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STARability Foundation awarded $100,000 grant from Golisano Foundation to expand Trailblazer Academy STARability Foundation is honored to announce it has received a $100,000 grant from the Golisano Foundation to expand its Trailblazer Academy program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Golisano Foundation is one of the nation’s largest foundations dedicated to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities. “We are grateful to the Golisano Foundation for this generous grant, which will help us accept 20 new STAR participants into the Trailblazer Academy from our waiting list,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. The two-year grant will allow STARability to invest in additional instructors, more program space and activities, enhanced supportive services including behavioral therapy consultations, and data gathering and analysis to help participants make progress toward individual goals. “We commend STARability’s efforts to expand their Trailblazer Academy program, allowing more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to enhance their lives through social, vocational and educational community-based skill development experiences,” said Ann Costello, executive director of the Golisano Foundation. STARability launched the Trailblazer Academy in 2016 to fill a gap in services families were experiencing when, at 22, individuals aged out of the Collier County school system and the supportive services they received ended. The pioneering day program began with 10 participants, a program director, one instructor and a 12-passenger van. Today, it is their centerpiece program, with more than 50 participants and 14 instructors and staff who support and encourage them through an evidence-based and peer-reviewed curriculum. The need for this unique program is even greater now as more than 60 people are waiting to join it. The Golisano Foundation has been a pivotal supporter of the Trailblazer Academy, awarding the organization a generous two-year grant to help launch the program six years ago. With the foundation’s continued support, STARability can help even more individuals throughout the community, ensuring they have access to the services they need and deserve. STARability offers a variety of innovative, results-driven programs designed to accommodate the needs of each unique participant through teaching life skills, providing vocational training and connecting participants to the community through meaningful and fulfilling social experiences. To learn more about STARability’s life-transforming programs, visit STARability.org. About STARability Foundation For nearly 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. About the Golisano Foundation The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence, and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. Founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader, and founder of Paychex, Inc. —the Foundation “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity, and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $60 million in gross assets, it awards about $3 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida. Learn more at GolisanoFoundation.org.
STARability Foundation awarded $100,000 grant from Golisano Foundation to expand Trailblazer Academy
STARability Foundation is honored to announce it has received a $100,000 grant from the Golisano Foundation to expand its Trailblazer Academy program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Golisano Foundation is one of the nation’s largest foundations dedicated to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
“We are grateful to the Golisano Foundation for this generous grant, which will help us accept 20 new STAR participants into the Trailblazer Academy from our waiting list,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation.
The two-year grant will allow STARability to invest in additional instructors, more program space and activities, enhanced supportive services including behavioral therapy consultations, and data gathering and analysis to help participants make progress toward individual goals.
“We commend STARability’s efforts to expand their Trailblazer Academy program, allowing more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to enhance their lives through social, vocational and educational community-based skill development experiences,” said Ann Costello, executive director of the Golisano Foundation.
STARability launched the Trailblazer Academy in 2016 to fill a gap in services families were experiencing when, at 22, individuals aged out of the Collier County school system and the supportive services they received ended. The pioneering day program began with 10 participants, a program director, one instructor and a 12-passenger van. Today, it is their centerpiece program, with more than 50 participants and 14 instructors and staff who support and encourage them through an evidence-based and peer-reviewed curriculum. The need for this unique program is even greater now as more than 60 people are waiting to join it.
The Golisano Foundation has been a pivotal supporter of the Trailblazer Academy, awarding the organization a generous two-year grant to help launch the program six years ago. With the foundation’s continued support, STARability can help even more individuals throughout the community, ensuring they have access to the services they need and deserve.
STARability offers a variety of innovative, results-driven programs designed to accommodate the needs of each unique participant through teaching life skills, providing vocational training and connecting participants to the community through meaningful and fulfilling social experiences.
To learn more about STARability’s life-transforming programs, visit STARability.org.
About STARability Foundation
For nearly 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.
About the Golisano Foundation
The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence, and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. Founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader, and founder of Paychex, Inc. —the Foundation “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity, and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $60 million in gross assets, it awards about $3 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida. Learn more at GolisanoFoundation.org.