Unadulterated Joy That is what Suncoast STARS Community is in the business of creating. There is something in the human spirit that craves a sense of purpose, meaning, and a place to belong.  When we give adults with Downs Syndrome, Autism, and other special needs a place where their limitations are understood and accepted and where we empower them to learn new skills and develop their potential - and celebrate every accomplishment, the result is pure JOY. There is no better return on investment. The Joy of Affirmation As a young, grassroots non-profit organization with an audacious vision, every day is a step of faith.  But we believe what Jesus taught when He said, “If you’re faithful in the small things, you will be entrusted with more.” So, you can imagine our joy upon receiving approval for a $7500 grant from a local, private family foundation!  This is a wind in our sails! But that’s not all… Earlier this month we were also honored to be chosen as a Community Partner of Grace Community Church (gracesarasota.com) in Lakewood Ranch! In addition to a $5000 gift, Grace is also helping to connect us with volunteers and other community resources. Our program would not be possible without the support of these generous partners and the generous hospitality of The Tabernacle Church (tabsarasota.org) which hosts our program. We are deeply grateful for and encouraged by the affirmation of our efforts.  Together we are empowering the lives of adults with special needs. A Big Thank You to Premier Martial Arts (www.premiermartialarts.com) for giving our STARS the opportunity to learn some Karate and Taekwondo.  Did you know martial arts training is not only helpful for learning self-defense, but it also helps to build muscle mass and tone, improve agility and balance, increase confidence and relieve stress? Do You Want More Joy in Your Life? Then, come join the fun! Here’s how: Become a monthly donor and/or make a one-time gift. Donate | Suncoast STARS Volunteer to teach or assist in an enrichment class (baking, ASL, drama, music, Spanish, etc.) Get Involved | Suncoast STARS Volunteer to help with fundraising, marketing, or technology. Get Involved | Suncoast STARS Share this newsletter with the Special Ed teachers you know as we will be hiring in the near future. Pray for God’s direction and provision. For more information, email info@suncoaststars.org or call 303.358.6074. “He counts the STARS and calls them all by name.” ~ Psalm 147:4

Hello Friends, Welcome to the first edition of our Suncoast STARS Community newsletter! Each month we will update you on our journey to develop an innovative work and enrichment community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Sarasota / Bradenton area. You are receiving this newsletter because we thought you might be interested in this exciting endeavor. Our Journey Began… in April 2021 as we sat in our home office and in a simple prayer asked God what He wanted us to do in this next season of our lives. The answer came faster than expected. By August 2021, along with our daughter, Emily, we had relocated from Castle Rock, Colorado to Bradenton, Florida with a vision to help create a community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can develop their potential and enjoy a sense of purpose and belonging. Our Vision… is to establish specially modified business enterprises where adults with special needs are provided the support they need to enjoy meaningful, productive, and creative work. The vision also includes providing on-going life-skills training and a variety of enrichment classes to engage our STARS physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually – the whole person. We want to dismantle misconceptions about and raise the standards for adults with special needs! In fact, we refer to the folks we serve as STARS - Specially Talented Adults Raising Standards. Our Strategy… is seeking God for inspiration, direction and provision of our needs and cultivating relationships with local churches, individuals, and community partners to join us in this life-giving mission. This is the same strategy we used in developing Wellspring Community, the successful nonprofit organization we started in our kitchen in 2008 that now empowers more than 100 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These adults work as bakers, baristas, and artisans and also get to choose from more than 40 enrichment classes each month – things like dance, iPhone photography, CrossFit, music and much more. (www.wearewellspring.org) We KNOW what’s possible. We’re on our Way… We’ve spent the last two years developing relationships, identifying resources and organizing a part-time program. We’re encouraged by all that was accomplished in 2023: In March we incorporated within the state of Florida as a nonprofit organization. We obtained program space at the Tabernacle Church in Sarasota. We are serving 12 STARS in our part-time program. In October we received our 501(c)(3) IRS nonprofit tax status. We recruited a part-time Program Manager and have engaged several volunteers to teach Bible study, dance, fitness & nutrition, crafts, drama, card-making, book club and more. We launched our website! (www.suncoaststars.org) We have engaged the Sarasota Sheriff’s department to teach periodic safety classes. We have established a partnership with Town Square University, a memory care facility where we engage their clients in bi-monthly balloon volleyball tournaments. We have inspired the support of several monthly donors. Where We’re Headed… Thanks to the generous support of the Tabernacle Church, we are excited to be able to expand our program in 2024.  Not only will we be increasing the number of program days, but we will also begin a baking program as we take small steps toward the development of our special business enterprises. We are actively recruiting volunteers to help with baking and teach American Sign Language, Spanish, jewelry-making, music, dance, knitting, Science and more. We are working on plans to launch Club 21, a social and recreation program to give our STARS a safe and fun place to enjoy a weekend evening out with their friends. Most importantly, as we are able to raise more money, we will be able to recruit and hire additional staff with special education experience to enable us to serve more individuals. Come Join Us on the Journey! Roger von Oech once said, “There are precious few Einsteins among us; true brilliance occurs when ordinary people come together to do extraordinary things.” Here’s how YOU can be a part of the extraordinary: Become a monthly donor and/or make a one-time gift. Donate | Suncoast STARS Volunteer to teach or assist in an enrichment class (baking, jewelry-making, music, Spanish, etc.) Get Involved | Suncoast STARS Volunteer to help with fundraising, marketing, or technology. Get Involved | Suncoast STARS Pass on this newsletter to the Special Ed teachers you know! Pray for God’s direction and provision. For more information, email info@suncoaststars.org or call 303.358.6074. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to folks you think would be interested in joining us on this extraordinary journey. “He counts the STARS and calls them all by name.” ~ Psalm 147:4 Trusting in Him, Bob & Mary Lou