The Dancingstar Foundation

Creating Change. Inspiring Stories. Healing Lives.

“Everyone is a light with a story to tell.” -Christina Morales Hemenway

OUR PURPOSE

The Dancingstar Foundation intends to be a 501 (c) (3) organization organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation's purpose is to improve the health, well-being, and resilience of individuals and communities through recovery support services, wellness education, creative arts programming, and the production and distribution of educational and socially impactful media.

Our Mission

We empower people from all walks of life to heal through safe, creative expression. Whether it's helping someone move from the streets toward recovery, making the arts accessible regardless of financial circumstances, or producing films that prioritize purpose over profit, we create opportunities for stories that uplift, inspire, and spark positive social change.

Our Vision

We create environments where every person has access to safety, compassion, creative expression, and opportunities to discover their purpose, build healthy habits, and share the stories that connect us all.

Our Values

Compassion:

We meet people where they are, with dignity, empathy, and respect.

Transformation:

We believe healing is possible and that individuals can create new pathways forward.

Storytelling:

Stories have the power to educate, inspire, break stigma, and unite communities.

Creativity:

Creative expression is a fundamental tool for confidence, communication, and personal growth.

Community:

Lasting change happens when people feel connected, supported, and seen.

Hope:

We focus on possibility, resilience, and the potential within every person.

First-Year Strategic Plan (Year One)

SUMMER (June 21 – September 21)

June• Launch the Call for Submissions for the 2nd Annual Dancingstar Uplifting Film Festival (2027)

July• Establish the Board of Directors• Recruit Community Ambassadors

August• Complete the documentary Street Stories: Inspiration for Recovering, highlighting the need for the Healthy Habits Healing Home• File for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

FALL (September 22 – December 21)

September• Incorporate as a Michigan nonprofit
• Hold the first Board of Directors Meeting to adopt governance policies and bylaws
• Build the Foundation website and donor materials
• Host the Healthy Habits Open Mic

October• Establish partnerships with hospitals, detox facilities, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations• Host the Healthy Habits Halloween Party

November• Apply for grants supporting recovery, mental health, arts education, and community wellness• Host the Giving Tree Event

December• Board of Directors Quarterly Meeting• Seek corporate sponsorships and local business partnerships

WINTER (December 21 – March 20)

January• Host the Dancingstar Foundation New Year's Ball• Launch an individual donor campaign

February• Introduce the Friends of Dancingstar Foundation monthly giving program• Host the Valentine's Day Fashion Show

SPRING (March 21 – June 20)

March• Secure and prepare the property for the Healthy Habits Healing Home
March 30: Healthy Habits Open Mic (Founder Birthday Celebration)

April• Develop operational policies, safety protocols, and program curriculum
April 25: Dancingstar Uplifting Film Festival & Premiere of Street Stories: Inspiration for Recovering

May• Launch a pilot program serving the first residents• Hold the official Groundbreaking Ceremony

June• Grand Opening of the Healthy Habits Healing Home

Year One Success Benchmarks

✓ Dancingstar Foundation incorporated as a Michigan nonprofit

✓ 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status submitted or approved

✓ Documentary Street Stories: Inspiration for Recovering completed and premiered

✓ Healthy Habits Healing Home property secured

✓ Initial pilot program launched

✓ Sustainable fundraising program established

✓ Second Annual Dancingstar Uplifting Film Festival

✓ Healthy Habits Healing Home officially opened