STARability Foundation recognizing inclusive employers as part of National Disability Awareness Month

STARability Foundation is recognizing its vocational partners in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed annually in October. This year’s theme – “Advancing Access and Equity” – celebrates the many and varied contributions of workers with disabilities.

“Inclusive employers are the foundation of our vocational services program,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “We are proud to recognize their unwavering support of our STARS and our community. Our successful matches are made possible through life-transforming opportunities created by vocational partners that truly believe in our STARs.”

STARability matches individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to supportive, inclusive employers. Through STARability’s vocational services, participants learn job skills, explore career opportunities and find employment with businesses that believe in their abilities.

“Winfield Street Coffee is proud to be one of the many factors that enable STARs to be more independent and contribute to our community at large,” said Jeanette Donatti, co-owner of Winfield Street Coffee. “We are thankful for what the participants have brought to our stores and are excited to see them thrive.”

Currently, STARability partners with a variety of organizations for employment opportunities, including Air Bar Blowouts & Extensions, BCB Homes, Collier County Parks and Recreation, Cosmos Ristorante & Pizzeria, Driftwood Garden Center, Germain Lincoln of Naples, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON), Greater Naples Officials Association, Naples Senior Center, Outback Steakhouse, Pampered Pet Resorts, Paragon Pavilion Theater, Publix, Ritz Carlton Resort, Seed to Table, Stofft Cooney Architects, Structure Medical, THRIVEability Community Garden, and Winfield Street Coffee.

As an approved provider for the Florida Department of Education Vocational Rehabilitation, STARability offers job readiness services and connects individuals with local employers and job training sites, providing comprehensive services such as a skill and interest inventory, interview preparation and onsite job coaching. Vocational Services are available to all STAR participants and Vocational Rehabilitation clients seeking community employment. Additionally, STARability employs participants at both its main office and its STAR Store & Studio, located in the Naples Design District.

To learn more about STARability’s employment services, visit STARability.org.

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities, not disabilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.