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Archives for May 2022

Healing our children, community, ourselves

May 25, 2022 by Starfish Family Services

Over the last several weeks, our world and our emotions have been rocked again by inexplicable violence and the unfathomable killing of innocent children and adults in what should be safe places. Watching news reports, as well as hearing about these shootings, have the potential to activate a trauma response (especially fear or anxiety) in children, families, and the larger community.

There is no easy answer. No single remedy for healing. But, as dedicated champions for children and families, we have compiled strength-based tools from multiple trusted and respected sources. And, please, never forget that Starfish is here for you.

Methods for healing

High profile acts of violence, particularly in a school, can confuse and frighten children who may feel they’re in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are in jeopardy. This is true even if the incident didn’t occur locally. Children identify with other children regardless of location—which may trigger signs of anxiety. This is normal. If behaviors persist over time, professional help may be needed. (Source: American Psychological Association)

What to look for?

  • Sudden changes in behavior: Trouble sleeping, difficulty with concentrating on school work or home responsibilities, changes in appetite, and changes in mood.
  • Regression: Do they struggle with activities that have previously been mastered, such as tying shoes (for little ones).
  • Despondency: Are they isolating, having crying spells or unpredictable outbursts.

How can we support our children?

Children look to us for information, reassurance, and guidance about how to navigate their emotions in a healthy, safe, and productive way. The best thing we can do is listen. Listening to our children about their worries and concerns is the first step to help them begin to cope (Source: National Association of School Psychologists)

  • Make time to talk and listen to the concerns and feelings of children.
  • Use language and ideas that are age-appropriate and appropriate for each child’s needs.
  • Help your child to identify their feelings.
  • Reassure children they are safe and review safety procedures.
  • Create a sense of safety by returning to normal, predictable routines as soon as possible.
  • Limit the use of media consumption of violent events to lower their stress and to maintain balance and perspective.

Model healthy behavior

It’s natural to be anxious right now. It’s perfectly okay to feel sad. Children, however, pick up on what we say and do and take cues from us. So, first and foremost, care for yourself. Sometimes, just taking time to sit in our emotions is exactly what we need.

  • Get adequate sleep.
  • Set an example by turning off the television, radio, or social media.
  • Talk to other parents.
  • Go for a walk, embrace the healing benefits of nature.
  • Connect with your community.

Resources

  • Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
  • Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (Child Mind Institute)
  • Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)
  • The Virtual Wellness Center has resources and tools for parents and educators.
  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides resources that can be filtered by topic or keyword and by audience with a focus on how adults can identify traumatic responses in young people and how to support them. 
  • Compilation of mental health resources for parents, students, and educators.

Filed Under: Blog, Starfish Family Services Tagged With: childrens mental health, Healing After Trauma, School Shootings

Ann Kalass: Looking to Retirement

May 12, 2022 by Starfish Family Services

All of my days at Starfish have been inspiring.

A personal note from Starfish CEO Ann Kalass

Dear friends,

When I came to Starfish Family Services in 2007, I made two commitments on Day One. First, was to always do the right thing for children and families, even when it was hard. Perhaps most when it was hard. Second, was to steward the existing Starfish culture of loyalty to mission, teamwork, and deep love of children and families.

In the nearly 15 years since beginning this journey, my own daughters have become amazing young adults, I’ve witnessed new teachers become master educators changing lives every day—and therapists partner with families to heal and build skills and resilience.

I’ve shed tears as clients from the Starfish Family crossed a graduation stage, found stability and health, and discovered their power.

I’ve sat in countless classrooms where children are joyfully playing, having their curiosity cheered on, and a lifelong love of learning is being born. No two days have been the same. All of them have been inspiring. 

I have always closed the day feeling humbled by the opportunity to lead, to be surrounded by the most amazing teams and collaborators, and to strengthen families to create brighter futures for children in SE Michigan. Thus, the news I share today brings me both joy and tender reflection.

Late yesterday afternoon, I shared with the 400+ employees at Starfish that I am planning for a transition to retirement by early next year. This announcement has been in the works for many months and in discussion with my family far longer.
My tenure and success have been bolstered by our incredible friends and supporters in the community. Together, we’ve been able to grow the agency by nearly 400% (both budget and team), expand our programmatic reach, and center our vision in seeking a just society in which all children, families, and communities have equitable opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive.

While change has complexity, this transition will be planful and is in the best of hands.

  • A search committee formed a couple of months back and has already secured a recruiting firm to lead a national search for exceptional candidates.
  • Our Board President, Howard Morris, is leading this process.

In fact, Howard was a member of the committee that hired me to the role of CEO following our visionary founder, Ouida Cash. This is more than just fate—it reflects the commitment and dedication that is part of the DNA of Starfish.

I will remain as CEO until a new leader is hired and a smooth transition is complete. Before then, there will be opportunities to connect and celebrate. Thank you for trusting Starfish through the years and into the future.

Lastly, Crain’s Business Detroit covered this announcement if you’d like to read the article.
With immeasurable gratitude,

Ann Kalass, Starfish CEO

Starfish Family Services

Filed Under: Blog, Starfish Family Services Tagged With: Ann Kalass, CEO Retires

Starfish blog: Respect, support & #ThankATeacher

May 3, 2022 by Starfish Family Services

Teachers are the stars who show children how to shine.

“Despite all of its challenges, this past year has made me prouder than ever to be an educator. It has been an honor to watch you rise to every occasion and meet every challenge with compassion, creativity, and care for all of your students.”—National Education Association President Becky Pringle

We are saying ‘thank you’ today, this week, and throughout the year, to the extraordinary educators at Starfish Family Services, and the entire education team that supports them. 

For many, teachers are some of our first heroes. They often inspire us to believe in ourselves in ways we never imagined. They teach us how to shine.

Yet, in recent years the job has become so much more complicated. Every day teachers are also asked to be doctors, mental health experts, emergency-readiness experts, technology gurus, referees, chefs, fundraisers, coaches, and advocates.

The pandemic demanded that educators show even more grit and determination. And they became even more indispensable to the fabric of our lives. Teachers were often one of the very few dependable constants for students—-students who were often isolated and navigating fear or grief. And our teachers did all of this with grace and love while supporting their own families.

Is there a teacher who has impacted your life? Do you have a friend or family member in the noble field of education? Take a moment to send a note or make a call to say thank you. It may land at a moment when they really need it!

Filed Under: Starfish Family Services Tagged With: Teacher Appreciation, Teachers, Thank a Teacher

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Recent Posts

  • A Note from our CEO, Roxanne Brinkerhoff: Tragedy at Michigan State University
  • Talking to children about racialized violence: Tips & Support from Starfish behavioral health and DEI experts
  • Starfish announces selection of next CEO!
  • Juneteenth, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day
  • Healing our children, community, ourselves

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Our Mission

Strengthening families to create brighter futures for children.

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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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