How did you start Starfish?
Jerry and I were working with neighborhood youth through our church in late 1996. We spent about an hour on Friday nights with kids tutoring and wanted to do more. A mother from the Howard community came to us and was looking for a reading tutor for her eight year old daughter.  In 1997 we opened up our home to tutor more kids. The first month we were working with one kid, by second four and the third month we were working with forty-five kids and looking for a new space. We found a storefront on Howard St., then a two-flat on Bosworth, where we ran our program for nearly six years. Last June we moved into our current home which was donated to us.  We provide a safe haven for 24 kids (ages 6 years old -16 years old) to do their homework and participate in positive activities such as art, computers and summer camp.

How come you chose Howard Street?
I had volunteered with Jr. High students with my church in Evanston. They came from nice families, nice homes and good schools. It was a wonderful experience, but when we came here it was different. They were mainly Black, Hispanic or mixed young single moms. The kids are loving and funny despite often having horrific challenges in their lives. There is a need here. We feel like part of our students' families. We have been around for eights years or more. We are invested and wouldn't leave them high and dry.

What did you do before Starfish?
I came to Chicago to go to Northwestern Graduate School in Advertising from Kalamazoo Michigan. I lived a fairly sheltered life but had supportive parents. Jerry lost both of his parents by the time he was sixteen. He got into drugs and alcohol and was able to recover.  He knows where these kids are coming from. By the time we met and married in 1992, Jerry had gotten clean, sober and saved. Before Starfish, I was in advertising for a Christian publication and Jerry was in construction. The work we are doing now is the most rewarding. I haven't worked this hard in my life.

What can a kid expect when they come here?
Kids can expect a warm greeting, homework with tutors, after completed homework, reading, computers, video games play basketball, make art, talent shows, exercise, healthy food, golf, clown workshops, karaoke. Hugs. Our hours: after-school: 2:45pm - 6:00pm.

Do you charge for services?
Services are free.  We do encourage parents to give when they can and some do. We have a lot of single moms grandparents raising kids we are supported by individuals who believe in what we do and foundations.We have a few fundraisers such as a golf outing.

Any special requests from the community?
We are looking for area artists or businesspeople to come and speak to our children about their talent or entrepreneurial venture (especially people who have overcome economic or educational challenges). We're looking for local "success stories" to share with our students to encourage them that they too can realize their dreams.

How can parents reach you?
Come to our door at 1543 W. Howard. You can call us at 773-465-4608. Or email us at april@starfishchicago.com or visit our website at www.starfishchicago.com.