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MARK BAHAM
STARC of Louisiana, under the leadership of Mark
constantly evolving needs of participants, aiming to enable
Baham, supports individuals with disABILITIES in St.
them to age in place. These programs not only make a
Tammany Parish and the four surrounding Florida
meaningful difference for the individuals themselves, but
parishes through Services, Training, Advocacy,
bring much needed joy and relief to their families.
Resources, and Community connections.
W H AT G U I D E S T H E C O M M I T M E N T TO S TA R C ?
W H AT I S T H E V I S I O N F O R S TA R C ’ S F U T U R E ?
STARC recently developed the “Silver Stars” retirement
Mark, a native of St. Tammany Parish and a 1994
program. Also, plans are in place to build a 24-hour respite
graduate of Slidell High School, followed his education
center, offering families the gift of time and care for their
with a degree from Southeastern Louisiana University
loved ones when needed, and a fifth residential community
and six years in the Army National Guard. He has been
home within the next year. As individuals with disABILITIES
with STARC for 24 years and was chosen by their Board
are living longer due to enriched lives through programs
of Directors to serve as the Executive Director in 2019.
like STARC, the residential program becomes vital for
Mark considers leading STARC a great privilege and is
families. STARC welcomes involvement from those
committed to positively impacting the lives of individuals
seeking support or wishing to contribute to its mission.
with intellectual and developmental disABILITIES. He feels he serves as the voice for those who would otherwise be voiceless.
W H AT D R I V E S S TA R C ’ S M I S S I O N ?
STARC focuses on ABILITIES rather than disABILITIES. The organization develops programs based on the
40201 US Highway 190 E | Slidell, LA 70461 (985) 641-0197 | starcla.org JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 61
