History
In 1913 a young man named Floyd Starr purchased a
ramshackle barn and forty scrub-covered acres in Albion, Michigan and
began what would eventually become one of the nation’s most respected
child and family charities. Floyd Starr founded Starr Commonwealth as a
refuge for "homeless, dependent, neglected and delinquent boys." It
strives to change personal outcomes, one individual at a time.
Today,
Starr Commonwealth operates dozens of programs for troubled youth and
their families in Michigan and Ohio. “Uncle Floyd,” as he was
affectionately known, would probably be amazed at just how far his
original vision has come, but he certainly wouldn’t be surprised at the
reasons why. Starr still believes, as did its founder, that when you
treat a child with dignity and respect, it changes a child’s heart. And
that, in the end, is what changes a child’s life. It’s a
powerful story. And it’s drawn some powerful people over the years to
help tell it. Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Henry Winkler, Helen Keller,
poet Carl Sandburg, George Washington Carver and Alex Haley are just a
few of the famous names who have lent their star power to help support
the work of Starr Commonwealth.
Play the video above to learn more about Floyd Starr and his dream.