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Starfish Blog: African Heritage and Health Week

February 3, 2021 by Starfish Family Services

“The African Heritage Diet is a healthy traditional eating model based on the common threads and foodways of African American ancestors.” [Source: Oldways]

The first week of February is African Heritage and Health Week. It’s an integral part of launching the February observance of Black History Month.  

What is the week all about? African Heritage and Health Week celebrates the healthy foods, distinct flavors, and cooking techniques/traditions of four regions of the African Diaspora—West and Central Africa, the American South, the Caribbean, and South America. 

How did it start? It’s an observance held by Oldways, a nonprofit organization that “develops resources and initiatives to promote the healthy foods and delicious eating traditions of African Heritage for good health and community.”

What can we learn? According to Oldways, “This is more than just about food. This is about shaping people’s identity and how they see themselves . . . how they see their culture as a part of their health solution.” The movement helps people rediscover and embrace healthy, sustainable joys from the “old ways” of shared cultural traditions.

Did you know?

  • The African Heritage Diet is based on vegetables, fruits, tubers and grains, nuts, healthy oils, and seafood.
  • The African Heritage Diet food pyramid was created in 2011 by a committed composed of nutrition scientists and scholars of culinary history and African American foodways.
  • The African Heritage Diet’s scientific research suggest that eating like our ancestors can help lower the risk of chronic disease, achieve a healthy weight, and promote overall well-being.

Filed Under: Blog, Starfish Family Services Tagged With: African Heritage and Health Week, Black History Month

Starfish Blog: Martin Luther King Jr. Day events

January 15, 2021 by Starfish Family Services

Monday, January 18, marks the 35th anniversary of 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 King for advancing civil rights and social justice through nonviolent protest.

“In 2021, 53 years after King’s death . . . the protests against police brutality and the demonstrations in support of Black Lives are a powerful reminder that the United States has yet to fulfill its promise to Black Americans. King’s closing words at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple the night before his death captures the purpose and meaning of Black protest and sacrifice. ‘I might not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.’ On this MLK Day let us all re-dedicate ourselves to building a promised land where Black protest and sacrifice are not a requirement to live in the United States.” (Source: Douglas Haynes, “The Meaning of the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Holiday in 2021.” Forbes.)

Jan. 18: Commemorative Events (in-person)

Note: Due to COVID-19, social distancing and face masks are required at in-person options. Make sure you visit the links for your chosen event(s) for any additional details.

  • MLK Day at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit
    • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Location: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
    • Cost: Free with museum admission: $10/ages 13-61, $7/ages 3-12 and 62-plus, free/under 3
    • Details: Unveiling of a new MLK virtual exhibition, musical performances, film screenings, virtual keynote messages from White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor.
  • MLK Peace Parade: “Driving for Justice”
    • Hosted by: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
    • Time: 9:00 a.m.
    • Location: Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration (to attend the car parade in person): You must pre-register by midnight on Friday, January 15.
    • Registration (to attend virtually via Zoom & Facebook): You must pre-register
    • Details: A peace drive starting at Hope United Methodist Church, food giveaway, and virtual programming.
      • 12:00 Noon = Food bags (cold & hot) courtesy of Gleaner’s Community Food Bank and Market Fresh Grocer of Beverly Hills + Beans & Cornbread
      • Where = Southfield Parks & Recreation, 26000 Evergreen Rd.

Jan. 18: Commemorative Events (virtual)

  • MLK Streets: More than a Name by the Detroit Historical Museum
    • Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    • Location: Virtual
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: You must pre-register
    • Details: An in-depth look into how race and geography have played a role in naming streets after Dr. King and whether the streets have lived up to his legacy and dreams. This Zoom event features a viewing of the short film King Blvd., followed by a panel discussion, including writer/producer Earl Hardy, Dr. Derek Alderman, and Hamon Jordan.
  • MLK Day: Eye on Detroit by the University of Michigan Detroit Center
    • Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    • Location: Virtual
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: You must pre-register
    • This annual MLK Day symposium is one of the largest local celebrations. The 2021 discussion focuses on the young people of Detroit and the challenge they face in envisioning a bright future amidst so much uncertainty.
  • 18th Annual Detroit MLK Day Virtual Rally & Cultural Program
    • Hosted by: Detroit MLK Day
    • Time: 12:00 noon (begins)
    • Location: Virtual
    • Cost: Free
    • Details: The 2021 “Our Struggle Continues” 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.

Filed Under: Blog, Starfish Family Services Tagged With: MLK

Starfish Blog: Positive New Year’s resolutions for kids

January 4, 2021 by Starfish Family Services

A New Year can spark new habits that will carry into adulthood.

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. And encouraging them to build healthy skills and habits now will carry through 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 brush my teeth twice every day.
  • I won’t tease dogs—even friendly pets. I’ll keep my fingers and face away from their mouths or food bowls.

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 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’ll resist peer pressure to try drugs or alcohol.
  • 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.

Filed Under: Blog, Starfish Family Services

Starfish Blog: Don’t “table” Thanksgiving because of COVID.

November 24, 2020 by Starfish Family Services

If adults reflect positive, festive, and calm behaviors our children will pick up those cues and do the same.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for joyous celebrations and coming together of family and friends. This year we’re right in the middle of the three-week pandemic pause—and with safe-health distancing, it’s going to look very different. Because the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving 2020 is to celebrate at home with the people you live with.

As a result, our stress levels will probably be higher than usual. And that’s okay. Below are some tips and tools to help you and your family navigate “a new normal” during during the holidays. (Compiled by Starfish Trauma Informed Care Specialist Alice Santa, MSCP, TLLP. Materials adapted from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Connecticut Children’s.)

Parents & Caregivers: Taking care of YOU will increase your patience with your children & ease their distress.

  • Allow yourself to feel sad, worried, or angry.
  • Do something to take care of yourself.
    • Listen to your favorite song.
    • Take some deep breaths.
    • Go on a walk.
    • Get enough rest.
    • Eat well.
  • Try to adjust your expectations.
  • Focus on what you are grateful for during the holiday season.
  • Children look up to you and model your behaviors and energy. If you reflect positive, festive, and calm behaviors, your children will pick up on those cues and do the same.

Children (0-12 years old): Moments of connection allow children to feel loved and seen.

  • Examples of connection moments:
    • Playing together
    • Eating together
    • Talking about their day
    • Singing holiday songs together
    • Hugging and holding your child
  • Validate children’s emotions!
    • Let them know it’s normal and OK to feel angry, frustrated, or sad about the changes to their holiday traditions.
  • For younger children, keep things simple in terms of explanations and celebrations.
  • Get creative about how to express thanks for what’s near and dear right now.
    • Instead of in-person visits, try writing letters or making cards.
  • Ask them for their ideas about how to make the holiday special.

Teenagers and Young Adults: Listen! When teens talk, they often want to feel heard, not to have you solve the problem.

  • Ask them how they are feeling. Validate their feelings and let them know you are there if they need to talk.
  • Allow them a sense of control by giving them choices, such as allowing them to plan a special activity or, maybe, help out with cooking if it’s something they enjoy.
  • Engage in self-care activities with them.
    • Disconnect from electronics for a little each day
    • Practice relaxation activities together:
      • Slow breathing
      • Stretching
      • Yoga
      • Meditation

Filed Under: Blog, Starfish Family Services

In Solidarity, Not Silence

June 3, 2020 by Starfish Family Services

Message from Board Chair Janet Lawson & CEO Ann Kalass: In these troubling times, we lean on our Starfish core values of compassion and respect. And we look to our Starfish community for guidance as our hearts cry out for justice.

Starfish Family Services stands resolute in our mission of strengthening families to create brighter futures for children. 

Our beloved founder Ouida Cash built the foundation for an inclusive and humble Starfish community. Ouida believed that staff should walk hand in hand, alongside Starfish families, recognizing we can learn as much from our families as they can learn from us.

Never before has it been so important to listen and learn. To feel each other’s hearts. To contribute to healing and creating a community and country where our Black colleagues, friends, and families can thrive without fear and prejudice due to the color of their skin.

Our hearts ache for the continued acts of hatred, murder, and violence against the Black community. Our hearts ache for the disproportionate devastation COVID-19 has brought to Michigan’s communities of color.

More than that, we are called to speak out today on behalf of Starfish staff, children, and our neighbors and acknowledge that families live in the context of systems, policies, and a culture that often perpetuate hatred, racism, and inequitable distributions of power and resources.

From the earliest days of our organization, Starfish has sought to bring compassion and effective practice to our work supporting and partnering with the families of Wayne County as they seek the best developmental, educational, and health outcomes possible for their children.

While our services have evolved and our geographic footprint has expanded over the decades, one thing remains—systemic racism and its negative impact on our Black community including disparities in health, education, and housing. This is not acceptable for the well-being of children, families, or communities.

As we look to the future,

  • We commit to giving voice to the issue of systemic racism.
  • We commit to addressing the roots of inequity and to moving beyond our programs and services to help create sustainable systems and policies that positively impact the context in which our families live.
  • We commit to lift up the voices and needs of our Black colleagues, friends, families, and community.

By doing so, we contribute to creating a just society in which opportunities for children, their families, and their communities are not determined by the color of their skin.

In these troubling times, we lean on our Starfish core values of compassion and respect. And we look to our Starfish community for guidance as our hearts cry out for justice.

Filed Under: Blog, Starfish Family Services Tagged With: black community, inequity, solidarity, systemic racism

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  • Starfish Blog: African Heritage and Health Week
  • Starfish Blog: Martin Luther King Jr. Day events
  • Starfish Blog: Positive New Year’s resolutions for kids
  • Starfish Blog: Don’t “table” Thanksgiving because of COVID.
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