STARS

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are some of the most joyous people you can find anywhere. STARS has a proud legacy of care and commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities. Their mission is to improve lives through day programs, on-site work centers, community-based employment training opportunities, and transition programs for young adults. Through their doors, you will find lots of laughing and collaboration as STARS provides a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for this underserved population of residents with programs and activities that focus on them and the things they love to do.

Since 1973, STARS has been providing programs and support for people with I/DD throughout Scottsdale and surrounding communities. Developmental disabilities include chronic conditions related to mental or physical impairments that arise before adulthood and cause difficulties in language, mobility, learning, self-care, and independent living. Participants of STARS stay busy with classes that encourage them to express themselves creatively and learn new life skills in art, music, movement, and through community field trips. STARS also works with participants to develop real-world job skills and helps places them in jobs with our community partners. Families entrust STARS with the well-being of their loved ones, and it is a role they take very seriously.

STARS is privileged to be able to celebrate not only its rich history – from its start in a trailer on what was then the Scottsdale Stadium to its two current locations in Scottsdale – but also its future, as it grows the number of individuals placed in independent work situations throughout the Valley, in both local and national businesses. STARS has always celebrated its anniversary with Fiesta – a celebration of its mission, its participants, its family, and their partners and friends. Please consider joining them on May 13 at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn.

Website: starsaz.org

AZ QCO: 22497

Soldier’s Best Friend

Soldier’s Best Friend provides U.S. military veterans living with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with service or therapeutic companion dogs, most of which are rescued from local shelters. The veteran and dog train together to build a trusting relationship that touches two lives at once and inspires countless others.

"My experience with Soldier’s Best Friend has been life changing,” says veteran Ric, who was matched with his new best friend, Wilfred. “Coping with civilian life has become more manageable. I often imagine how simple life is for my buddy Wilfred, it keeps it all in perspective. When things get to be too much, my buddy is there. From the restless nights to the difficult situations, I have something that has been an elusive possibility—I have hope again. I consider myself fortunate to have had this opportunity. Having this service animal has given me both an outlet for coping and restored much of my confidence. Thanks Soldier’s Best Friend and the generous donors who made this all possible.”

We are devoted to helping our veterans living with combat-related PTSD and or TBI. A second part of our goal is to make a positive impact on the pet overpopulation problem. We are dedicated to pairing and training service dogs with veterans at no cost to the veteran. We also have an array of options for volunteers, such as event set up, administrative duties, bulk mailing, building maintenance, yard work and more. Our annual fundraising events (the spring sporting clay event and fall golf tournament) rely heavily on volunteers.

We are an Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO). This means you will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state return, up to $400 for individuals and $800 when filing jointly. Please consider supporting us and our lifesaving programs.

Website: soldiersbestfriend.org

Arizona Charitable Tax Credit