STARability Foundation

Mission Statement

The STARability Foundation’s mission is to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities through social, vocational and educational connections to the community, while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities.

Organizational Overview

The STARability Foundation offers individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Collier County continuing education, vocational training and life-enriching programs. We serve more than 250 participants, from ages 14 to 72, through various programs that connect them to the community, lead to greater independence and help shine a light on their abilities, not their disabilities. Our programs include: • Trailblazer Academy, a community-based day program focusing on continuing education and vocational training • Junior Trailblazer Academy, a program modeled after the Trailblazer Academy serving individuals ages 14 to 21 who are still enrolled in school • STAR Connections, which includes life skills classes; social events; sports leagues; health and wellness; photography; theater and art workshops; book clubs • Virtual Programs, classes, activities and workshops hosted live on virtual platforms • Vocational Services, a participant-centered job training and placement opportunities program that focus on career exploration, job readiness skills, coaching and support, and measurable life-skills development goals • The STAR*Made Studio, a social enterprise that teaches participants teambuilding, vocational skills and product development • THRIVE*ability: A Community Garden Project, a collaborative project with the City of Naples and the River Park Community Center that focuses on revitalizing River Park’s 2,000-square-foot garden. The garden serves as a vehicle to teach critical life skills to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.