Mission
STAR, Inc. believes that all individuals, regardless of disability, should be guaranteed the opportunity to experience the feelings of independence and productivity in the safest and most home-like environment possible. Furthermore, we feel that individuals within the intellectually and developmentally disabled community should enjoy freedom of choice with respect to housing, employment, and recreational activities.
History
STAR, Inc. was founded in 1974 as a result of the love, compassion, and dedication of a number of families of the intellectually and developmentally disabled in conjunction with several devoted members of the South Bay community. These individuals would gather together on a regular basis to discuss the joys and difficulties they each experienced in caring for their intellectually and developmentally disabled family member. As they shared their stories and grew to know each other, it became clear that a collective concern had emerged from within the group. Each of these families found themselves wondering what would happen to their loved one in the event that they themselves were no longer able to provide the requisite care. Out of this shared concern, the STAR dream was born.
As the collective vision of our founders began to take shape, they realized that it would be no small task to accomplish their mission. After 15+ years of bake sales, dinner dances, and various other fundraisers, the first STAR home officially opened in 1988, with the second home opening just five years later in 1993.
In 2005, the corporation forged a partnership with the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development to address structural issues at both properties and to bring each home into compliance with stringent ADA regulations. During the reconstruction of the homes, STAR was able to secure two rental properties in the South Bay area, relocate residents to these properties, and continue providing services for the duration of the construction. STAR/Ben & Helen Scalabrini House re-opened in November of 2007 with STAR/Caribou House re-opening shortly after in April of 2008.
Following a multi-year fundraising campaign, in November of 2012, STAR closed escrow on its third property. A complete renovation of the property began in the fall of 2013. STAR's third home is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, vendored by Harbor Regional Center, and opened for operation in the fall of 2016.
As the collective vision of our founders began to take shape, they realized that it would be no small task to accomplish their mission. After 15+ years of bake sales, dinner dances, and various other fundraisers, the first STAR home officially opened in 1988, with the second home opening just five years later in 1993.
In 2005, the corporation forged a partnership with the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development to address structural issues at both properties and to bring each home into compliance with stringent ADA regulations. During the reconstruction of the homes, STAR was able to secure two rental properties in the South Bay area, relocate residents to these properties, and continue providing services for the duration of the construction. STAR/Ben & Helen Scalabrini House re-opened in November of 2007 with STAR/Caribou House re-opening shortly after in April of 2008.
Following a multi-year fundraising campaign, in November of 2012, STAR closed escrow on its third property. A complete renovation of the property began in the fall of 2013. STAR's third home is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, vendored by Harbor Regional Center, and opened for operation in the fall of 2016.
Current Focus
In keeping with the collective vision shared by our founding members, we at STAR have committed ourselves to expanding the programs and services we are able to offer to the intellectually and developmentally disabled population of the South Bay. Our founders always feared that as their family members grew older, they may require care beyond the scope of what could be provided by their own family. They also feared that there would be a lack of options to address the needs of their loved ones.
In an effort to honor what our founders intended to accomplish in creating STAR, we now look toward the future with strategies for developing additional homes specifically designed to care for the growing number of seniors and those in need of more comprehensive care within this population.
In an effort to honor what our founders intended to accomplish in creating STAR, we now look toward the future with strategies for developing additional homes specifically designed to care for the growing number of seniors and those in need of more comprehensive care within this population.
You can learn even more about our organization through guidestar.org by clicking here.