How did you become familiar with STARS?
After deciding to start my own practice in 2018, I found I had more time available in my schedule. I wanted to find a place where I could be of value in the community, so I outreached to a former colleague to ask for suggestions about where to start. As it turns out, he was a STARS Board Member at the time, and had a family member in the program. He pointed me to the STARS Board, and I scheduled a visit to the Osborn campus to meet with Dave Henderson, CEO.
With Dave, I met employees and participants, observed active programming, and toured the work center. Dave told me about the job training and placement STARS does in the Scottsdale area. It did not take long for me to realize that what was happening at STARS spoke to me, and I was honored to be asked to join the board
How did your passion for STARS turn into a Board position?
Although I didn’t know much about STARS before I became a board member, it didn’t take long for me to become passionate about the organization. While the
mission of STARS focuses on providing services to people with disabilities, its reach is so much further.
While home one summer from college I had a chance work as a job support for a person with a disability. She taught me about patience and the independence work can provide. We both love music, and she was proud to share the CD’s she brought with her own money to share on our ride to work. It was an amazing summer.
What sets STARS apart from the other Valley nonprofits helping individuals with developmental disabilities?
The STARS family is what sets it apart. STARS helps grow and train employees of all abilities, developing contributing members of the Arizona community. The STARS investment in anyone who touches the organization makes it unlike any other.