Starr Commonwealth is a nationally recognized private, not-for-profit, multi-service/site child and family organization with sites in Michigan and Ohio.

The corporate headquarters is located in Albion, MI along I-94, 100 miles west of Detroit, 50 miles west of Ann Arbor (University of Michigan), 50 miles south of Lansing (Michigan State University) and 40 miles east of Kalamazoo (Western Michigan University).

We believe that there is no such thing as a bad child. *

We believe that badness is not a normal condition but is the result of misdirected energy.

We believe that every normal child will be good if given an opportunity in an environment of love and activity.

We believe in the dignity of labor.

We believe that each child should be given some work suitable to childhood and that he should be taught that the value of labor is to be found, not alone in the completed task, but in the training of the mind and the hand, and in the joy of accomplishment.

We believe also in play. Play is the child's normal means of self-expression.

We believe that to attain the full stature of adult, spiritual development should go hand in hand with physical, mental, and moral development.

We believe that children should be treated, not as a class, but as individuals, and that each child in order that he may reach his highest development must be understood. We hold that his ambition must be stimulated and developed, and that he must be encouraged and loved toward perfection.

We believe that children merit confidence and trust, and that the secret of the development of honor in a child lies in appealing to his inherent goodness. In order that he may attain perfect adulthood, we believe in placing a child on his honor at all times and giving him the sympathy and encouragement necessary to enable him to maintain his integrity.

* The Creed, written by Floyd Starr in 1913, referred only to boys because Starr Commonwealth in its early years was devoted to the needs of boys. Girls and families have also been served by Starr programs since the 1970's, thus, "child" has replaced "boy" in the text.