Stara Collaborative

Stara Collaborative Challenging systems of oppression by supporting those who build power in their communities.

Stara Collaborative works alongside grassroots leaders to drive systemic change and build equity where it’s needed most.

05/11/2026

KZCF will continue to stand with the organizations doing the work that moves us towards making Kalamazoo County the most equitable place to live, and with the donors who want to be part of that journey.

Dre’ and China have been rooted in the community for a long time.This free bookshelf, featuring stories that reflect a p...
05/11/2026

Dre’ and China have been rooted in the community for a long time.

This free bookshelf, featuring stories that reflect a positive self-image, has been a staple.

The Village’s Chair is a project that expands that generosity so that more people can feel confident and cared for. More to be shared soon about their June event.

At Stara, we support people building power in our communities. That’s Dre’ and China.

🟢 Learn more: https://www.stara.org/thevillageschair

Alt text: A series of images showing barbers giving haircuts to young people in a community setting, along with a wooden bookshelf filled with children’s books.

Face Off Theatre Company is heading into its final shows of “Cinderella: The Remix.”Marissa, their Aristic Director, is ...
05/07/2026

Face Off Theatre Company is heading into its final shows of “Cinderella: The Remix.”

Marissa, their Aristic Director, is here in a quieter moment. The part most people don’t see. A lot of emails, decisions and vision.

At Stara, we’re glad to offer space for that side of the work. Not just rehearsals but the back-of-stage, back-of-stage.

Catch the final performances May 1–9 at the Carver Center.

At Stara, we support people building power in our communities. That’s Marissa, Alyssa, May and so many more.

🟢 Get tickets: https://faceofftheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200515684

Alt text: A person sits at a table working on a laptop in a small meeting room, viewed through a doorway

Destiné from Fire Historical & Cultural Arts Collaborative stopped in to pick up printing (free at Stara!) and found a f...
04/30/2026

Destiné from Fire Historical & Cultural Arts Collaborative stopped in to pick up printing (free at Stara!) and found a few books on the way out.

Grassroots work asks a lot from people. There are flyers to print, meetings to prepare for, and decisions to make. Time to read or reflect can be harder to reach, even when it is needed.

Our Liberation Library sits in the workspace for that reason. It is open to projects and community. Built on trust. These quotes are from the books that spoke to Destiné:

“Soak in the beauty of the morning light with your whole being.”
- 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘺, 𝘙𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵

“Why not now go toward the things I love?”
- 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘋í𝘢𝘻, 𝘗𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘦𝘮

We’re here for the practical support people rely on. And for the small things people reach for when they have a moment.

Shoutout to our longtime neighbor Fire, holding it down in Kalamazoo for over 16 years.

🟢 Visit our workspace and learn more: stara.org/workspace

Alt text: A person stands in a shared workspace holding three items: the book Postcolonial Love Poem by Natalie Díaz covering their face, a blue book titled Radiant Rest by Tracee Stanley held out toward them, and a bright pink folder labeled “FOR FIRE CUTIES!” Another hand reaches in from the foreground offering the Radiant Rest book.

Our projects rely on Stara to carry legal and financial responsibility so they can focus on their work. That requires a ...
04/28/2026

Our projects rely on Stara to carry legal and financial responsibility so they can focus on their work. That requires a board grounded in lived experience and professional experience.

We are happy to welcome Lewis L. "Lou" Smith to Stara’s Board of Directors.

Lou brings a background in legal service across nonprofit, public, and community sectors. He has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including as Legal Counsel for Friends of First Foundation, LGBT Detroit, and Congressional Black Associates.

In his application, Lou named something we see often: organizations are not only navigating funding gaps, but also the need for technical support to move resources, structure their work, and get things done day to day.

He was drawn to Stara’s commitment to service that is practical, not just aspirational.

Lou is new to Kalamazoo, but not new to Michigan. He brings deep roots in Detroit, along with a long-standing commitment to public service and community.

He also brings a passion for theatre and expression, grounding his work in both structure and creativity.

🟢 See all the people making Stara work: stara.org/our-team

Alt text: A smiling man in a black suit with a gold bow tie and pocket square stands smiling in front of a white brick wall with a blurred Stara sign behind him.

04/22/2026

This work is not just about basketball. It is about how the body holds stress, how trust is built, and what it takes for young people to feel safe enough to learn, connect, and grow.

On the court, that shift can begin. Not through words first, but through movement, rhythm, and consistency.

This is the philosophy behind LifeHoops. And it is what makes the work matter.

Watch Laird Walker’s full TEDxKalamazoo talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7av8NWT-eEU

Our mail delivery person said this today while dropping off letters.As a fiscal sponsor, we receive and hold mail for ou...
04/22/2026

Our mail delivery person said this today while dropping off letters.

As a fiscal sponsor, we receive and hold mail for our projects. Many names, all doing important work.

That means leaders do not have to use their personal address, especially when their work carries risk or visibility.

It is a small thing that makes room for privacy, boundaries, and separation in work that can often become overwhelming.

We’re here so projects have a little more space to do their work safely and focus on what they are building.

🟢 Learn more about how we support projects: https://www.stara.org/sponsoredprojects

Alt text: A hand places a stack of envelopes into a wall-mounted mailbox. Overlaid text reads, “You all have so many different names.”

With 15 projects and counting, fiscal sponsorship depends on accountable decision-making on all levels. Grassroots leade...
04/16/2026

With 15 projects and counting, fiscal sponsorship depends on accountable decision-making on all levels. Grassroots leaders deserve a board that understands power and takes responsibility for how it is used.

Enter Suprotik Stotz-Ghosh. Suprotik brings decades of experience supporting nonprofit and community organizations as a facilitator, consultant, coach, funder, volunteer and staff member across several sectors.

He is driven to identify the root causes of inequity and reshape organizations to make decisions and distribute resources that center people.

In his application, he spoke directly to removing systemic barriers that prevent people with non-dominant identities from thriving, while strengthening organizations to learn, grow, and sustain their work.

He brings both local relationships and national perspective through his work with KVCC Foundation and broader racial equity networks.

At Stara, that clarity around root causes and equitable practices strengthens how we support leaders building in their communities.

Alt text: A person ina zip up stands in front of the Stara sign smiling.

LEAN On Healing with Healing On Purpose is building programs in Kalamazoo that center wellness, connection, and healing ...
04/14/2026

LEAN On Healing with Healing On Purpose is building programs in Kalamazoo that center wellness, connection, and healing practices.

Their work supports those who need healing most, including survivors of gun violence, people reentering society after incarceration, and those finding their way home to themselves and their community. These are spaces that respond to trauma with care and intention.

With support from Stara, they have been strengthening their budget and grant strategy to make sure resources are in place to sustain and grow their impact.

We’re here to support the structure behind the work so projects can focus on what they do best.

🟢 Explore their work: stara.org/healing

Alt Text: Three people stand together outdoors, smiling at the camera in bright sunlight.

Face Off Theatre Company is getting ready for their next production: Cinderella: The Remix. Nikita, Markeva, Kennedy, an...
04/08/2026

Face Off Theatre Company is getting ready for their next production: Cinderella: The Remix.

Nikita, Markeva, Kennedy, and May are part of the team bringing this show to life. Together, they are reworking a familiar story through performance, music, and creative direction.

Performances run May 1-9 at the Carver Center.

🟢 Get tickets: https://faceofftheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200515684

Alt Text: Four people pose together holding a poster for Cinderella: The Remix by Face Off Theatre Company. They are smiling and reacting with excitement in front of a black backdrop with the company’s logo.

Address

814 Palmer Avenue , Suite C
Kalamazoo, MI
49001

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 2pm

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