We Think the World of Kids

In Their Own Words

"Before going to Starr Commonwealth my dream of going to college and doing well for myself was slipping away fast by hanging out with the wrong crowd. I lost sight of my goals and started engaging in activities that would end me up in the opposite direction. Being at Starr Commonwealth it reinforced what I needed to do in life and how to go about it to be successful. I truly think without the rude awakening from the staff, my peers, and my parents throughout my stay at Starr Commonwealth, I would not be where I am right now. I learned that getting into trouble with the law, hanging around gang members, and lying to the ones I love will either end me up in jail or in a place no one wants to be in. Once I finally realized that the life I was living was not how I was raised or not what my parents wanted for their daughter while they worked hard to provide a beautiful home and gave me all the chances to so well, that is when I changed. I made this change by using the tools I learned from Starr Commonwealth, I took advantage of all the positive opportunities, I disengaged from the negative peer group, and built healthy relationships as a support system to keep me on the right track in moving forward." -- Vanessa, a Montcalm School for Girls alumna  

"When I first came to Starr Columbus, I was a young, shy, depressed, soft spoken, keep to myself kind of kid. I didn’t talk that much and stayed to myself. I kept my feelings and emotions a secret. I didn’t trust anyone, and I didn’t think anyone would understand what I was going through. After while I didn’t think anyone cared about me. I never really had that much contact with my father, and at the time I didn’t know my mother. I felt like I had no one to go to. My foster dad was a workaholic. Although he gave me anything I needed for school, or in life. He was never really around to talk to. I ended up dropping out of school my junior year and started working two jobs. When I got a little older I started listening to my counselors instead of ignoring them.  I started to look at the Starr staff like they were mother and father figures in my life. They paid the way for me to attend college’s tours, and they also paid the way for me to take my G.E.D test. I started to open up to them about all my stresses and issues in my life. My relationship with my father has gotten much better, and we are very close now. I’ve learned that there are people out there who do care for others, and that it is never too late to turn your life around. I am very proud about how far I’ve come and hope to make others proud by getting a degree and accomplishing my career goals later on in life." -- Javon, a former youth in the Starr Columbus’ residential program  

"I don’t really get along with my family. There’s nobody to talk to. But here, the Starr staff is like my family. They listen. There’s somebody there for you, who accepts you for who you are and they don’t talk bad about you. I can’t stay in Battle Creek around the same peers and my family. The Starr staff always tells me that I got a lot of potential. I didn’t even know what that meant before. Now I know that it means I can do anything I put my mind to and I can be successful." -- Shantell, youth in Starr Battle Creek’s Day Treatment Program  

"My son had been in and out of hospitals and was successfully learning how to be a patient. Things were not improving. We wanted to find a place that would actually rehabilitate our son, not just promote his helplessness. Montcalm treated him with respect. They encouraged him to talk with others in his group about self-worth and accountability. They required physical activity and community service. The boys worked together to prepare meals, clean the house and do laundry. He took responsibility for his actions, and today accepts responsibility for his success." -- Parent of former Montcalm School for Boys student    

"I never thought I’d be the one reaching out for help. I never realized how real peer pressure was until an incident happened in my family last July. After Church, my son jumped in my face and said his friends make fun of him because I’m too strict and have him on lockdown. I reacted violently and my son ran away. Two weeks later, my son and a friend found themselves in a drug house. When I found out where he was, I called the police myself and they told me I needed to put my son into the system to get him the help he needed. It was hard. I was so angry. But Starr was there. The staff was kind and worked with me as a parent to improve the areas that I needed to improve while helping my son feel good about himself. They rehabilitated him and, in areas where I was weak as a parent, they helped me too. My son stayed for 9 months, and he came home and got back into school. Starr was there. They were just there to help me. There were times at home, even when he came home that he would be challenging. One of the things I really liked is the diversity that Starr has. It doesn’t matter what color, race, background, race, gender. They treat everyone the same. Going to counseling sessions and coming together as a family helped my family regroup." -- Parent of former Starr residential program youth in Albion and community-based services in Detroit

"At the age of 15, I was living the life of how many 21-year-olds celebrated their 21st birthday. School was not a priority for me. In fact, days I tried to go, I only made it to my second class. Family meant nothing to me. I had no respect for authority. In five words: I was out of control. Starr Commonwealth was the first group of people to tell me I had a problem. Starr Commonwealth held me accountable for my choices. I look around my neighborhood and I can not even begin to tell you how many people have died or overdosed on drugs or alcohol. I feel very fortunate to have the entire staff of Starr Commonwealth right beside me to overcome my many obstacles. I might not have liked all the decisions my workers made, but they were necessary! Not only has Starr Commonwealth helped me become sober, but they have also helped me go back to school. Without an education, you cannot have successes in life. I had too much pride to admit I had a problem, and that alone stopped me from getting my diploma. I can now say I am a high school graduate! The greatest accomplishment I completed was walking across the stage for my diploma. Everyone who thought I could not make it watched me finally graduate high school in four long years! I can say the same for Starr Commonwealth. You truly went above and beyond your job to reach out to me and show me a better life. When no one else could help me, you were right beside me encouraging me. That is truly what I needed. Without your help I do not think I would be the person I am today." --  Patrick, a former foster care youth  

"Starr Commonwealth has helped me tremendously improve my relationship with my family. Before attending Starr, I was distant from my family and heading down the wrong path. I was in my own world and would not listen to my parents nor did I care what they had to say. When I first arrived at Montcalm School for Girls, I was an extremely angry person and did not want to talk to anybody. I soon realized that my parents truly were trying to help me get better. I learned how to control my emotions in a positive way, how to communicate with my parents, and how to connect with other girls who were going through similar problems. I was able to open up and express my thoughts and feelings during therapy sessions and receive positive feedback from my group members. Starr Commonwealth has helped me control my anger and find coping skills. I have learned that no matter what, I will always have my family, what is most important in life. My parents’ decision to send me to Starr Commonwealth was probably the hardest decision they have ever had to make in their lives. I am now very thankful for their decision and I understand that they sent me to Starr because they loved me and wanted to mend our relationship." -- Mallory, a Montcalm School for Girls alumna