The STAR Project

Shame can profoundly shape our lives, leading to isolation, emotional suppression, and feelings of worthlessness But there's hope! The STAR Project is transforming lives by focusing on foundational skills and empowering self-agency. By addressing learning gaps and promoting equity, The STAR Project is helping justice-impacted individuals  overcome barriers and build confidence. Your support empowers humans to “know how to do that”. 

The STAR Project is the cornerstone of reentry services in Southeast Washington

Our mission is to partner with justice impacted people to build skills and relationships that contribute to flourishing communities. 

We fulfill our mission by providing a comprehensive approach that includes intensive case management, housing assistance, employment support, mental health services, family reunification activities, and recovery support.

The Washington State average recidivism rate (meaning the % of people who end up back in prison) is 27.4%. The STAR Project’s current average rate of recidivism is 1.6%.   

Graduates of our programs often return to The STAR Project once they are back on their feet. They become members of the board of directors and STAR Staff, provide peer mentorship, and regularly engage as public speakers about the need for support for those coming after them and out of incarceration! 

We could tell you SO many wonderful things about The STAR Project, but we didn't want to boast—so we asked our community of participants to help explain why STAR is so important to them:

"This is a hand-up situation not a hand-out one. They're here to help us start a baseline and grow from there. Yeah, like I'm getting off probation in 30 days, roughly. And I was terrified that I won't have that accountability. But I have STAR project. And I know what I need to do to keep on this right path that I've found with this family that I have at STAR. Family that says 'hey, you're worth more, you deserve good things.' I almost overlooked STAR project, but I never would have had this much support.  I never had a support system like this before." -B

"If you'd known me when I was in prison, you wouldn't know this was going to be my road. I had it all figured out, you know? I was going to do it all on my own, job, house, car, you name it. Getting out wasn't what I expected. Everything had changed, I didn't have anyone to help, I kept messing up over stupid things.  I didn't like it, and let's be honest, I still don't think accountability is fun or anything, but my STAR case manager pushed me to try more for myself. She made me believe I was worth good things." -S

The STAR Project meets formerly incarcerated people where they are, creating a comprehensive support plan that centers the individual.  We work with other local and statewide organizations to ensure the best possible support for each participant.