Star - Lighting the Way

Star residential services are provided to 84 individuals with i/dd in a variety of options: dds licensed group homes (62 adults in 12 homes); in-home support (7 adults in 7 apartments); licensed cla's: clustered apartments (12 adults in 8 apartments) and support in the individual's family home or apartment (3 adults). Residential supports include, but are not limited to, support in activities of daily living, meal planning and preparation, assistance in personal care, health care, medication administration, transportation and/or mobility training, up to 24 hours/day of supervision, recreation, and counseling. Residential supports are individually designed and driven by the residents' needs.

In september 2020, Star converted the Star rubino family center from a birth-to-three program to a pediatric center for early therapies and education to children from birth to eight years old utilizing husky, private pay and insurance billing. Fifty-three children and families received services in fy 22.the private practice is staffed by highly trained pediatric therapists in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and oral motor therapy and special education. the professional therapists evaluate each child and design an individualized treatment plan that meets the child's unique needs and goals for direct therapy.the team members collaborate continually with families, physicians, caregivers and teachers for each child to achieve growth. Translation, assistive technology, ppt attendance and family support, and social services are also provided.star rubino family center is credentialed with insurance companies and accepts commercial insurance, husky and private pay. Since insurance plans vary widely across insurance companies, Star rubino family center helps families verify their benefits and coverage.

Star placed 12 additional people in competitive employment with 38 jobs retained from previously placed. the average tenure of supported Star employees is approximately 9 years. Star day programs followed mandated closure of in person services through july 2020. During this time, services were provided remotely. As covid restrictions lifted, over 100 Star participants in day support options volunteered in the community, actively participated in a growing list of classes in community settings and returned to work. Twenty five people ages 48-85 participated in Star's senior/adult day program. Star connections, a program for adults with complex medical needs and i/dd has not yet returned post covid due to staffing shortages. Star continues to offer a robust daily schedule of in-person programming for all participants using community partners in dance, art, music, etc. Zoom classes have been winding down as people have returned in person and will soon be phased out completely.

Over 100 families received family support assistance for their children through a collaborative program called jumpstar's. Support included: coffee meetup, parents get togethers, educations programs on iep's, will trust, guardianship, and issues specific to children's needs. Star also assisted families by attending ppt meetings, iep planning, referrals to camp, day care, transition from school to adult services, college planning, dds eligibility, respite, identifying advocates, attorneys and accessing other community resources. Adults with idd participated in Star recreation activities. Members of the Star's self advocacy group meet (sometimes via zoom) to discuss ongoing issues including staffing, money management, and steps you need to take to be independent. Throughout fy 22, all Star services (excluding residential supports have continued to be impacted by the pandemic (services have been limited in scope and size or delayed in order to keep everyone safe). However, also in line with the easing of restrictions, by year end, programs began to expand and grow.