Supported, Engaged & Empowered Families
At Starfish, family means everything. Because the success of a happy and healthy child depends on the health and strength of your whole family. Family doesn’t necessarily mean Mom and Dad. Anyone who is in a “care-giver” role—brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends—is family. We embrace all generations of families.
Empowerment comes from being supported. Starfish is an extension of your family—a collaborative partner. We’re here to help build a community of support. If we don’t offer a service, we help connect you with trusted resources for education, job training, counseling, or life-needs such as food or housing. We offer:
- Parenting workshops
- Leadership coaching
- Advocacy-skills training (e.g., understanding your rights about health, education, immigration)
- Peer-to-peer parent support groups
- Play groups
Empowerment comes from being engaged. As a parent, you are encouraged to be involved every step of the way, to set your family’s goals, and to forge your family’s own unique path. Starfish parents are active in our classrooms, and are decision makers throughout our agency, serving as board members, as well as on policy councils and internal work groups and committees.
What does family empowerment mean? Empowered parents and caregivers know where they’re going and have a bluleprint to get there. They know how to advocate for their children and themselves. They are confident teachers and nurturers of their children. They know when to ask for help and how to find information and resources.
Parent Programs
Baby Power
- 10-week program for pregnant moms and mothers with young children ages birth to 6
- Offers parenting education and emotional support for moms
- Stress reduction exercises that decrease the risks of maternal depression and anxiety
- Location: Starfish Partnering with Parents Center, Dearborn + virtual options
- Fees: Services are funded by Medicaid. Families with no insurance or private insurance may qualify.
Learn more call: 888.355.5433
Fraternity of Fathers
- 10-week program for fathers grandfathers, uncles, family friends—anyone who is a male caregiver with children ages birth to 18
- Provides parenting education and facilitated discussions on topics of interest to fathers. Topics include:
- The stresses of parenting from a male perspective
- How a father’s actions can promote the healthy development of their children
- The importance of understanding children’s behavior
- Location: As of May 2020, sessions are being held virtually
Learn more call: 888.355.5433 or email Eric Donald at edonald@sfish.org
Partnering with Parents
- Convenient in-home support for families with children up to age 5 and pregnant women
- Infant/toddler growth and development education
- Parenting techniques for overcoming challenging child behaviors
- Emotional support and counseling
Learn more call: 888.355.5433
Starfish University
Offers community members a variety of free educational and enrichment opportunities similar to the educational model of community colleges. Programs are organized into “tracks” that guide parents through particular topics of interest such as Professional Development, Health and Wellness, and Personal Finance.
Check back with us in the future for information!