StarThrower Group

Our community center provides a positive alternative to traditional adult day care options for young adults with disabilities. We create a safe space focused on the transformation and advancement that each member is capable of so they aspire to a future within the community instead of stagnating at a day program. 

The system is broken - people with disabilities age out of high school and the transition is a farce. States are unprepared for the increased number of students turned out of high schools from programs that don't truly prepare them for the isolation and lack of support they will face. People are encouraged to work with Vocational Rehabilitation Services to obtain employment, but they are at risk because they are lacking confidence, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Partner that with minimum-wage jobs led by management barely out of high school themselves and the success rate is low. People are labeled 'unemployable' and doomed to a life without structure or purpose, or are relegated to overcrowded day programs where they can do arts and crafts or take field trips to learn about 'real jobs'. 

Many feel that to avoid this, and to protect and provide purpose for their adult children with disabilities, they need to create a business or a farm or even a contained community where their sons and daughters can simulate life. I feel this only further isolates citizens with disabilities and puts them on display. Instead, I am a proponent of helping them have as 'typical' a life as they can, which means working with the community to provide education on inclusion and accessibility, working with employers to inspire raised expectations and supportive work environments so that everyone has opportunities beyond bagging and bathroom cleaning. I do not discourage any operations that create a bubble for our sons and daughters to safely thrive in, but I hope to build a world where people are accepting and supportive and we can all work together with purpose and value. I do not want people with disabilities to be dependent on the government for support, but to give them the support of confidence and coaching so that they may access resources as needed without having to live under the poverty line to maintain support. Our organization will continue to communicate with policy makers to help advocate and improve living conditions, equality, and options for all adults with disabilities. 

By providing education and support for employers and by raising awareness in communities that people can have a disability but also have a job and a purpose and a dream, we can start to adjust guidelines and help customize financial supports to meet the actual needs of disabled citizens. For those adults with disabilities who want to work, who want to learn, who want to develop independence, we will help bring that dream into reality, because they can work, they can learn, and they can gain independence!

Our community center provides connection to the community by location in a walkable area with access to jobs, shops, resources, services, and society.
Our programs inspire careers through experiential learning, service-learning, celebrating customized employment and entrepreneurship. 
Our connections bring people together in mutual support and understanding to make advancements in the inclusion and accessibility of our communities. 

Our staff are dedicated professionals focused in the disciplines of education, psychology, and social work.
Our person-centered approach has caught the attention and praise of state leaders and educational institutions. 

We just need the funding to increase our reach and share our message. Capital to expand into a second county will  open space for growth in both areas. Your investment would allow us to allocate sufficient funding to provide staffing and leadership to maintain the level of quality and support we provide to families, businesses, and clients, as well as the software, location, and utilities needed for setting up daily operations in the secondary location and beyond.  We welcome not only fiscal support, but support on our board as a trustee of the nonprofit, guiding and advising and providing additional connections and support. 

This is not just a place to end up if you have a disability, StarThrower Group is a place to get started. You make the difference.