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Archives for January 2022

Starfish blog: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of service

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Monday, January 17 marks the federal holiday that honors the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (His actual birthday occurs on January 15.) Signed into law in 1983 and first observed in 1986, the holiday is a deserving tribute to Dr. King for advancing civil rights and social justice through nonviolent protest.

It has grown beyond a federal holiday honoring Dr. King into a national day of community service. Each year, service projects are planned across the country to reaffirm Dr. King’s message of serving others. It’s actually not a day off, but a day on!

  • AmeriCorps has a searchable database of MLK Day volunteer opportunities. Simply put in your zip code and click on the “MLK Day” box to find the projects available in your area.
  • Ways to find virtual volunteering opportunities at any time: Search established databases such as VolunteerMatch.org, Catchafire.org, or Points of Light. If there’s a particular organization you would love to help, you can also check the organization’s volunteer section on their website.

Jan. 17: Commemorative Events (in-person)

Note: Due to COVID-19, some events may cancel without notice and those that do take place may enforce social distancing, face masks, and other safety protocols. Make sure you visit the links for your chosen event(s) for additional details.

  • MLK Jr. Day: Give Us the Ballot at the Detroit Historical Museum
    • Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • Location: 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI
    • Cost: Free with museum admission. $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students, active military, and first responders; and $6 for children ages 6-17. Admission for all children under 6 is free.
    • Registration: NA
    • Details: Visitors can participate in a voter registration project for kids as well as listen to an expert on the importance of registering to vote. Kids will make their own ‘mock’ voter registration cards and receive MLK worksheets and coloring pages. The event will conclude with cupcakes and a sing-along to Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday.”

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
    • Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Location: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: NA
    • Details: Learn about the contributions Dr. King made to the civil rights movement and view civil rights artifacts, including the Rosa Parks bus. Make a statement in the interactive program “Minds on Freedom,” highlighting the contributions of Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and civil rights champions like the Freedom Riders. Explore the exhibit, “With Liberty and Justice for All.”

Jan. 17: Commemorative Events (virtual)

  • MLK Drive for Peace, Justice and Equity Hosted by: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force Inc.
    • Time: 9:30 a.m.
    • Location: Virtual (Live starting at Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield)
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration (to attend virtually via Zoom & Facebook): You must pre-register
    • Details: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Southfield, MI was the first and remains the largest in the State of Michigan to celebrate the holiday.
  • 19th Annual Detroit MLK Day Virtual Rally & Cultural Program Hosted by: Detroit MLK Day
    • Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    • Location: Virtual
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: NA
    • Details: The 2022 event will be streamed utilizing Facebook, Zoom, and YouTube. The online character of the event provides the opportunity to invite guests from around the U.S. and the world. Visit the Detroit MLK Day Facebook page for more information.

Starfish blog: New Year sparks positive beginnings

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Spark new beginnings in the New Year

The turning of the calendar to a new year sparks a new beginning. Adults typically take this opportunity to make resolutions for positive change—like being more active, eating more fruits and veggies. But what about kids? Helping your children to embrace positive energy can never start too early.

Making resolutions is a great interactive activity to do with your children. If the word “resolution” sounds too intimidating, talk about setting goals—goals that are realistic. And have some fun! Kids love being involved in decision-making and charting their success. Depending on their age, create a sticker chart together or maybe experiment with flavors of vegetable smoothies that everyone can try. Encouraging your child to build healthy skills and habits now will carry well into adulthood. Below find some suggestions for age-appropriate New Year’s resolutions for kids adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Preschool children

  • I’ll pick up my toys and put stuff away where it belongs.
  • I’ll let my parents help me brush my teeth twice every day.
  • I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
  • I will always hold a grown-up’s hand when I cross the street.

Bid kids & tweens (5-12)

  • I’ll drink milk and water and limit soda and fruit drinks.
  • I’ll wear a helmet when I’m on my bike, scooter, or skateboard.
  • I’ll wear my seatbelt every time I’m in a car—or, until I’m tall enough to use a lap/shoulder belt, I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat.
  • I’ll try to find an activity or sport that I like and that gets me moving at least three times a week (e.g., playing tag, dancing, soccer).
  • I’ll try to create time to read for fun.
  • I’ll be nice to other kids and friendly to kids who are shy, different, or new at school.

Teens (13+)

  • I’ll watch non-violent TV shows and video games and spend only one to two hours each day, tops, on them.
  • I’ll help my community by volunteering or by joining an organization that aids others in need.
  • I’ll stop negative self-talk (“I can’t do it,” “I’m so dumb”).
  • When I feel mad or stressed, I’ll take a break and choose positive, constructive ways to deal—like exercising, reading, journaling, or talking through problems with a friend or parent.
  • I’ll be careful whom I choose to date. I’ll treat them with respect and without coercion or violence – and expect the same.
  • I agree not to use a cell phone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.
  • When I see friends are struggling or engaging in risky behavior, I’ll talk with a trusted adult and try to find a way to help.

Our Mission

Strengthening families to create brighter futures for children.

Our Vision

A just society in which all children, families, and communities have equitable opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive.

Starfish Family Services
(Headquarters)

30000 Hiveley
Inkster, MI 48141
734. 728. 3400

starfish@sfish.org

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