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Strengthening families to create brighter futures for children

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Starfish Cares: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Updates

Ann Kalass: Looking to Retirement

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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

Starfish blog: Respect, support & #ThankATeacher

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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!

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.

Starfish blog: Celebrating the spirit of the holidays

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The holidays belong to us all. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Los Posadas, Diwali . . . what binds us together is hope, the joy of giving, faith, and family.

At Starfish, we celebrate the spirit of the holidays. We celebrate YOU.

At the end of another extraordinary year—a year of challenge and change, triumph and tragedy—it’s essential to honor the people who have helped make the world better. At Starfish, your support is our greatest blessing.

We, like you, seek a better today and an even brighter tomorrow: One in which all children have the opportunity to soar to their highest potential and all families can strive to reach their greatest goals.

Because of you, Starfish can confidently remain committed to delivering meaningful work that moves children, families, and all of us forward. Because of your positive partnership, we know anything is possible.

From your Starfish Family: Sharing humble gratitude for your trust and collaboration. Wishing you peace. Sending you hope for a safe & healthy holiday season.

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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