STARS

Hope. Health. Connection.

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Our History

Since 1984, our mission is to help all young people pursue their unlimited potential.  STARS has served some of our most disenfranchised populations by providing school-based prevention and intervention services, as well as intensive outpatient treatment services for adolescents with substance use and co-occurring disorders.  STARS provides services in six major program areas:

Student Assistance Program:  provides school-based prevention, intervention and mental health counseling services to address the social and emotional needs of students who are dealing with such issues as substance abuse, violence, and bullying.  Our services have proven and lasting results including: strengthening students’ resistance, refusal, and decision-making skills related to alcohol, drugs, sexual activity, and violence; increasing school attachment; increasing positive orientation to the future; and promoting student involvement in their community.

Enhanced Student Assistance Program: provides behavioral and mental health services for students who have not responded well to Tier I and Tier II interventions. We provide assessment and treatment for individuals with mental health issues who are overwhelmed due to depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, or substance abuse.

Kids on the Block educates children, as well as the broader community, about health and social concerns that affect their lives. Using puppets and other teaching tools, KOB promotes understanding and acceptance of all children and adults, regardless of their differences.   KOB 6-week literacy program works with elementary students reading below grade level.

Youth Overcoming Drug Abuse: offers the only intensive outpatient treatment program for adolescents and young adults with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, who do not have insurance and most have had some sort of involvement with the juvenile justice system due to drug use. They are in the early stages of substance abuse or dependence, having the potential to be a chronic, life-long condition.

Services for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: is designed to prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs among Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students who are Deaf or hard of hearing are naturally at higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse because of their increased difficulties with learning, communicating, isolation, depression and family connection. One out of ten hearing people may become dependent on drugs and alcohol, whereas one out of seven individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing may become dependent.

Trainings are offered to schools and communities. STARS seeks to train all those who care for our children by helping them understand the non-academic barriers to learning which prohibit young people from reaching their full potential. Training and professional development for entire school systems, school administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, students, and all school support personnel, as well as parents and community-based organizations, address those tough issues which challenge their students on a daily basis.

STARS services have produced consistent outcomes including increased: school attendance and grades, youth attachment to school/community, individual resilience, reduced suspensions, expulsions, bullying, violence, delinquency and alcohol and other drug use (Kanu, Hepler, & Labi, 2015).

To learn more about STARS current plans, please review our latest  Strategic Plan, which is updated every three years.

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In Their Own Words

STARS' MOVE2STAND team created a life-changing and inspiring day. I look forward to working with them again.

Courtney Fergie

STARS' MOVE2STAND opened my eyes to what is actually happening in our schools.

M2S student

STARS' MOVE2STAND let me be me. I didn’t have to hide anything. I had a voice.

M2S student

At STARS' MOVE2STAND, I was finally heard!

M2S student

At STARS' MOVE2STAND, I learned how people actually feel.

M2S student

STARS' MOVE2STAND made me come out of my comfort zone and interact with my peers. I loved the training!

M2S student

I loved sharing my story and hearing others’ stories at STARS' MOVE2STAND. I enjoyed how personal the training was.

M2S student

At STARS' MOVE2STAND, I let my guard down and realized how many people are just like me.

M2S student

STARS' MOVE2STAND has shown me what I need to do as a person.

M2S student

Because of STARS' MOVE2STAND, I better understand how to help people.

M2S student

Everyone came together like a family at STARS' MOVE2STAND.

M2S student

STARS' MOVE2STAND made me feel less lonely.

M2S student

We will continue the STARS' MOVE2STAND message in our school and community indefinitely. Positive relationships between young people are essential for student success in all areas of life. We would strongly recommend M2S for school systems looking to improve climate and build cohesive, productive atmospheres. The training created lasting impacts that will be remembered forever.

STARS' MOVE2STAND was by far one of the best student trainings I have ever seen after working in bullying prevention for eight years. The one-day leadership training had a profound impact on 150 students in grades 6-12 from Vermilion Local Schools. The students have taken the M2S momentum into their own hands and created welcoming, cross-age mentoring and community relations committees.

Our STARS’ SAP counselor is an asset to our school. So many students deal with issues outside of school that affect their ability to do their best at school. As a school counselor, my job has many parts and changes daily. I’m not always available to see a child in crisis, and I can't usually provide ongoing counseling to a student or group sessions. That is where our SAP counselor comes in. She does free individual and group therapy to help our students overcome personal issues and to succeed at school.

Christy Hood School Counselor

"Magnificent," "life-changing" and "incredible" don't give STARS' MOVE2STAND justice. The event inspired emotions, passion and realizations at Beech High School.

Jamie Greer Spanish Teacher

We have many students who have autism and ADHD, and STARS' Kids on the Block has changed how these students are understood by their peers. For example, one autistic second-grader has made great gains this year due to his classmates’ acceptance. This would not have happened without KOB.

Janet Watkins School Counselor

STARS' Kids on the Block is doing great work to keep our children safe.

Dawn Crumpton School Librarian

STARS' Kids on the Block’s puppet shows are developmentally appropriate and find a delicate balance between fun-loving and thought-provoking messages. Students like seeing a new show every year, ranging from problem solving to diversity awareness.

Deborah Finch School Counselor

STARS’ SAP program helped me be a better person, improve my attitude and work things out with my parents. STARS’ SAP program had a huge impact on me. My counselor Mr. Mayes gave good advice and helped me with a lot of problems I had in middle school.

Gra-Mar Middle School student

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STARS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, culture, religion or creed, socioeconomic status, language, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. No one shall be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any of STARS’ programs or activities. STARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This agency is funded, in part, by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Tennessee Department of Education and by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.
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