Starfish Alliance

Starfish Alliance is a registered 501(c)(3) focused on delivering results-oriented school-based programming to youth who have, or are, experiencing adversity within group homes, or other care systems or environments. We specialize in engagement strategies for youth at-risk of poor outcomes in employment and education. Our programs prepare youth to overcome challenges and seize opportunities by adopting positive behaviors, building stronger relationships, and engaging in learning environments. We lead cross-sector collaborations, meeting youth needs on three levels: basic, social-emotional, and self-fulfillment. Our programs are designed to engage, incubate, and launch youth into post-secondary pathways (employment, entrepreneurship, enlistment, and education). We partner with Columbus City Schools, Southwestern City Schools, HandsOn Central Ohio, Columbus Works, Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), Measurement Resource Co., The Columbus Foundation, City of Columbus, and Ohio Department of Education. Our Guiding Philosophies: •Not one organization can do it alone; and not one person should have to go at it alone. •Escaping poverty is only half of the story; being prepared for the middle class is the other half. •Resilience mitigates the potential negative outcomes caused by ACEs or trauma.