STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way...

09/04/2026

There’s always something exciting happening at STAR! 🌟

Theater of Stars has officially begun, and everyone was ready to jump right in! 🎭 Meanwhile, creativity was in full swing with colorful tie-dye projects and hands-on art activities. 🎨👕 We’ve also been filling the days with music, dancing, and plenty of good vibes! 🎶💃

And, of course, there’s always plenty of hard work happening behind the scenes! 💪✨

We love seeing our individuals getting creative, staying active, trying new things, and having fun along the way! 💙

09/02/2026

🌟 Employee of the Month: Carline Aristhene! 🌟

Please join us in congratulating our Employee of the Month, Carline Aristhene! 💙

Carline is being recognized for her compassion, initiative, and willingness to go above and beyond for the individuals we support at STAR.

Recently, when an individual at the STAR Day Program was experiencing stomach pain, Carline immediately volunteered to accompany them for medical care and stayed by their side throughout the process, making sure they were supported and safe.

Carline is always willing to step up when needed, including recently taking responsibility for supporting a small group of individuals attending a new class in the community.

Congratulations, Carline, and thank you for all that you do for the individuals at STAR! 💙✨

08/31/2026

✨ Sponsor Spotlight ✨

A special thank you to Gallagher for supporting STAR’s 2026 Gala! 💙

For more than 25 years, Gallagher has been a valued partner of STAR, helping us create opportunities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

We are incredibly grateful for their continued generosity, partnership, and commitment to our community. Thank you, Gallagher, for being part of the STAR family and helping make this year’s Gala an unforgettable evening!

Join us for STAR’s 2026 Gala on Friday, October 23 at 6:30 PM at the Country Club of New Canaan for a night of inspiration, impact, and celebration! ✨

08/26/2026

📢 August is Make a Will Month

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. No matter your age or stage of life, having a will provides clarity, peace of mind, and the opportunity to think about the legacy you want to leave behind, including the people and causes that matter most to you.

✅ Protect your family
✅ Make your wishes known
✅ Plan for the future

A gift in your will can be a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy and help a cause you care about continue making a difference for generations to come.

Don't wait for "someday." Make this Make a Will Month the time you put a plan in place.

08/21/2026

Looking for something fun to do this August? 🎭

Broadway in the Park is coming to Mathews Park in Norwalk on August 22 and 29, bringing an afternoon of live music, Broadway favorites, food, and fun for the whole family.

We love seeing events like this bring our community together, and this is one you won’t want to miss!

📍 Mathews Park, Norwalk
📅 August 22 & 29
🎶 Broadway in the Park at 4 PM
🎭 Rodgers and Hammerstein in the Park at 7 PM

STAR will be there enjoying this great community event, and we can’t wait to see you there! 💙

Grab your tickets and enjoy an evening of Broadway right here in our community! ✨

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 Sports Buddies season! 🎉

Sports Buddies provides children and young adults with special needs the opportunity to build confidence, develop sports skills, make friends, and have fun through inclusive recreational sports. Our athletes are paired with volunteer buddies to create a supportive and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

📍 New Canaan, CT
🕘 Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 AM
🙋 Volunteers always welcome!

Visit www.starincct.org to register and learn more. 💙💚

08/14/2026

🍂 Join us for STAR’s Fall Family Forum! 🍂

This September, we’re talking all about Employment Services and the opportunities available through STAR, Inc. Lighting the Way.

Come learn more about:
• Job skills training programs
• Job placement
• On-site job coaching

📅 Wednesday, September 16
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 STAR, Inc. | 182 Wolfpit Ave., Norwalk
🥪 Light bites will be provided

This is a great opportunity for families to learn more about how STAR can help individuals explore employment opportunities and build skills for the workplace.

Please RSVP to Dottie Jankowski at [email protected].

We hope to see you there! 🍁

08/12/2026

✨ Save the Date for The STAR, Inc. Gala & Auction! ✨

📅 Friday, October 23
🕡 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM
📍 New Canaan Country Club

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we come together to celebrate our community, raise critical funds, and make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County. Enjoy an exciting silent and live auction, delicious food and drinks, and inspiring stories that showcase the impact of STAR.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available! To learn more about becoming a sponsor, please contact Ramona MacIntyre at [email protected]. Ticket sale announcements are coming soon, so stay tuned!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

08/04/2026

STAR had a great weekend out in the community! 💙💛

We were excited to take part in a Unified Basketball Tournament at the newly renovated SoNo Rec Center, where individuals and staff came together for a fun morning of basketball! 🏀✨

We also joined in on the fun at Community Day, hosted by Bethel Norwalk Community Works and Foundation of Hope. Our staff had a great time connecting with fellow community partners and enjoying the day together.

It was a wonderful weekend filled with community, connection, and inclusion! 💛