About the Starfish Program
Helping women heal, grow, and lead empowered lives
A Path to Transformation
The Starfish Coaching Program is a free, 18-month life coaching journey designed specifically for women who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or any form of abuse. Our mission is to help women move from survival to self-sufficiency; emotionally, financially, physically, and intellectually.
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Through personalized coaching, peer support, and access to resources, participants gain confidence, skills, and the ability to take back control of their lives.
Our Impact
Starfish graduates have gone on to change not just their own lives — but their families and communities.
Hundreds of women served through the program
Generational cycles of abuse and addiction broken
From homelessness to home ownership
Single mothers becoming financially independent for the first time
From isolation to leadership and community service
Women returning to school to pursue lifelong dreams
When joining our program, we ask each participant to:
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Meet twice per month as a group
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Meet as scheduled individually
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Attend community events twice per year
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Attend a weekend long retreat
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Complete the entire program of 18 months
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Attend program graduation at the end of the 18 months
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Participate in our monthly Graduates Group to maintain skills and new behaviors
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Do your homework and do your best!
Why We’re Called Starfish
“One morning, an old man walked along the beach, where thousands of starfish had washed ashore.
A young girl was throwing them back into the sea.
‘Why bother?’ the old man asked. ‘You’ll never make a difference.'
The young girl picked up another and tossed it back into the water.
'It made a difference to that one.'"
The Starfish story represents our core belief: every woman matters.
Every woman deserves to be seen, supported, and given the chance to rise.
Meet Cara Ruff
Executive Director | Founder | Coach
Cara brought her vision of this program to the Central MN Community Foundation/Women’s Fund and Barb Carlson in 2009 with one goal in mind: to help women not only survive but thrive.
After fifteen years of empowering women in our
community, the Women’s Fund gave Starfish wings to go out on their own. What began as a small support group has grown into a transformative nonprofit, thanks to Cara’s vision, relentless advocacy, community collaboration, and the undeniable strength of the women it serves.
Our Board of Directors
Our founding Board of Directors brings experience, integrity, and a shared belief in the
mission of The Starfish Program. Every member has demonstrated courage,
commitment and unwavering determination to transform the Starfish Coaching Program
into a thriving organization.
Each member of our board plays a vital role in shaping the future of The Starfish
Program. Their leadership, expertise, and dedication ensure we remain focused on our
mission and positioned for long-term impact.
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Cathy Juilfs
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Katie Manar
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Kris Nelson
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Chris Kudrna
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Matt Nikodym
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Cara Ruff
