For nearly 40 years, Star Community, Inc. has remained true to a vision which encourages individuals to live life to their fullest and has offered individuals with developmental disabilities unique opportunities to develop new skills, increase their independence and participate more actively in the community. Known as Star Ventures, our day program offerings are open to both residents and non-residents. Unlike traditional “workshop” environments, Star Ventures is truly unique and innovative.

Participants choose their jobs and activities based on their personal preferences, abilities and desires. The programs are truly individualized providing educational opportunities, vocational training and/or leisure and social pursuits. Making community connections is an important component of each and every one of the programs offered through Star Ventures.

All crews are active in and around the local area and all of the “work” crews provide a service to the greater community and participants with the opportunity to learn marketable job skills. Social interaction skills improve as participants take part in varied daily activities and all participants enjoy a sense of accomplishment whether it is due to improving work skills, increased community involvement, gaining social skills, or experiencing that sense of satisfaction from a job well done.

Each and every one of Star's programs provides individuals with the opportunity to develop friendships - with people of all ages and abilities.

Unique & Innovative

Individuals choose their jobs and activities based on their personal preferences, abilities, and desires. The programs are truly individualized providing educational opportunities, vocational training and/or leisure and social pursuits. Making community connections is an important component of each and every one of the programs offered through Star Ventures.

Facts about Ventures

• Staff to individual ratio allows for small group or individual training/social opportunities
• All staff receive required DDA trainings as well as individual specific trainings
• Direct Care Staff are all Certified Medication Technicians

Program Structure

• Developmental Disabilities Administration licensed Day Habilitation Program
• Serving ages 21 and above
• Open Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Transportation provided daily

Work Training Opportunities

In order to meet the desires and preferences of the individuals attending the Ventures Program, the staff work consistently and diligently to develop work training opportunities both on site and in the community that will provide life long skills.

Examples:

• Recycling Services
• Cleaning Services
• Light Landscaping
• Shredding Services
• Vending Services
• Hand-made Greeting Cards
• On-Site Greenhouses
• Business Service Contracts

Music Therapy Program

In 2005, the Ventures Program was blessed to add music therapy services. Music Therapy is an established profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.Music therapy improves the quality of life and therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory,
improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation.

• Group music therapy
• One-to-One music therapy
• Bell Choir
• Instructional Group

Other Crew Activities

• Community Volunteering
• Swimming in the therapeutic pool
• Arts & Crafts
• Community Outings
• Participation in community events
• Sensory Room

More in depth about programs

All crews are active in and around the local area.  The work crews provide a service to the greater community as well as providing individuals with opportunities to learn or gain marketable job skills.  Social interactions improve as individuals take part in varied daily activities and enjoy a sense of accomplishment whether it is due to improving work skills, increased community involvement, gaining social skills or experiencing the sense of satisfaction from a job well done.

For more photos of STAR Ventures, click here.

Do you have a loved one who you feel could benefit from Star Ventures? If so,contact Kelli Rowe, Star Ventures Director at 301-791-0011.