We’re excited to spotlight on our amazing partners - Star-C. Founded in 2014, Star-C is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta with a mission to reduce resident transiency in affordable housing communities and nearby schools, provide academic support for children, and ultimately improve the quality of life for both individuals and neighborhoods.
In 2024, they continued to thrive with afterschool and summer camp enrichment for approximately 200 elementary students to wellness initiatives, eviction relief, and senior citizen programs serving over 2,200 residents! Star-C fosters effective collaborations with nonprofit partners, municipal resources, and critical service providers to break the cycle of transiency in underserved neighborhoods.
Star-C is a tremendous asset to the affordable housing community, providing essential services and support that empower families, enhance neighborhoods, and foster stability and growth for the community as a whole.
Learn more about Star-C in our interview with both Aleksandra Lesher & Keya Oates!
Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the our community?
Founded in 2014, Star-C is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta with a mission to reduce resident transiency in affordable housing communities and nearby schools, provide academic support for children, and ultimately improve the quality of life for both individuals and neighborhoods. Our vision is to create affordable communities of choice. We achieve this by partnering with conscientious landlords committed to offering well-maintained, affordable housing for working families, many of whom live near the poverty line. Star-C's programs are housed at on-site community centers which host our suite of wraparound services. Our on-site presence offers convenience for residents to participate, overcoming barriers such as transportation and cost, and builds trust within the community. Those we serve are primarily working families, many who live near the poverty line. 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 wellbeing and can lead to family instability and ultimately poverty. Star-C’s programs are an important component contributing to family wellbeing, which leads to family stability and improved health outcomes of residents.
What’s the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?
Founded in 2014 by Margaret (Marjy) Stagmeier, Star-C is a collaborative, nonprofit 501(c)3 providing affordable apartment community residents with free educational, wellness, food security, and eviction relief programs. Star-C’s program model is simple and unique: reduce transiency by keeping families stable, in an affordable housing environment, with access to educational support and affordable medical services, and they will have the highest chance to thrive. Our “community-centered model” results in decreased transiency for apartment communities and schools, establishes strong bonds within communities, decreases expenses for families, and provides educational support for elementary students. One of the biggest determinants of an under-performing school is transiency (movement of a student out of a learning environment after a short period of time) and one of the biggest transiency factors is the lack of affordable housing. Every time a student moves, they lose three months of a nine-month school calendar. A Government Accountability Office study found that families who did not own their home made up 39% of the most highly mobile students. Last year, Star-C expanded its programming through the addition of properties in Clayton County (The Flats & Villas at Mt. Zion – including a community specifically for individuals aged 65+), another property in Cobb County (Amber Grove) and our largest property yet, Redwood Ridge in Forest Park, with 593 units. Each property utilizes the Star-C model of our other properties, wherein we provide our signature suite of services to bolster families and communities and fully address their needs in a variety of ways.
What kind of programming do you offer to the community?
Afterschool & Summer Camp - Led by a Site Director and an Assistant Site Director, these programs are designed to provide a safe, community-based place for children to be while their families are at work. During the school year, students are met at the bus and receive homework assistance, the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities, and a structured curriculum incorporating an emphasis on mental/emotional wellbeing and free play. Our summer camp provides a similar environment, at the same onsite location, with the addition of field trips and additional nutrition support in the form of breakfast and lunch. By alleviating the burden of childcare costs and providing high-quality educational support, Star-C’s programs help working families achieve greater economic stability. Parents can go to work with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. This support is crucial for families living near the poverty line, as it helps them to break the cycle of poverty and transiency by enabling consistent employment and economic self-sufficiency. Star-C hosted Afterschool & Summer Camp programs at all full-service sites, supporting nearly 200 underserved children who benefitted from almost 1,400 donated volunteer hours and were provided over 93,000 curriculum hours of learning. Average daily attendance by site for 2023-24 programs was: Willow Branch-38, Stratford Ridge-39, Amber Grove-20, The Flats & Villas at Mt. Zion-34, Redwood Ridge-31, Springview/Summerdale-30. All children participating in Summer Camp enjoyed a range of field trips- such as roller skating, bowling, splash pads, movies, and outings to Six Flags, Stone Mountain Park, and Zoo Atlanta.
• Health & Wellness - Health & wellness programs operate year-round with a goal to provide, at minimum, one event per property per quarter. Star-C collaborates with organizations such as UnitedHealthcare, JenCare, C.O.R.E., Grady Healthcare, Family Health Center at Cobb, Morehouse School of Medicine, Medcura, and others to implement wellness programs at its sites. Star-C successfully implemented wellness events at all program sites, including free checkups, health screenings, vaccinations and more, provided by local doctors. Strategically located on-site at the apartment communities we serve, thereby removing barriers for residents to have access to essential medical resources, our aim is to provide additional health/wellness events at each of our full-service sites and additional sites through Star-C Select. - Star-C Select has also provided additional services and resources to both our full-service sites and additional communities by partnering with iThink Financial to bolster financial literacy, with 86 new accounts opened thus far in 2024. Additional resources include tax preparation and life insurance, providing a full suite of community service offerings to our residents in need. Finally, we are piloting a financial literacy with Frontline Housing at Springview/Summerdale & Redwood Ridge, which includes a savings match program for residents who sign up.
• Eviction Relief – During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Star-C assisted with eviction relief efforts for the Metro Atlanta area while maintaining its mission of providing wraparound services to help children and families in underserved communities prosper. In late 2023, Mayor Andre Dickens and the City of Atlanta announced a $2 million Eviction Diversion grant to provide rental assistance to low-income households to be distributed in 2024, followed by an additional $2 million announced in July. To date, $16.5 million in assistance has been raised for families during and after COVID, serving 330+ properties over a 14-county region.
What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?
One of the biggest determinants of an under-performing school is transiency (movement of a student out of a learning environment after a short period of time) and one of the biggest transiency factors is the lack of affordable housing. Every time a student moves, they lose three months of a nine-month school calendar. Those three months are critical to a student - not only academically, but mentally and emotionally as well. A Government Accountability Office study found that families who did not own their home made up 39% of the most highly mobile students. Transiency is only one part of the equation, however. In Atlanta, it is estimated that 1 in 6 children won’t know where their next meal will come from, a heartbreaking statistic highlighting just how many families struggle with food insecurity. While our afterschool and summer camp programs provide elementary students with critical nutrition support, we also aim to offer supplemental nutrition while students are on break from school. The nutrition support we currently provide is often students’ only nutrition for the day, so when school is on break, our students suffer. It has also been reported that families are forced to make choices around whether to feed themselves or their children. Thus, our goal is to provide vital nutrition support to students (and families) at our full-service sites during the seasonal breaks aligning with their public school calendar year – hosting the food distribution the week prior to the break. We've found that the combination of stable rent, free educational programs for children, and the provision of on-site health and wellness resources has enabled residents and families to thrive.
“At Star-C, volunteers are vital to our mission of supporting families in affordable housing communities. Whether you’re assisting a child with homework, helping with logistics at a community event, or supporting a Site Director with daily operations, each and every role makes a lasting impact - and our work would not be possible without volunteers!”
What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?
It's hard to choose! Between celebrating our tenth year of providing services to Atlanta families in need - to our 2nd annual back-to-school Backpack Giveaway, where we reached 53 communities, distributing over 2,600 backpacks filled with resources to help students start the year right - to just last week receiving report cards and seeing firsthand how our students have flourished since being in Star-C programs (averaging an A for all students across all six sites!). We are truly grateful for the support of our volunteers, organizations like Hands On Atlanta, and those who help support our work every day.
How many volunteers do you need every month, and can you describe the experience of serving with your organization for the volunteer? What do they do? What’s a day in the life as a volunteer with your organization?
Volunteers with Star-C gain more than just hours, they gain community. Whether you're high-fiving kids after tutoring, preparing a game booth, or helping organize the snack cabinet, your presence supports healthy development, academic growth, and strong neighborhoods.
Volunteers receive a brief orientation, are matched with a role that fits their interest, and are supported by our team every step of the way. A day in the life at Star-C is hands-on, purpose-driven, and deeply rewarding. We welcome individuals, small groups, corporate teams, and school volunteers alike. Let us know your interests, and we’ll find the perfect way for you to get involved.
Monthly volunteer needed: 40–60 volunteers per month during the school year - primarily supporting after-school programming; 60–80 volunteers per month during summer months and special event seasons - supporting summer camp, event planning, and large-scale festivals
What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.
At Star-C, we believe in strengthening communities by supporting the families and children who call them home. Through year-round programs, ongoing support services, and unforgettable community events, we create safe spaces where kids can thrive—and volunteers play a huge part in making that happen. Our Biggest Ongoing Projects are:
1. After-School Program (August – May) One of our longest-running and most essential programs, our After-School Program runs Monday through Friday across multiple Star-C communities. Volunteers are needed to: Provide homework help and tutoring Lead small enrichment activities (STEM, reading groups, art, games) Assist with check-in, snack distribution, and classroom support Offer mentorship and positive encouragement to students Typical Hours: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Weekdays)
2. Summer Camp (June – July) Our Summer Camp keeps kids active, learning, and having fun during the summer months. Volunteers help by: Running or assisting with daily activity stations (sports, crafts, science, etc.) Supporting field trips and outdoor recreation Helping with meals, transitions, and group management Bringing energy and fun to campers ages 5–12 Flexible shifts between 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM- based on the program/event We’re Active Across Atlanta You’ll have a chance to serve at one of six Star-C community sites throughout the Atlanta area, including: Cobb Fulton Clayton Dekalb Each site offers unique opportunities to support kids in different neighborhoods, but all share the same mission: wraparound care that uplifts entire communities. Why Volunteer with Star-C? You’ll build real connections with students, families, and staff You’ll help kids build confidence and reach their potential You’ll become part of a community-driven mission focused on education, wellness, and equity Whether you're available once a week or once a season—we have a place for you Volunteer Roles You Can Choose From: Homework Helper Reading Buddy Activity Leader (Art, STEM, Sports) Summer Camp help Event Volunteer (Spring Fling, Fall Festival) Site Director Support Events Manager support
“One of my favorite things about working at Star-C is the way we show up for families—not just during big events, but consistently through our after-school programs, summer camps, and everyday interactions. I’ve been with the organization since the very beginning, over 10 years ago, and it’s been incredible to watch us grow from a small initiative into a trusted community partner making real impact across metro Atlanta. What keeps me inspired is the kids. Whether I’m planning a Spring Fling or just stopping by an after-school program, the relationships we build are lasting. I love knowing that even if I haven’t seen a student in weeks or months, they’ll still run up with a big smile yelling, ‘Ms. Keya!’ That tells me we’re doing something right, we’re making memories, building trust, and creating spaces where children feel seen and valued. That’s what makes this work so special to me.”
What do volunteers love about working with your organization?
Real Connections: Volunteers build meaningful relationships with kids through tutoring, games, and mentorship.
Welcoming Environment: Volunteers feel valued, supported, and part of the team. Visible Impact: Whether helping with after-school programs or big events, the difference is easy to see.
Flexible Roles: From reading buddies to event support, there’s something for everyone.
Lasting Memories: Volunteers often return because the experience is fun, fulfilling, and unforgettable. Star-C makes it easy to serve and even easier to love doing it.
What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2025 that you’re really excited about?
Every summer, Star-C hosts Star-C Week, a highly anticipated tradition held during June or July. This special week brings together all six of our program sites for one major field trip to an Atlanta landmark. It’s a fun-filled day of education, exploration, and excitement, giving our kids the chance to experience something new outside of their everyday routines. As they travel across the city, many get to see iconic parts of Atlanta for the very first time, broadening their perspectives and creating unforgettable memories. In past years, we’ve visited the Atlanta Zoo and had full-access tours of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This year, we’re excited to keep the tradition going and are hoping to take our kids to Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, for another incredible day of discovery and fun. Star-C Week is more than just a field trip, it’s a celebration of community, opportunity, and the joy of shared experiences.
Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!
There are several ways individuals, schools, and organizations can get involved and make a meaningful impact.
Volunteer Opportunities - Support after-school programs, summer camps, and community events like Spring Flings and Fall Festivals Volunteers are encouraged to bring friends, family, coworkers, or school groups—we welcome community-wide support and partnership
In-Kind Donations: Classroom supplies, event materials, gently used books, games, and hygiene kits
Monetary Contributions: Help cover costs for student field trips, camp activities, special events, and enrichment programs
Donate Snacks: Healthy snacks are needed regularly for our after-school programs and summer camps Sponsor a Child- I'm not sure if we can include this either Cover the cost of snacks, supplies, and programming for a child in after-school or summer camp
Feed a Family for the Holidays: Contribute to our seasonal meal programs for Star-C families
Support Holiday Toy Drives: Help bring joy to children by donating new toys and gifts
Host a Drive: Organize a donation drive for classroom supplies, hygiene kits, or non-perishable food
Corporate & Community Partnerships: Star-C welcomes sponsorships and partnerships to sustain long-term programming and community impact.
We are always looking to build new relationships with individuals and organizations that share our vision of healthy, thriving communities. Let us know how you’d like to get involved!
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