Changing Lives Through Opportunity

 Who We Are

Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1973.  STARS’ mission is to improve the lives of individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Initially created to provide sheltered employment for people with developmental or physical disabilities, STARS now offers Day Programs at multiple locations; two Work Centers; and Community Based Employment at multiple locations.

Whom We Serve

Each day, we serve nearly 180 adults with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, and other mental, physical, or sensory challenges.  60% of our participants live with their families and about 40% live in group homes. Our participants include residents of Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.  Participants are all over 22 years of age with 64% over 40 years of age and of that, 10 individuals are over 60. Gary, an Osborn Day Program participant, is the oldest participant (74) and has been coming to STARS 1999.  Three other participants are just a bit younger and have been coming to STARS since 1978.  STARS is serving as a life-time support system for our participants, as well as their families.

What We Do

STARS furthers our mission by providing a variety of integrated services through two primary program areas:

• Employment Services - ranging from facility based assessment, training, and employment at the STARS’ two in-house work centers, to work adjustment and on-the-job training and employment through supervised enclaves with area businesses, to job readiness training and supported and competitive placement within the mainstream work force. The Osborn Work Center can employ up to 50 participants on contract jobs while the Evans Work Centers employs up to 23 participants.   Cox Communications is STARS’ largest Work Center contract. An additional 30 participants are working within the community at Fry’s Food stores, Bashas, Safeway, Harkins Theatres and the VA Hospital. 

• Day Programs - including group and individual instruction in functional living skills such as grooming, time management, safety & first aid, shopping, and housekeeping. Art therapy, music therapy, cooking classes and recreational activities provide our participants with the opportunity to express their creativity and improve socialization and communication skills.  On average, 70 participants participate in STARS’ Day Programs at either the Osborn or Evans locations.  Many of these participants split their time between the Day Program and part-time employment in the STARS’ Work Center.

 How We’re Funded

Government (DDD & RSA) Contracted Service Fees                   57%

Contributions, Grants and Special Events                                 16%

Private Tuition                                                                         11%

Work Center Revenue                                                              11%

Valley of the Sun United Way                                                   5%

Scottsdale Training & Rehabilitation Services (STARS)

Administration - Osborn Work Center & Day Programs - 7507 E. Osborn 480-994-5704 (main & TTY)

Evans Work Center & Day Programs – 7836 E. Evans

It is the policy of STARS to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference, age or disability.

Click Here to view STARS Board of Directors

STARS Main Office

7507 East Osborn Road
                       Scottsdale, Arizona 85251                   
Phone: (480) 994-5704
Fax: (480) 994-0491