At Starfish Family Services, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health and that asking for help is a sign of strength. Counseling Services Awareness Month, observed every April, is an opportunity to shine a light on the power of counseling and the difference it can make in people’s lives. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating a major life transition, coping with the impacts of trauma, or feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors, counseling can be a lifeline. It’s a space to be seen, heard, and supported. Everyone faces challenges. No one has to face them alone. Counseling can support individuals through a wide range of concerns, including: At Starfish, we know that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why we offer trauma-informed, culturally responsive behavioral health services for people of all ages—children, teens, and adults. Our therapists walk alongside clients to help them explore their emotions, strengthen coping … [Read more...]
Celebrating the Week of the Young Child at Starfish Family Services
At Starfish Family Services, we believe in the transformative power of early childhood education. That belief shines especially bright this week as we proudly join early learning programs across the country in celebrating Week of the Young Child® (WOYC)—a national initiative led by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). What is Week of the Young Child?WOYC is an annual celebration recognizing early childhood educators, young children, and their families. It was established to raise awareness around the importance of early learning and the critical role that birth-to-age-8 experiences play in shaping a child’s future. These are the years when brains develop the fastest, when children form the foundations of language, literacy, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. This week isn't just about fun activities, though there’s plenty of that! It's about honoring the serious work our educators and families do and the time they spend with their kids—how … [Read more...]
Keeping Your Little Ones Safe: What Michigan’s New Car Seat Laws Mean for Starfish Families
At Starfish Family Services, the safety and well-being of your children is at the heart of everything we do. From the classroom to the car ride home, we’re here to support our families with tools, resources, and up-to-date information to help you make the best decisions for your loved ones. That’s why we want to make sure you’re aware of the new Michigan car seat laws that went into effect on April 2, 2025. These updates are designed to better protect children of all ages while traveling in vehicles — and they reflect the latest research on child safety. We know that keeping up with changing laws can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. These changes are designed to ensure that children are secured in car seats appropriate for their age, weight, and height, thereby reducing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Below is a clear breakdown of what the new law says, what it means for your family, and how Starfish can help. What the New Michigan Car Seat … [Read more...]
Nurturing Healthy Futures: How Starfish Nutrition Supports Children and Families
By: Jack Bodle, Nutrition SpecialistAt Starfish Family Services, our Nutrition Specialists play a crucial role in ensuring the children in our care receive the nourishment they need to thrive. Working alongside our dedicated food service team, they carefully source ingredients, prepare nutritious meals, and distribute them daily to over 800 children. However, their impact goes far beyond serving meals. Supporting Every Child’s Unique Needs Nutrition Specialists at Starfish accommodate both medical and non-medical dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, and religious or cultural food preferences. They develop menus aligned with USDA guidelines, closely monitor children’s growth and development, and ensure that food safety remains a top priority. This commitment means every child has access to balanced meals that meet their specific needs. The Power of Family-Style Dining At Starfish, mealtime is about more than just eating. Our Family-Style Dining approach … [Read more...]
The Joy of Nonprofit Work During the Holiday Season: A Time of Affirmation and Commitment
By: Marisa Nicely As the holiday season approaches, there is a palpable shift in the atmosphere—a sense of excitement, generosity, and warmth fills our communities. For those of us in nonprofit work, this time of year is not just a festive occasion; it’s an inspiring period that reaffirms our commitment to our mission and the communities we serve. The holiday season brings with it a unique blend of joy and reflection, reminding us why we are dedicated to our work and the impact we can have. A Season of GenerosityOne of the most compelling aspects of working in a nonprofit during the holidays is witnessing the extraordinary generosity that pours in from the community. People come together to support various causes, whether it's through donating food to local shelters, sponsoring families, or volunteering their time to help organize events. This outpouring of kindness creates a buzz of energy and hope that is truly invigorating.In these moments, we are reminded that our efforts, no … [Read more...]