Our Passion Led Us to Creating Starfish Transitional Living for Women
There is a dire need for women's sober living homes in the Kansas City, Missouri area. There are ten times more sober living beds available in Kansas City’s Jackson County for men than there are for women. Women are undeserved and denied placement because there are no beds available or there are months long waiting lists to be accepted in to a sober living home. Starfish provides sober living housing, job support, peer support, and mental health resources for women aged 18 to 28 in recovery.
Starfish Transitional Living accomplishments:
Since opening on June 15th, 2020, Starfish Transitional Living has had 445 women apply through our website.*
71 ladies have come through our program
20 after leaving our program got their own apartments. 20 others we helped with family reunifications
19 received probation instead of prison time
14 were released from jail to complete the Starfish program
7 regained custody of their children
6 had a healthy baby
5 had their drivers license reinstated
4 got married
3 had their probation reinstated, three had visits with their children reinstated, and three Starfish ladies started college.
1 started her own business and bought a home, one saved for and got a home for her and her child, and one regained guardianship of herself back.
*As of January 2023
“Women in treatment often need support for handling the burdens of work, home care, child care, and other family responsibilities.”
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a strong foundation and nurturing atmosphere as well as addressing the causes of addiction. We recognize the feeling of being stuck in the cycle of addiction. We’ve been there and we want to share with you that there is a way out. It’s not too late to rewrite your story.
Tiffany Gunnels, Founder
Ashley Vaala, Senior Advisor
We are the women that made
Starfish Transitional Living a reality.
Contributors Ruth Carter, Amanda Maxey, Amy Gresham and Elisa Breitenbach
What Our Clients Are Saying
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Starfish Transitional Living has saved my life.
If you want better and are willing to work for it Starfish is the place to be. This house is not like most. We keep a strong family vibe, support and encourage each other. We do show grace and forgiveness. There are challenges and lessons of course. I am so grateful for Tiffany Gunnels and this program. Anyone trying for recovery I would refer Starfish for sure! -CR
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This place truly has changed my life significantly.
It has helped get me on my feet and get my life back. Being around other girls who are doing same thing as you, and having that support is amazing. Tiffany takes such good care of us and I have made the best friends in the world! If you are serious about changing your life this place is it. -MS
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I would never in a million years considering giving Starfish Transitional Living any less than 5 stars.
This house has not only helped me improve my life AND myself in so many different ways, but also many other girls have had Starfish as a stepping stone to get exactly where they pictured themselves in life. Starfish is a very structured and loving place. We have the best family vibe in the house and anyone who joins our home is sure to be welcomed at the door and loved fully. If you think you wanna try the recovery thing, Starfish is THE PLACE TO BE! -TH