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.

For more information on the Starfish on Broadway project, to volunteer, or to audition for the current CD please contact David Babak at 303-839-5453 or dbabak@msn.com.

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