THE GIVING REPORT FALL/WINTER 2022 A look inside: • STAR Story • What’s New at STARability Foundation • A Gift’s Impact
From Our CEO
With the end of the year quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come and express our gratitude for those who have supported our organization and our STARs along the way. Because of YOU, our future is bright. Our STARs are shining brighter than ever, and the sky is truly the limit for what they can accomplish. We look forward to continuing to grow our programs, serve our community and ensure our STARs can live each day to the fullest.
“When Brittney aged out of the school system in Michigan, our family was lost. We weren’t sure how we could make her life more meaningful. When we moved to Naples full time and enrolled Brittney in STARability’s Trailblazer Academy, she made friends quickly and her progress took off! We’ve noticed a steady increase in her vocabulary and learning social graces. She now feels like people believe in her, and we feel immensely blessed to have such an amazing program right at our doorstep.”
~ Mary Varilek, Brittney’s mother
With gratitude, Karen Govern STARability CEO
Every STAR Has a Story!
What’s NEW at STARability WE’VE MOVED!
STARability’s main office relocated in November. Our new space is twice as large, allowing us to enroll more STARs and expand our Trailblazer Academy and other vital programming.
New address: 720 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N., Suite 400 Naples, FL 34102
New Programs
At STARability, we recognize the life-changing impact our programs and services have on our STARs and their families. That’s why we are dedicated to continuously expanding our programming and classes. So when our STARs and families asked for more activities and classes, we created the Game Room and Life Enrichment Class.
The Game Room
Participants come together with friends, make new connections and play all-time favorite board and cards games, trivia and much more.
The Life Enrichment Class
Participants explore ways to set themselves up for daily success by learning valuable life skills in cleanliness, health, safety, nutrition, wellness, finance and more.
A Gift’s Impact GIVING BY THE NUMBERS* Support a STAR TODAY! Learn more or donate at STARability.org. $20 $40 $40 $75 $1,000 One day in the Junior Trailblazer Academy 12 virtual sessions One day in the Trailblazer Academy Access for a STAR to classes, socials and other activities Resources for 6 STARs to make products at the STAR Studio Vocational training for 12 Junior Trailblazers $1,000 $1,500 301 STAR Participants 35,716 Total Transformative Experiences 80 Trailblazers and Junior Trailblazers 40 Served by Vocational Services 53 Vocational Partners 326 Volunteers Contributed 4,250 Hours $3.9 Million Raised through Community Support 64 Individuals on the Wait List *Numbers are from FY 2022.
Planned Giving
Do you know that you can have an even deeper impact on a STAR by creating a legacy both during and after your lifetime?
The STAR Legacy Society honors supporters who include STARability Foundation in their will or estate plans or who create a gift that provides income for life. By becoming a member of the STAR Legacy Society, you are investing in the future of a STAR participant and the sustainability of our mission.
You can join the STAR Legacy Society by:
• Naming STARability Foundation as a beneficiary in your will, retirement plan or insurance policy.
• Making a gift to STARability Foundation through a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA).
• Giving stock that has appreciated in value directly to STARability Foundation.
• Creating a donor-advised fund.
• Blending your annual and long-term gifts.
If you have questions about making a planned gift, please contact Miriam Pereira, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at miriam@STARability.org or 239.594.9007 x105.
Donor Spotlight
“I came to know of the great work that STARability delivers to so many individuals with disabilities when my wife, Amy, and I first relocated to Southwest Florida. Over time, we realized we wanted to leave a legacy for our STARs and community and our annual contributions turned into planned giving. We wanted to do our part to ensure that this gem of a nonprofit would be here to serve STAR participants today and for decades to come.”
~ Myles McHaleSTAR Award
Partnerships with inclusive employers are key to helping our STARs learn job skills, explore career opportunities and find employment with businesses who believe in their abilities and give them purpose. The STAR Award is presented to our local vocational partners that employ STARability participants, including those enrolled in the Trailblazer Academy. Will your business be next? Contact Halley Kretschmer at halley@STARability.org to learn more.
Driftwood Garden Center
Driftwood Garden Center owners Craig Hazelett and Josee Tardif employ Trailblazer Academy participant Nicole (Nicki) Moynihan. Driftwood has been a loyal supporter of STARability since 2017. STARability was able to match Nicki, who had related work experience and an interest in a paid position in horticulture, as a seasonal Garden Assistant at Driftwood in 2020. She works closely with her coworkers and a job coach to complete her tasks, which include deadheading, weeding, pricing, cleaning and more as assigned. Nicki also works as a Garden Bud at THRIVE*ability: A Community Garden Project, supported by STARability and the City of Naples Parks and Recreation.
Pampered Pet Resorts
Pampered Pet Resorts owner Joyce Aliaga received the STAR Award from employee and Trailblazer Academy participant Thomas (Tom) Cassaday. Pampered Pet Resorts began its partnership with STARability as a 3K sponsor in 2019 and shortly following the event asked to be added to our network as an inclusive employer. STARability matched Tom as a best-fit candidate for Pampered Pet Resorts, and he was offered a paid position in September 2021. With the support of his job coach, Woodly Charles, Tom handles responsibilities such as refreshing kennels (laying out blankets, refilling water, picking up spills), cleaning dishes (bowls, toys) and doing laundry (pet blankets, towels). Tom was recognized as a featured “pack member” in April 2022 for his caring and positive attitude, hard work and passion for helping animals.
SAVE THE DATE
5th Annual STAR Gala: Night on the Red Carpet Feb. 11, 2023
5:30 p.m
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples
Tickets: $750
Sponsored by Solas Wealth
STARability invites you to our largest fundraising event of the year. The evening will include cocktails and dinner, lively entertainment, highend live and silent auction items, and unforgettable red-carpet moments. Proceeds will help preserve and expand our innovative, life-changing programs.
Learn more and register today at STARability.org.
Virtual STAR Spotlight
“When COVID started, the New York in-person program was put on hold. On my own, I started googling programs for people with Down syndrome and special needs, and I found the STARability Foundation and Trailblazer Academy, which had expanded to include a virtual program. Through Zoom and Google Classroom, I have my daily calendar and assignments. It is organized and easy for me to manage each day. There are also virtual trivia and virtual dance parties available where I get to meet people remotely.
STARability is great, super fun and interactive. I get to participate with others all over the U.S.”
~ Christine Antunovich, STAR participant
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Support our STARs!
To donate, volunteer or learn more, contact us at 239.594.9007 or info@STARability.org.
Lisa Kahn-Allen, Board President Laura Georgelos, Vice President Ken Gilman, Treasurer Kelly Moynihan, Secretary Anne Fleming, Director Meg Hardt, Director Jeff Maconaghy, Director Melanie Miller, Director Jerry Schoenfeld, Director Holly Shapiro, Director Joe Smallwood, Director Thank you to former board member Carrie Cooney for her six years of service!