From the nearby town of Jesup, Ellen Murphy is the middle of five children. Growing up in a large family she learned to use the “buddy system” to survive, so it was natural that she and Katie, her sister who is younger by two years, became “best buddies.” Even though their personalities are totally different, anyone spending time with them would instantly see that they have the same type of humor and the ability to laugh at each other’s antics. Little did Ellen know when she graduated with a degree in horticulture from UGA that her career would take her on a path of giving back to the community. After working on a private farm with developmentally disabled adults and for the Dekalb school district, Ellen discovered her love of teaching and the seed for the STAR Foundation was starting to form. The organization’s cornerstone is structured on the sisters’ philosophy that life is about learning, loving, and helping to make someone else’s journey a little easier.
In 1996, Ellen, along with Katie and brother in law Wally Orrel, who Ellen considers her mentor, approached Don McGlamory, Director of the City of Brunswick Housing Authority, with a proposal to offer computer training to the residents of public housing to enable them to qualify for higher paying jobs. Mr. McGlamory agreed to the plan on a trial basis and in January of 1997 the first students were enrolled, and STAR Foundation was born. The organization also acquired 501(c)(3) non-profit status the same year.
STAR Founders Katie Orrel, Ellen Murphy, and Wally Orrel
STAR Foundation has grown since then and now provides an excellent workforce training program that is not dependent on government funding and at the same time improves the community’s economic development opportunities. The founders feel it’s all about giving a hand up and not a hand out. This is an organization that has proven that it inspires and motivates individuals, especially women, to improve their lives and that of their children too.
The curriculum includes classes held four days a week with additional homework and lab hours required. Students are taught basic computer skills, personal financial management, problem solving, goal setting, conflict resolution, interviewing skills and appropriate workplace behavior. Along the way, students begin to feel empowered with a newly discovered purpose in their lives, as well as a sense of pride in a job well done.
Ellen Murphy and Katie Orrel celebrate Michael Herrington's graduation from STAR.
We asked some STAR graduates to tell us their stories. Thearon Filson shares, “I was a
Thearon Filson
single parent living in public housing and felt that I didn’t have a lot of options for how my life would turn out. But when I began the STAR program, Ellen, Katie, and Wally made me immediately feel like I was a part of their family. They saw my potential and encouraged my personal growth with a lot of love. You can tell how much they care about their students. Have you ever had a hug from Ellen? She gives the best! I feel that my experience at STAR definitely improved my self-esteem and gave me the confidence and motivation to take the next step in my life. My ‘Shining Star Moment’ was receiving my Associates Degree at the College of Coastal Georgia. I was the first child in my family to ever receive a degree, so it was a very proud moment in my life. Now, I am currently working at the college as an Administrative Assistant in the Student Health Center, and I am only three classes away from receiving my Bachelor’s Degree.”
Christina Langley had just moved to Brunswick from North
Christina Langley
Carolina with her two children when she heard about STAR. “The first thing I remember is meeting the two sisters. As soon as you meet them, you’re like family. After learning budgeting, interviewing techniques and computer skills in the program, I began taking classes at the former Altamaha Technical College. From there, I became a CNA and enrolled in classes to get my LPN. I am currently a patient care technician at DaVita Dialysis and enrolled at the College of Coastal Georgia to become a RN. I credit STAR with motivating me to pursue my dreams. They just kept pushing me to keep going.” She adds, “And thanks to the lessons on how to budget and save, I was able to move into my own house last November.”
Marquetta Banks not only graduated from STAR, she now gives back to the foundation.
“Over ten years ago, I was at the public housing office when I noticed a flyer about classes at the STAR Foundation, and it has been my family ever since. The confidence and skills gained through the program made it possible to leave a part-time pharmacy position at Winn Dixie for a full-time position for a full time position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician at Target. I now give back by speaking to the classes at STAR to encourage them to really devote the time necessary to complete the program and to never be afraid to go for bigger and better. If their dreams seem out of reach, they need to commit to them, then leap into the unknown for their own ‘Shining Star Moment!’ I have the utmost gratitude for the STAR Foundation in helping me and countless others to fulfill our dreams of being responsible and proud human beings in society.”
Since 1997, there have been 1,279 graduates from the 15-month program, which includes the eight week class and one year of follow-up mentoring, counseling and encouragement. STAR graduates have a 105% increase in family income, a 34% decrease in government assistance and an increase in employment from 29% at enrollment to 70%. Each highly individualized program costs $2,000 per student for the class plus one year of follow-up.
STAR Graduation
The group let us know that STAR would not have survived with support and encouragement from local foundations, the United Way of Coastal Georgia, The Brunswick Housing Authority, the non-profit organizations who have referred their clients to STAR and Southeast Georgia Health System (the largest employer of STAR students), and the many individuals who give generously. Their goal for the next year is to create stronger, more meaningful partnerships with other non-profit organizations and businesses in the community. They are also looking for volunteers to help students with mock interviews, mentoring, coaching those students who want to repair their credit and driving them to appointments.
Vounteers demonstrate the right and wrong way to dress for a job interview.
The STAR Foundation is holding their annual fundraiser on November 3 with a gala dinner buffet and silent auction that begins at 6:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Star Light, Star Bright. Some of the featured auction items are a two-night stay for two at the posh Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, a half-day fishing trip for three with Hook & Knife fishing charters, and dinner for eight at the island’s newest place, Certified Burgers & Beverage. Cost to attend is $125 per person and $200 a couple. Please call 912.554.0540 to get your tickets for this important event or go to starfoundation.org.
