Across the world, this time of year brings a shift. Work rhythms change, programs pause, schools temporarily close, and many of us prepare for holidays or seasonal celebrations that mark the end of a year. In youth-serving spaces—whether... Continue reading.
The Science of Gratitude in Trauma-Informed Schools: Building Belonging & Resilience
November quietly encourages us to turn inward. As the air cools and life slows down, we find space to breathe, relax, and focus on what truly matters. In youth-serving spaces, this season is more than a calendar moment. It is a reminder that... Continue reading.
From Survival to Renewal: Restorative Wellness Rituals for Helping Professionals
A brief guide to simple restorative rituals for helping professionals to prevent burnout and build a sustainable trauma‑informed practice. We show up. Every day. Hearts forward, shoulders squared, carrying clipboards,... Continue reading.
The Quiet Revolution: Finding Light in the Science of Healing
Small moments, profound shifts: How understanding your nervous system can transform the children you serve There's a moment that happens in clinical work—perhaps you've experienced it—when a child who has been guarded, hypervigilant, or... Continue reading.
Bite-Sized Professional Growth: Nourishing the Educator Within
It’s 7:45 a.m. The coffee’s half gone, the to-do list is already full, and somewhere between the copier jam and the morning bell, you think: “When was the last time I learned something just for me?” We ask our students to be... Continue reading.
The Little Moments That Build Resilience: A Trauma-Informed Lens for Early Childhood
It was cleanup time again — the moment every preschool teacher braces for.Blocks clattered. Tiny voices protested.And then there was Leo — hands clenched, eyes welling, the world suddenly too much. Instead of calling across the room, Ms.... Continue reading.
💚 World Mental Health Day 2025: Healing Is Health
If you’ve ever gone for a walk to clear your head, taken a deep breath before responding, or called someone just to talk, you’ve practiced mental health care. Yet somewhere along the way, we started believing that caring for our emotions was... Continue reading.
Recognizing Signs of Student Distress Early in the School Year
The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind—new faces, fresh supplies, routines still settling in. But beneath the surface of pencils, planners, and name tags, students are communicating with us in various ways, and sometimes... Continue reading.
Celebrating Hope and Healing: Join Us for the 9th Annual Night of Starrs
We are excited to invite you to our 9th Annual Night of Starrs, an evening dedicated to highlighting the incredible impact our supporters have on children, families, and communities. This special event will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025,... Continue reading.
Building Belonging: 5 Activities to Connect with Students in September
When I think back on my years in the classroom, September always felt like the most important month. The first few weeks weren’t just about setting routines or reviewing content—they were about answering one big question for my students: Do I... Continue reading.
How to Create a Trauma-Informed Classroom from the First Month of School
Picture this: The first weeks of school are a blur of new faces, routines, and expectations. Whether your “back to school” started last week or is still around the corner, one thing is true everywhere—students are walking into our classrooms... Continue reading.
Beyond the In-Service: Professional Development That Actually Changes Monday Morning
There's something about late summer that brings a familiar knot to the stomach of anyone who works in schools. Maybe it's the weight of knowing that behind every name on your roster is a story—some filled with joy, others carrying pain you can't... Continue reading.
Growing Student Belonging: 5 Essential Practices for a Resilience-Focused School Year
Every experienced educator knows that the most transformative classrooms don't happen by accident—they're built with intention, nurtured with consistency, and grounded in an unshakeable belief in every student's potential. 🌱 Your Classroom: A... Continue reading.
In Loving Memory of Dr. Marty Mitchell
President Emeritus, Starr Commonwealth It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved former President and CEO, Dr. Martin L. “Marty” Mitchell. Marty dedicated his life to Starr Commonwealth with unwavering... Continue reading.
Marshall Community Foundation Awards Historic $100,000 Grant to Expand Local Career Pathways for Young Adults
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Marshall, MI – [July 15, 2025] – The Marshall Community Foundation has awarded a historic $100,000 grant to Starr Commonwealth to expand its F.O.C.U.S. Forward program (Forging Opportunities for Career Upskilling and... Continue reading.
