At Starfish Family Services, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health and that asking for help is a sign of strength. Counseling Services Awareness Month, observed every April, is an opportunity to shine a light on the power of counseling and the difference it can make in people’s lives. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating a major life transition, coping with the impacts of stress, or feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors, counseling can be a lifeline. It’s a space to be seen, heard, and supported. Everyone faces challenges. No one has to face them alone. Counseling can support individuals through a wide range of concerns, including: At Starfish, we know that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Our therapists walk alongside clients to help them explore their emotions, strengthen coping skills, and build hope for the future. More than Head Start: We offer adult services, too. Many people know Starfish for our early … [Read more...]

At Starfish Family Services, the safety and well-being of your children is at the heart of everything we do. From the classroom to the car ride home, we’re here to support our families with tools, resources, and up-to-date information to help you make the best decisions for your loved ones. That’s why we want to make sure you’re aware of the new Michigan car seat laws that went into effect on April 2, 2025. These updates are designed to better protect children of all ages while traveling in vehicles — and they reflect the latest research on child safety. We know that keeping up with changing laws can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. These changes are designed to ensure that children are secured in car seats appropriate for their age, weight, and height, thereby reducing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Below is a clear breakdown of what the new law says, what it means for your family, and how Starfish can help. What the New Michigan Car Seat … [Read more...]

By: Jack Bodle, Nutrition SpecialistAt Starfish Family Services, our Nutrition Specialists play a crucial role in ensuring the children in our care receive the nourishment they need to thrive. Working alongside our dedicated food service team, they carefully source ingredients, prepare nutritious meals, and distribute them daily to over 800 children. However, their impact goes far beyond serving meals. Supporting Every Child’s Unique Needs Nutrition Specialists at Starfish accommodate both medical and non-medical dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, and religious or cultural food preferences. They develop menus aligned with USDA guidelines, closely monitor children’s growth and development, and ensure that food safety remains a top priority. This commitment means every child has access to balanced meals that meet their specific needs. The Power of Family-Style Dining At Starfish, mealtime is about more than just eating. Our Family-Style Dining approach … [Read more...]

Like most parents, Quosham and his wife Shaquria are doing everything they can to set their four young sons up for success. Understandably, they want to see their children thrive and they make intentional choices that will have the most positive impact. Quosham says that one of the best decisions they have made was to enroll their boys in a Starfish Family Services Early Childhood Education Center. When their oldest sons, Jay’Sham and Bray’Sham were three and two years old, Quosham and Shaquria were looking for opportunities for them outside of the home, to be around other children. Shaquria especially wanted something that would support them educationally. They enrolled the boys at our Hiveley location in Inkster, close to their home. Very quickly, they knew they had found even more than what they were looking for at Starfish. Each year through Starfish, 4,000 children, youth, and families are supported through integrated and holistic programs that focus on healthy families, … [Read more...]