Starfish Family Services hosted the 2015 Diapers for Detroit fundraising event. Diapers for Detroit is one of the many learning projects included in the ELCA Youth Gathering worldwide initiative-which is to offer youth an opportunity to strengthen their faith and serve the community at home and abroad. Starfish Family Services was honored to act as a host and distribution center for the collection of diapers for the community. Starfish is proud to announce that the initial goal was far exceeded with the final count of 550,000 collected diapers. This amazing outcome was featured on Fox 2 News, where the event was furthered discussed by Cheryl Majeske, our volunteer specialist. News Release Additional Links: The Detroit News – Covered Detroit Diaper Day both online and print. The print article, went live on July 17, 2015. View it here: http://www.goo.gl/jfFWld. WDIV Channel 4 – Covered onsite interview. The interview that went live on July 18, 2015 can be viewed … [Read more...]
Fun in the Sun with the ELC
By: Hannah Chin; Community Outreach Coordinator It has been a busy summer season for our Starfish families. We had a great week of camp in June and are eagerly preparing for our camp in July! In a bid to promote healthy living, the Starfish Early Learning Communities (ELC) introduced new Mommy & Me Yoga classes on Mondays, as well as a Walking Club on Wednesdays. Not only has it been fun, we have loved getting a chance to exercise and socialize with our awesome families. This past Friday our families visited the Detroit Zoo where we had the chance to see all kinds of animals! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! We genuinely love being able to see parents and their children enjoy themselves and build lasting and cherished memories. It’s the reason why we do what we do! For more information about any of our events, visit the ELC on Facebook or on Instagram! … [Read more...]
Our Summer Activities Update: A Picture Story
By: Sinziana Luchian; Marketing Intern We’ve had an entertaining summer at Starfish so far and continue to enjoy the wonderful season! Our fun-filled activities this week included: An exciting day spent in the Starfish garden including crafts, vegetable picking and a butterfly release. Our Summer Enrichment Program/ Camp boys showing off their lavender sachets. Big smiles while collecting fresh and yummy greens from our Starfish garden. “We love Kale!” The moment before the anticipated butterfly reveal! Everyone had the chance to hold their little friend before saying goodbye. "Bye-bye little butterfly". On Thursday morning, our Enrichment Summer Camp Program explored the Detroit Institute of Arts. This included middle school and high school students. They enjoyed posing by the knights in shining armor. The whole crew … [Read more...]
What’s Your Child’s Favorite Fourth of July Activity?
By: Sinziana Luchian; Marketing Intern It is that time of the year again- the time to celebrate our Nation’s Independence! Families around the country are getting ready for a long weekend of quality time spent with loved ones; barbeques, family gatherings and mini gateways. While this day is a significant commemoration for our nation, it is also an educational experience for young children. At Starfish, we are strong believers in the early learning and development of children. We would like to share fun activities for your little ones to enjoy while gaining background knowledge about the true meaning behind our red, white, and blue holiday. Some of our favorite patriotic activities include: Red, White and Blue finger-painting; this activity will help your young child gain fine motor skills. Make Fourth of July related foods; a natural fit with the holiday traditions. Allow your kids to help as much as possible in the making of each dish. A Red, White and Blue Berry Cake … [Read more...]
The Kickstart to Our Little Starfish Summer Camp
By: Stephanie Christie; Group Facilitator Tuesday, June 23rd, kicked off our annual Little Starfish Summer Camp. This week we are celebrating learning about the Community Helpers that keep our neighborhoods thriving. Tuesday we focused on Garbage Collectors, Recycling and Postal Workers. We took a walk through the halls of Hiveley and collected recycling from employees; we also wrote and decorated mail to give to some of our community helpers. On Wednesday, we are having a Police Officer from the area come to visit, talk to the kids about his work and how he helps out in the community. Thursday we are focusing on Doctors and Teachers. Lastly, on Friday we are taking a field trip to the Inkster Fire Department. We had 60 participants on Tuesday, children ages 2-5 and their parents; which was an awesome outcome to the event. It was a wonderful day and we look forward to the rest of the week! … [Read more...]