Starr Commonwealth

Inspired by Ingham County Probate Judge Robert Drake, a group of private citizens, business people and community leaders concerned about youths at risk founded the original Youth Opportunity Camp in 1963. Designed to be a place where people grow by discovering strong personal values and building life goals around them, youths are given the opportunity to experience positive adult guidance in a disciplined setting. The program has helped hundreds of youths. Its work with troubled youth taught that in order to improve their futures, their families needed help too. It learned that through early intervention, they can resolve problems and keep families together. As a result, Highfields has become a multi-service, early intervention agency serving families and youth in mid-Michigan. It has pioneered the home-based counseling approach where counselors go into the homes and work with families. With its expanded services, Highfields currently serves more than 10,000 people a year.

The United Methodist Community House has been offering a variety of services to children, youths, families and senior citizens since 1902. It administers several programs through its child, youth, family and senior development departments. The organization s child development center provides a research-based curriculum for the early childhood development of children up to 5 years. It also operates a before- and after-school center that involves students in a homework club, tutoring, mentoring, sports, arts and crafts, dance and other recreational activities. The organization provides assistance with transportation, advocacy, referrals and tax preparation, as well as conducts health screenings and field trips. It family development center offers adult education and English as a Second Language classes. The United Methodist Community House is located in Grand Rapids, Mich.