STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way...

🍂 Join us for STAR’s Fall Family Forum! 🍂

This September, we’re talking all about Employment Services and the opportunities available through STAR, Inc. Lighting the Way.

Come learn more about:
• Job skills training programs
• Job placement
• On-site job coaching

📅 Wednesday, September 16
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 STAR, Inc. | 182 Wolfpit Ave., Norwalk
🥪 Light bites will be provided

This is a great opportunity for families to learn more about how STAR can help individuals explore employment opportunities and build skills for the workplace.

Please RSVP to Dottie Jankowski at [email protected].

We hope to see you there! 🍁

STAR had a great weekend out in the community! 💙💛

We were excited to take part in a Unified Basketball Tournament at the newly renovated SoNo Rec Center, where individuals and staff came together for a fun morning of basketball! 🏀✨

We also joined in on the fun at Community Day, hosted by Bethel Norwalk Community Works and Foundation of Hope. Our staff had a great time connecting with fellow community partners and enjoying the day together.

It was a wonderful weekend filled with community, connection, and inclusion! 💛

Thank you to the First County Bank Foundation, Inc. for awarding STAR a Community Trust Grant! 💙

This generous grant will help us continue providing programs and services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Fairfield County.

We are grateful for the First County Bank Foundation’s partnership and commitment to strengthening our community. Thank you for helping us continue lighting the way! ⭐

✨ Friday fun was in full swing at STAR! ✨

From celebrating birthdays to twinning with friends, creating a homemade birdhouse, and battling it out in a life-size game of Whack-A-Mole with our amazing volunteers, today was packed with smiles, laughter, and great memories!

We love ending the week with so much fun, creativity, and connection. 💙

🏀 Join us for the Unified Basketball Tournament!

We are proud to partner with Special Olympics Norwalk, the City of Norwalk Recreation & Parks Department, and Sports Buddies New Canaan for a morning of basketball, featuring a 3-on-3 tournament and open play. Open to ages 10 and up, this event welcomes players of all abilities, and families are encouraged to come cheer on the athletes as we celebrate ADA Month through sport.

📅 Saturday, August 1
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Norwalk Recreation Center
98 South Main Street, Norwalk

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register. We hope to see you there!

🎉 Yesterday, we celebrated the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! ♿✨

Earlier this month, STAR joined the City of Norwalk at Norwalk Town Hall to celebrate the ADA and Disability Pride Month. We were honored to have our Executive Director, MaryGrace Giuliano, speak at the event and share the importance of recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of people with disabilities.

As MaryGrace shared, “Disability Pride Month reminds us that people with disabilities are valued members of our community whose unique talents, perspectives, and contributions make us all stronger.”

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA is a landmark piece of legislation that has helped advance equality, accessibility, and opportunity for individuals with disabilities for the past 36 years.

While we celebrate the progress that has been made, we also recognize there is still important work ahead. STAR remains committed to promoting inclusion, breaking down barriers, and creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 💙

Thank you to the City of Norwalk and everyone who joined us in recognizing this important milestone!

Please join us in congratulating our Employee of the Month, Lorenzo Ely! 🎉

Lorenzo truly embodies the spirit of STAR through his reliability, team-first attitude, and willingness to jump in wherever he’s needed. Over the past several months, he has gone above and beyond by supporting multiple departments, helping with recreational events, providing last-minute group home coverage, and adjusting his schedule in IHS to make special events possible for the individuals we serve.

Thank you, Lorenzo, for your dedication, flexibility, and the exceptional care you provide every day. We are so grateful to have you as part of the STAR team! 💙

Breathe in, relax, and recharge. 🌿💜

Our individuals recently enjoyed a calming aromatherapy session with our Executive Director, MaryGrace, where they explored soothing scents, practiced mindfulness, and took time to simply relax together.

These peaceful moments are a wonderful reminder of the importance of self-care, connection, and taking time to recharge.