About Us

Frequently Asked Questions about STARS

Q. What is STARS?

A. STARS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides day programs, on-site work centers, and competitive employment training and opportunities for adults with disabilities, as well as Transition Programs for adults with developmental disabilities, their parents, families and guardians.

Q. Whom does STARS serve?

A. STARS serves teens and adults with developmental disabilities. This broad category means anyone 18 years old and older with any number of disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and others. Currently, STARS’ participants range from ages 22 to mid-70s, with the majority of participants between 30 and 40 years old.

STARS provides services to family members and guardians as well. In 2011, STARS opened its Transition Program to assist individuals with disabilities and their families transition from high school special education programs to a program like STARS.

Q. How long has STARS been serving this population?

A. STARS has been serving adults with developmental disabilities since 1973. During that time STARS hasn’t strayed from the original vision, to enrich the lives of adults with disabilities. What started as a one-room operation serving 39 individuals in its first year, is now two separate campuses in Scottsdale, serving nearly 200 individuals every day with a variety of different programs and services.

Q. How does someone become a STARS participant?

A. Guardians of potential STARS participants should already be aware if they are approved for services by the State of Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and/or Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Participants who aren’t covered under DDD or VR can opt for services through Private Pay method. STARS is then happy to set up a tour at either of their two facilities for prospective participants and their families or guardians. Guardians of potential participants need to complete a STARS intake packet before an individual is approved for placement in one of STARS’ programs.

Q. What makes STARS different from other similar organizations?

A. At STARS, individuals learn, grow and achieve goals in an intimate environment where they feel safe, comfortable and like they are part of a family. Many STARS participants have been here for more than 20 years.

STARS also has a creative arts program, which allows participants to explore their creativity and surroundings in new ways. Both the Shoot for the STARS photography program and the Drawn Together art program are led by professional artists. Participants are introduced to concepts such as up and down, light and dark, and far and near in the photography program, helping them identify things in their environment. In the award-winning Drawn Together program, participants are able to express themselves and take pride in working together to complete a piece of art.

Q. Where do STARS participants live?

A. Participants come to STARS from throughout the East Valley of the Greater Phoenix area. The majority live in Scottsdale, Phoenix or Tempe, either with family members or in a group home. Some participants also live in Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa.

Q. How do participants get to and from STARS?

A. In a majority of situations, the state of Arizona pays transportation costs for participants to get to and from STARS. This can be either STARS pick-up and drop-off runs, private transportation services, or Dial-a-Ride. In some cases, parents or guardians handle the transportation of the participant.

Q. How is STARS funded?

A. STARS is funded in several different ways, including governmental contracts for service, special events, private donations, grants, Work Center Revenue, tuition and Valley of the Sun United Way.

Q. How can I help?

A. You can support the work of STARS by making charitable contributions. Supporters can also contribute to STARS’ annual Fiesta de las Madrinas fundraising event through sponsorships, table and ticket sales, and silent auction donations. STARS also welcomes your time and talents – refer STARS’ Business Solutions to help support STARS’ Work Center, help support individuals with disabilities by advocating, or volunteer your time!

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