Our Commitment to the Future

STAR Foundation Newsletter
 

The STAR Foundation’s mission is to provide a caring and safe environment where individuals can express themselves, gain knowledge, and experience transformations that lead to an awakening of the human spirit

For over 20 years the STAR Foundation, under the direction of Barbara Findeisen, has been providing a safe space for individuals while they do important, life-changing work. For most of us who have been to STAR, it represents one of the most important things we have done for ourselves. We fondly remember our experience, and want the same wonderful process to be available for future participants, especially our friends and family.

The   Foundation   is   fully committed to the future of STAR. Our goal is to increase the number of programs, making it possible for more and more people to take STAR, while maintaining the nurturing environment that makes STAR so special. There are several important facets to that goal: first, Barbara’s guidance, ensuring the essence of STAR; second, staff excellence; third, securing a venue for STAR workshops; and fourth, after-STAR support and other workshops.

Barbara’s Guidance

With Barbara’s guidance, we are preparing for the future of STAR—being able to offer the gift of growth to more and more people. Under her direction, STAR remains the highly effective program that has been offered for years—whether it is 21 days or 10 days, whether it is residential or nonresidential. She has taken the core material, embellished it, trimmed it, and changed it—STAR always works! Barbara now conducts workshops with a team of therapists studying to be future leaders of STAR. Barbara and her team provide talented and dedicated leadership for our programs.

Staff Excellence

STAR staff is trained to offer participants a full, individualized experience. We believe that the best opportunity for participants depends on both the process itself and on the staff, who are skilled in techniques that facilitate discovery of all those STAR “ahas.” All readers now undergo a formal training program prior to serving on staff, and receive continuing education prior to each STAR.

Venues for STAR

During the last six years, we have been seeking appropriate venues for STAR workshops. We have searched extensively, and have actually tried seven different facilities. We finally have settled on a home for STAR—The Rex Ranch Resort in Amado, Arizona. We are very pleased to find this retreat site, which provides a nurturing environment for those doing challenging personal work. Staying put in this location will allow for consistency from STAR to STAR, freeing the staff to fully focus on their work with the participants.

To the delight of participants and staff, Rex Ranch offers many amenities, including spa services and horseback riding.

After-STAR Support

Support of graduates beyond the STAR workshop takes several forms. When participants have a therapist back at home, we function as part of the treatment team, offering consultation during the re-integration of the participant into the original therapeutic relationship. Workshop opportunities continue after STAR. In addition to doing STAR a second time,graduates can attend other workshops to continue their important work and enhance the STAR experience. During 2002, we will offer Developing Your Spiritual Self, an eight-day retreat, and three weekend workshops: Holotropic Breathwork™, a men’s conference, and a women’s conference.

All in all, this is an important time for the STAR Foundation. The Board of Directors is committed to following our mission, and believes it is vital to remain focused on what we do well: STAR. As we move forward, we need to stay on track to ensure the healthy, bountiful future of the STAR program. As always, we look to our graduates for their enthusiasm and support.