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It has been said that the true test of a community is how it treats those in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the disabled. Thanks to the commitment of APS, our community is helping those in the shadows gain independence and self-sufficiency.
Each day, Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (STARS) serves more than 130 disabled adults by providing them with sheltered employment, training and residential services. They offer a multitude of integrated programs to provide  people with special challenges the opportunity and resources to realize their individual potential. "STARS cannot thank APS enough for their generous support of our organization," said Jeff Battle, president and CEO. "We couldn't make the progress we do with this special population without the commitment of APS."
STARS has three main programming areas: employment services, day treatment and training, and residential services. The employment services area provides training and employment at the agency's two in-house work centers as well as on-the-job training and employment with area businesses. The day treatment and training program provides group and individual instruction in such functional living areas as behavior management, time organization, safety, grooming, shopping and housekeeping skills.
The residential services area provides lodging, meals, personal assistance, daily living skills instruction, transportation, and recreational activities for up to 18 men and women with mental and/or physical challenges. The residents learn the techniques needed to gain a living style that is as self-reliant as possible. In addition, STARS helps their clients learn how to access community services such as transportation, hospital and social security benefits, which has a vital role in helping them move toward independent living.
APS' commitment to STARS is critical to the ongoing success of the organization. Through its support of fundraising activities like the annual golf tournament and STARS' premier fundraising event - Fiesta de las Madrinas - APS is helping to raise vital resources which help individuals with special needs achieve independence.
"We are mindful that APS is investing in our community and STARS in particular, and we are committed to ensuring that we provide a return on that investment," Battle said. "However, with APS, it's always more than money. It's about a long-term partnership and employee engagement in the community."
APS is proud to partner with an organization doing such inspirational work. This partnership will continue to move disabled individuals out of the shadows and into the sunlight.
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