One Starfish connects individuals to the right resources across courts, housing, and social services in Grand Rapids — responding to urgent needs today while building trusted relationships that last. We empower individuals to overcome barriers, reclaim purpose, ownership, and pride to build sustainable stability on their own terms.
Get Involved
We focus on one life at a time. But, the bottom line is we cannot do it alone. There are too many lives in crisis. When we partner with organizations, businesses, and individuals, we become stronger, have a bigger reach, and ultimately, impact more lives and evoke more change. There are many ways to get involved with One Starfish Foundation. Please consider helping our cause and helping us fulfill our mission.
We create opportunities for people to reconnect with a sense of purpose, ownership, and pride. When individuals are given the chance to create, contribute, and care for one another and their community, they don’t just transform a space—they begin to transform how they see themselves within it. Working shoulder to shoulder, we build trusted relationships one life at a time, creating meaningful and lasting change.
Working alongside our neighbors in need to clean up Heartside Park—a beloved gathering place for many in Grand Rapids—restores a shared sense of purpose. Something shifts when you're shoulder to shoulder, picking up trash, pulling weeds, and showing up for the space and for each other. This is how relationships are built and purpose is restored: by being present and doing the work together.
Through trusted relationships with the 61st District Court, legal advocates, and community partners, One Starfish helps remove the barriers that keep people stuck. Unresolved court issues, bench warrants, and minor charges can make it nearly impossible to move forward in life—so we show up alongside our neighbors to help clear the way. Because true ownership begins when the obstacles standing in your path are finally gone..
We believe creativity is one of the most powerful ways to restore a sense of pride and self-worth. Through our art program, neighbors gather to experiment with watercolor, acrylic, collage, and more—guided by artists who share their craft and create space for others to find theirs. You don't have to love art to love this program. In the act of creating, people begin to see themselves differently—and that is where pride takes root..
We believe in being "boots on the ground." We are on the streets, in the shelters, and amongst the people who need us. We put together outreach teams to pass out food, supplies and make relationships.
We host events to serve those in need in big ways with a large team of volunteers. We also host events to connect with businesses and organizations that want to help our cause.
We connect with employers who want to provide those in need with jobs and ultimately help give them a sense of purpose and direction.
Through local partnerships, we provide steady support and remove barriers to help individuals navigate toward stable housing solutions.
We provide bus passes and rideshare vouchers to enable individuals to get to work on time and to attend essential medical, mental health, and case worker appointments.
We provide flexible funding to meet immediate needs. This support often serves as a critical bridge, preventing further instability.
We collect donations and use them within our organization to ultimately serve those in need in the most effective ways we can.
When it comes to incarceration and homelessness, there are a lot of assumptions. We work to break stigmas and spark reform.
We walk alongside the people of Grand Rapids. Building trusted relationships through consistent outreach and ongoing support.
