By: Marisa Nicely, Chief Operating Officer
At Starfish Family Services we love the month of September and especially the first day of school. There is something incredibly special about the beginning of a new school year. Everyone in our organization is excited about new challenges and endless opportunities. As the lead of programs here at Starfish, I see this time of year as an opportunity to celebrate, evaluate, and ensure we are offering the most relevant, comprehensive, and quality services to our families.
Our early childhood centers prepare all summer long to welcome back our young learners. Teachers, center employees and the early education team are always excited to welcome new and returning families to our classrooms. It’s a wonderful experience to see children coming to school for the very first time and to watch preschoolers eagerly greet their teachers and friends. Our team is out in full force to welcome, and sometimes comfort, both the children and their parents. One of my favorite ways to support families is by offering to take photos of parents with their children, capturing the memories they’ll treasure for years to come.
Our School-Based Therapists are also ready for the first day- this team is excited to help create a healthy climate for our K-12 school partners and support our older students by addressing the social and emotional aspects of learning. As you can imagine, being in a school setting in 2024 comes with a great deal of stress. School violence, bullying, and the effects of isolation are significant concerns that our school-based team addresses in partnership with teachers and administrators.
Our Children’s Behavioral Health Team is on standby to support children and youth facing complex barriers to success in school. Our therapists work throughout the summer, helping students and their families learn strategies and skills that will support their ability to learn over the new school year. The first month of new classes, teachers, and routines is critical as therapists work with youth and their families to implement these newly developed skills. Case managers ensure that plans are in place and that all necessary services are available for students.
This year, Starfish Family Services is excited to launch new programming geared towards adults. One of the aftereffects of the pandemic is an unprecedented need for mental health services across the country. The American Psychological Association recognizes that Americans have experienced a “collective trauma” that has left many struggling with mental health concerns. A Harris Poll conducted last year on behalf of the APA revealed alarming increases in mental health disorders, with 50% of individuals aged 18-34 having received a diagnosis in 2023.
Stress due to a fluctuating job market, an unpredictable economy, and social tensions are also impacting individuals in our communities. Navigating complicated family and employment-related situations has increased the incidence of stress-related complications such as insomnia and substance use.
At Starfish Family Services, we clearly see these struggles and understand the need to support our community in a broader way. In my daily life, I often provide advice, referrals, and comfort to parents of children and young adults struggling with issues ranging from fear and anxiety to serious sensory disorders that often develop due to traumatic experiences. I have seen the toll this takes on entire families. Parents often put the needs of their children ahead of their own. While this is a natural reaction, I have observed high instances of depression and anxiety among individuals trying to balance their children’s mental health needs with busy schedules, job responsibilities, and aging parents. I often remind them that “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” We must take care of ourselves before we can care for others. Prioritizing our mental health as adults allows us to be better parents, employees, and community members. I am proud that Starfish Family Services will prioritize making these services available in the coming year.
I look forward to a new year of learning at Starfish, not only for our students and their families but also for those of us who work directly with them. As a nation, we are facing difficult circumstances and inevitable changes in the coming year. It is more important than ever for community-serving agencies like ours to acknowledge these challenges so we can effectively fulfill our role as local support for individuals and their families.
It is important to me that we continue to walk alongside our communities, adapting and growing to serve them better, strengthening families to create brighter futures for children.