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.
Who We Are
Download Starfish About Us Fast Facts 2021
Founded in 1963, Starfish Family Services is a nonprofit human service agency, recognized as a champion for children and families across metro Detroit who have limited access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Serving nearly 4,000 children and their families annually, we provide high-quality programs and support services that focus on early childhood education and development, behavioral health wellness, and empowered parents. Through our holistic approach, Starfish partners with families so they have access to the right resources at the right time.
The Starfish Story
Our Values
Committed: Every day, through our actions, words, and energy, we show our steadfast dedication to the mission of Starfish. We see challenges as an opportunity for growth and creativity, and we will be an unwavering and courageous ally for families and children.
Integrity: We will keep our promises and be responsible for the impact of our words and actions as individuals, and as an organization. We will generate and steward trust by being honest, transparent, and accountable.
Relationships: We know that connection is at the heart of our mission and integral to our success as we partner with families and the community. We will always show respect for one another and foster open communications. Healthy relationships are essential for establishing safety, supporting growth and healing, and breaking the cycles of bias and inequity.
Equity: We work to confront and dismantle systemic, structural, and interpersonal privileges, biases, barriers, and inequities by ensuring all children, families, employees, and communities have the resources needed to prosper.
Teamwork: We believe in a culture where working together to achieve our mission and goals is essential. This environment values collaboration, fosters creativity, and builds a community where employees, families, and partners balance productivity with celebration and fun.
Empowered: We believe that everyone has strengths, resilience, value, and power. Together, we will support families, children, and employees to grow their self-awareness, develop an influential voice, have confidence, and make use of their full potential.
Reflective: We prioritize time spent learning and understanding the impact and influence of our identities, emotions, and viewpoints in the success and evolution of our work and mission.
How We Carry Out Our Mission: Blueprint for Brighter Futures
Download the Starfish Blueprint for Brighter Futures info sheet
The Starfish Blueprint for Brighter Futures is a comprehensive strategy for how we deliver services. As a roadmap, it steers our course so that we are aligned as One Starfish around three primary areas of well-being:
- Healthy Families
- Successful Students
- Empowered Families
Why do we need a Blueprint?
With 15 centers across Wayne County, our reach continues to grow. And as we grow, it’s important for us to ensure that the way we collaborate is innovative, mindful, consistent, but creatively flexible, sustainable, and ultimately leads to even brighter futures for our children and families.