers from the award-winning

anthem by the Starr Detroit

Detroit Academy and Starr’s

Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit

Academy choir before the intro-

Behavioral Health Center, was

produced a powerful Founder’s

duction of the emcee for the event,

named the ‘Shirlee and Martin L.

Day performance for the second

Lauren Sanders, an established

Mitchell Campus for Resilience.’

year in a row.

Quoting a plaque that will be

Highlighting Starr’s extensive

“We are here to recognize how

displayed on the campus, Dr.

impact in the community, Dawn

Floyd Starr, the founder of this

Mitchell’s successor, Elizabeth

Stewart, Director of Starr Detroit,

organization – this ‘movement’ –

Carey said: “As your legacy shows

introduced foster parents, Donna

set out some values and principles

us, all young people can thrive

and Christopher Battle, and

102 years ago that are still having

when they know belonging, mas-

Valerie Rucker. The parents spoke

a significant impact on young

tery, independence and generosity.

of the strong support provided to

people today, including here at

Moreover, you have taught us that

them by the Starr Detroit team

Starr Detroit Academy,” said Ms.

the fulfillment of these universal

over many years, and their love of

Sanders.

needs builds resilience – that nec-

caring for children.

Detroit journalist and presenter.

As part of Starr’s leadership transition, Dr. Martin Mitchell and his wife Shirlee were recognized for their service to the organization. Dr. Mitchell fully retires as President and CEO in January 2016, and as a tribute to

essary ability to continue forward, to survive, to improve and accomplish, even when problems arise.

For our challenges are merely opportunities for our strengths to shine.”

In response to the inspiring mes-

Former students of the Detroit programs, Donmanika Thomas and Darryl Braxton shared their personal stories of transformation, and thanked the team at Starr for helping them overcome significant challenges in their lives.

Martin Mitchell, Elizabeth Carey, Arlin Ness, and Larry Brentro.

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Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit.

Tim Styszko, an alumnus of a

not come into contact with Starr,”

Detroit Committee, which made

former Detroit program aimed

said Styszko.

the decision to use the assets of

at supporting young people to find independence, spoke of his struggle with negative behaviors and how the team at Starr has supported him at every stage of his development, including his college studies.

Continuing a tradition of recognizing individuals who have made

Starr Detroit Academy. Mr. Givens

the cause of improving the lives of

continues to play a leading role

young people, the Child Advocacy

in Starr’s educational program-

Award was presented to Starr’s

ming as a member of the Starr

longest serving trustee, Larry Givens.

the Starr scholarship program

Mr. Givens’ advocacy for young

its support of his education. In the last year, Starr’s scholarship program awarded over $227,000 to 28 alumni.

“The people at Starr truly care, and go out of their way to help and encourage young people. I’m not sure where I would be today had I

Detroit to invest in the founding of

an extraordinary contribution to

Mr. Styszko is a beneficiary of and thanked the organization for

the former Children’s Home of

people extends well beyond his 14 years as a Starr trustee. He has served as a board member for City Year, as Chair of the Safe Night

Educational Services board.

Accepting the award, Mr. Givens thanked the Starr Commonwealth board of trustees and shared stories of those who had helped him as a young man growing up in

Youth Committee for 100 Black

Detroit. Closing his remarks, he

Men of Greater Detroit, and as a

said, “I shall forever remember this

member of the Advisory Board for

first Founder’s Day in Detroit.”

Wayne County Juvenile Court.

At Starr he chaired the Vision

Check out our Founder’s Day photo gallery on Facebook. F

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DONOR spotlight

A Life of Service

D

Dr. miriam daly

r. Miriam

to different towns

Daly has

and cities and

had a

visiting Greenville

profound impact

and Albion. As they

in the community

swayed towards

of Albion, Mich.,

Greenville, Dr. Daly

and has known all

felt a final visit to

five of Starr’s presidents, but it started with an instinctive decision that she remembers fondly.

Growing up in the city of Baltimore, MD., Dr. Daly learned to value a diverse community. To her, it was the norm, and something she wanted in her life.

Meanwhile, she had also enjoyed spending parts of her childhood on the family farm in rural Maryland, and ultimately, after graduating from medical school in Baltimore, she set about finding somewhere to build a new life with her husband, Harold, who was a surgeon.

Their starting point was a book they had received in the mail listing towns in the US that needed doctors. After applying to fifteen different hospitals, they were turned down by thirteen, and the two that expressed interest were both in Michigan, where her sister had already moved. One was in Greenville, the other in Albion.

Dr. Daly had vacationed in Michigan as a child and felt very comfortable with the idea of a move to the state, but how to decide between the two cities?

The Dalys embarked on a tour of Michigan, traveling 8

Albion was needed.

That visit changed everything.

“I remember driving past what was the junior high school at that time, and it just came over me that Albion was the town. I think we liked Albion because it was more like a city, with lots of industry. I liked the idea of having a racial mix, which Greenville did not have,” says Dr. Daly.

Albion was the place. It had the diversity she wanted in a community. It just felt right, and after disappointing Greenville, Dr. Daly moved to Albion on July 19, 1955, a day she remembers like it was yesterday.

Sixty years on, Dr. Daly has played an instrumental role in the lives of many Albion residents, not only through her remarkable service as a doctor, but through a lifelong commitment to helping others in the community.

Dr. Daly puts her dedication to community service down to her mother and grandmother, who had both given their support to vulnerable young people. Her mother adopted two children who had been through the juvenile court, and her grandmother had taken in a street child. After her grandmother’s passing, the child moved to the Hersey Industrial School in Pennsylvania.

DONOR spotlight Experiencing this generosity shaped Dr. Daly’s perspective on life, and shortly after arriving in Albion she became aware of an organization that she could relate to – Starr Commonwealth, which resembled the Hersey School in some ways.

Another connection came when Dr. Daly’s daughter went to school and found herself in the same class as the daughter of a Mr. Reynolds, who was an assistant to founder Floyd Starr.

Dr. Daly has been donating to Starr since she moved to Albion. She was immediately inspired by what Floyd Starr was doing on the campus and related it to the generosity of her mother and grandmother who frequently took in people who needed a safe haven.

“I guess my mother and my grandmother had always been great at taking people in. We always had someone coming and staying and it is something I’ve always done. I’m a Girl Scout and part of the Girl Scout philosophy is to help people and I’ve tried to do that all my life. I appreciate anybody who helps people, and I appreciated Floyd Starr,” she says.

Since becoming familiar with Starr, Dr. Daly has taken many visitors on tours of the Albion campus and often asks people, “Have you heard of Starr Commonwealth?”

People are always impressed.

The Dalys’ first home in Albion was found for them by the hospital but they soon found a house on Irwin Avenue, where they lived for 18 years. However, Dr. Daly’s early years spent on the family farm in Maryland had left their mark, and she yearned for a more rural situation.

With remarkable precision, Dr. Daly recalls that on January 23, 1975, just before lunchtime, her realtor presented her with a map of a farm to the west of Albion.

Once again, as she looked at the map, a special feeling came over her. It felt right, and the Dalys were soon the proud owners of 360 acres, and a beautiful farmhouse.

DR. DALY, A LIFESAVER As a child, Derek was prone to getting sick. He would run high fevers, exhibit flu-like symptoms, become very dehydrated, and would oftentimes end up hospitalized. It was hard on him, and it was hard on us as parents.

I have often thought back to those times and wondered what it would have been like or what might have happened had we not had Miriam Daly as our pediatrician. Because of how quickly Derek’s condition could deteriorate, Dr. Daly had provided us with her home phone number for after hours and weekend needs.

I remember one night in particular, when Derek was 3 or 4 and had been sick for several days. His temperature spiked to 103, and we were trying everything we could to get it back down. We called Dr. Daly at home in desperation. She knew Derek, she knew how his body responded when he was sick, and (we believe) she knew that as young parents it was difficult for us to afford after hours Emergency Room expenses.

She told us to bring Derek to her home immediately. Once there, she spent the next few hours treating our little boy, ultimately getting his fever to break. She sent us on our way with a prescription and words of encouragement: “Be strong, you are good parents, and he is going to be okay.”

This is one example of many times she helped Derek and our family. We can only imagine the countless other stories from other grateful families who she helped over her many years of service. We are so very thankful for Dr. Daly and what she has meant to our family.

–Sam and Brenda Allen, parents of Derek Allen, Director of Program Development and Growth for the Starr Global Learning Network

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DONOR spotlight Much of the land was already being actively farmed but a

for the drives for the last 15 years. “I try to make it

big attraction was that around 100 acres were unfarmed.

educational. I’ll talk to the boys and ask them if they

Since then, Dr. Daly has welcomed visitors from across

know what the different blood types are. I emphasize the importance of volunteering and how important it is to

the world – some for short stays, others as lodgers,

give blood, ” she says.

including staff who worked at Starr Commonwealth.

Hospitality is something that is clearly fundamental to the values of Dr. Daly, but she also goes well beyond her own home to support other people.

Mapping Albion’s development over the last 50 years, Dr. Daly describes the ups and downs of the industry in the city, and how the population has changed in terms

Dr. Daly has served as a Girl Scout leader and continues to deliver meals on wheels in the community. She is a

of its ethnic diversity and the growth of its educational institutions. She also believes it is important for organizations such as Albion College, Starr, and Kellogg

board member of the local NAACP branch, and is also committed to lifelong learning, attending every program of the Albion Area Lifetime Learners group. As part of

Community College to collaborate as much as possible.

Looking to the future, Dr. Daly is optimistic about

her long term commitment to the Red Cross, Dr. Daly

Albion and Starr. “I know Starr has grown into different

has helped to coordinate blood drives in Albion for

program areas in Battle Creek and Detroit, but it has

many years.

kept the same basic principles, and I like that,” she

Young people from Starr have helped Dr. Daly set up

says. F

SCHolarships Scholarship recipients acknowledged at the Founder’s Day celebration:

NAME

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SCHOOL

Diamond Allison Eastern Michigan University Domenic Bernardon Thomas More College Kiyanna Bumpus Western Michigan University Jonathan Clark Bellevue College Kathryn Couto Trinity International University Linda Daugherty Eastern Kentucky University Dylan Duhlberg Oakland University Carliema Early Jackson Community College Lily Fahlberg Hope College

Caitlin Fattore University of Tennessee Brandon Foster College for Creative Studies Sarah George Central Michigan University Serge Jolliet College of Creative Studies

Shelby Kasen Grand Valley State University Jessica Kellerman Schoolcraft College Samuel Lobbestael Western Michigan University Ciera Mapp Michigan State University

Mariah Mapp Ashworth Online College Patrice Massey Conflict Resolution Center Tre Nichols Washtenaw Community College Jermaine Paynes Wayne County Community College Michael Reygaert Davenport University David Scharlacken University of Massachusetts Dancho Scott Lincoln College Kadeem Sims Wayne State University Timothy Styszko University of Michigan Michael Woloszyk Wayne State University Muhammed Zion Schoolcraft College

SCHOLARSHIP Weber Scholarship General Scholarship Payne Scholarship Payne Scholarship Raisch Scholarship Raisch Scholarship Carter Scholarship Lloyd Scholarship Gillman Scholarship and Payne Scholarship Gillman Scholarship Payne Scholarship Pierce Scholarship Carter Scholarship and Kent Scholarship Payne Scholarship Carter Scholarship General Scholarship Payne Scholarship and Towler Scholarship Raisch Scholarship Kent Scholarship Kent Scholarship Schmidt Scholarship Towler Scholarship Pierce Scholarship Carter Scholarship Schmidt Scholarship Payne Scholarship Pierce Scholarship Kent Scholarship and Raisch Scholarship

Fall 2015

Honor & Memorial gifts In Honor of: GEORGE D. GOODMAN Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Puttkammer DAVID J. HERRING Mr. John E. Herring MARTIN L. AND SHIRLEE MITCHELL Mr. and Mrs. Doug Burger Mrs. Elizabeth Carey & Mr. Michael Young Mr. and Mrs. Peter Christ Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Champion Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Cook Mr. and Mrs. Robert Covert Mr. and Mrs. Randy David Dr. and Mrs. Randy K. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Harley Dodge Mrs. Mary M. Fetters Mr. and Mrs. Steve Finch Mr. Michael J. Gable Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Givens Mr. and Mrs. George D. Goodman

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miles Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness Mr. and Mrs. Fred Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Bob Rowbotham Mr. and Mrs. Tom Schaeffer

Ms. Sue Huntington

Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Tuck

Mrs. Ada Mead

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Veich Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Veich Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Wenger CHARLES NIELSEN Mrs. Diane Nielsen MADELINE I. SHAW-NAJARIAN Dr. and Mrs. Brian Shaw

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lantz Dr. and Mrs. James E. Longhurst Dr. Larraine Matusak Dr. and Mrs. Russell G. Mawby Mr. and Mrs. Alan Middleton

KAYE LONGARDNER Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell GLADYS AND GEORGE MESLER Dr. Linda M. Muul MARION OCHS Mr. James W. Ochs BOB PAYNE Mrs. Carolyne Payne

In Memory of:

DEAN ROBINSON

EMILIO J. BARRERA

GERALD D. ROBINSON

Mr. and Mrs. Randy R. Neumann HELEN BERRY WILLIAM MACKIE BLACK

Ms. Kathy Lantz

Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell LOUISA BLACK LANGE

Ms. Joyce Soebbing

Dr. and Mrs. Sean P. Groves

Mr. and Mrs. Lance Hawblitz

HON. JAMES C. KINGSLEY

Mr. Kevin Britt

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fisher

Mr. and Mrs. David Hawblitz

Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. McFee

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Schauer

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Gray Mr. and Mrs. Howard Halderman

JOSEPH T. HEPP

Mr. Darrell Black BRUCE WILSON DAVIS Mr. Robert c. Davis CONCETTA FALCONE Mr. John Falcone JOHN B. GMEINER Mrs. Marian P. Gmeiner

Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cass MARION ROBINSON Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cass SIR THOMAS DOUGLAS SEXTON Mr. and Mrs. Randy R. Neumann BRAD WELICKI Mrs. Parah J. Roberson My MOTHER Mrs. Shirley Flanagan MY PARTENTS Mr. Gordon Grant

BETTY L. HAMILTON Mr. and Mrs. Randy R. Neumann

HONOR GIFTS are thoughtful ways to remember a special person and/or a special occasion, such as a birth, birthday, anniversary, graduation, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, while also helping Starr children. Honor gifts also may be made online at www.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. Memorial donations also may be made online at www.starr.org.

The current gifts reflect the period from 5/5 to 10/14/2015. Donors are listed below the name of the person in whose memory or honor they contributed.

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Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #975 Lansing, MI 13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, Michigan 49224 www.starr.org

Duplicate mailing? Call (800) 837-5591 Address service requested

DECEMBER 1 Created as a social media movement, Giving Tuesday has become a global day of giving – a way for everyone to show how much they care for the nonprofits near and dear to their hearts. In conjunction with a donation of time and money, nonprofit supporters are able to spread the word about their organizations through social media posts and hashtags.

So how has Starr been involved in Giving Tuesday? The past two years, Starr has encouraged donors on Facebook and Twitter, showing how even a small donation could help the children and communities that we serve.

This year, we are going bigger: we are working to coordinate a group of matching donors who will match the total donations from Giving Tuesday. This means that for every dollar donated to Starr on December 1, we will receive two dollars.

So this year, make your money count – donate to Starr on Giving Tuesday, and ensure that your money goes twice as far. And don’t forget to share on social media using #GivingTuesday to show your friends and family your support for our organization!

You can follow Starr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share Giving Tuesday posts. If you would like to be a part of our Giving Tuesday matching donors pool, please contact Sherie Veramay at veramays@starr.org or 517-630-2312.