The Starfish on Broadway project uses the arts
to improve the quality of life of individuals living with mental illness
above and beyond standard treatment formats. David Babak, Ph.D. is the
originator and volunteer coordinator of the Starfish on Broadway project.
CHARG Resource Center is teaming up with David for a third time to produce
a compilation CD with music written and performed by mentally ill and
homeless musicians living in Denver. This is an approach to alternative
treatment that Dr. Babak and CHARG have embraced to enrich the lives
of our mentally ill population. We feel creating music and art are highly
effective methods of treatment. It provides opportunity for self-actualization
and normalization not readily available to persons afflicted with mental
illness. In addition, client participants have a strong influence on
the direction of the program, hence showing the sustainability of the
project in philosophy and in action.
Starfish on Broadway’s approach to helping individuals with mental illness
has been recognized by well established individuals and groups, including
an honorary proclamation of Starfish on Broadway Day in February 2009
from Governor Bill Ritter and the “Howie the Harp” Arts Award presented
by the Substance Abuse and Mentally Ill division of the US Government
(SAMI) at the Alternatives Conference in October 2004. Starfish on Broadway
was also nominated for the Heroes in the Fight award in 2007. Imagination,
relationships and commitment through the arts are central to the core
values of the Starfish project and are the impetus for a successful
and full life for individuals living with a mental illness.
The first Starfish project was Art of the Gifted, which was completed
in 1988. The success of this project led to CHARG’s production of the
Starfish on Broadway CD in 2003 and to the most current project already
in production. Each project has demonstrated the therapeutic value of
music and creativity in the disabled community through individual and
group participation, accomplishment and ultimately independent living.
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