Star-C

Star-C's program model is simple and unique: reduce transiency by keeping families stable with access to educational support and medical services, and they will have the highest chance to thrive. Star-C offers free wraparound services at affordable workforce apartment communities; we target nearby high-needs schools that are ranked in the lowest 1/3 of their cohort. To accomplish our mission, we partner with conscientious landlords who are committed to providing well-maintained, affordable housing for working families, many of whom live at or near the poverty line. Star-C's "community-centered model" has shown to increase student engagement, drive higher test scores, decrease discipline issues, build stronger community relationships, increase food security, and decrease expenses for participating families, all leading to decreased transiency in the community. Star-C supports these apartment communities by providing free after-school and summer camp programs for elementary school students, access to healthcare and wellness services, and food security programs ranging from healthy lunches and snacks to establishing on-site community gardens. We also provide eviction relief for qualified residents through a scholarship program -- a program that was born out of a need during the pandemic and was reinvigorated this year thanks to Mayor Andre Dickens and the City of Atlanta's commitment to affordable housing initiatives. The combination of stable rent, eviction relief, and wraparound services results in thriving individuals, families, and communities. The needs of these communities are great; many low-income families struggle with income sufficiency, food security, mental and physical health, safe housing, employment opportunities, transportation and more. The lack of all or some of these essential needs can be severely detrimental to a family's well-being and can lead to family instability and ultimately poverty. Star-C's programs are focused on stability and designed around the Social Determinants of Health as defined by the CDC. When housing is stabilized, students' education is stabilized, which in turn leads to their social/emotional health being stabilized as well. In addition, the provision of our after-school and summer camp programs allows for job stability for parents and extra hours they are able to work, as well as the peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe environment, and getting the supplemental nutrition and educational support to help them succeed at school and at home. By stabilizing their home, thereby stabilizing the individual, we have seen communities become stable - and thrive. Star-C currently serves over 2,500 families living in affordable apartment communities in the metro Atlanta area (Stratford Ridge, Amber Grove-Marietta, Willow Branch-Clarkston, Springview/Summerdale-Atlanta, Redwood Ridge-Forest Park, and The Flats & Villas at Mt. Zion-Stockbridge). Our after-school and summer camp programs provide Atlanta children with over 92,000 curriculum hours of learning support annually. Currently we have nearly 200 underserved children enrolled in our After-School Programs, but we have capacity to serve 240 students and are actively creating new initiatives to increase enrollment. When children get off the school bus, they are met by Star-C staff and escorted to our center, where they receive help with homework, tutoring, social/emotional learning, and enjoy fun activities in a safe environment, until it's time to go home to their families. Star-C's free on-site programming allows families to allocate funds they would have spent on childcare, health/wellness, etc. to other pressing needs. Star-C's programs are an important component contributing to family well-being, which in turn leads to family stability, improving health outcomes of residents and communities.