40 MAY 2023 By Mark Hays It was 1973 in the town of Scottsdale when a woman named Mary King founded a special organization that sought to improve the quality of life for adult children with special needs. Mary and her dedicated group of parents called themselves Las Madrinas (The Godmothers). Their efforts led to the creation of the Scottsdale Foundation for the Handicapped, and their mission was just getting started. Many programs have been added from the small beginnings, and now, the organization called STARS (Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services) is celebrating 50 years. The mission has remained the same: fostering community and giving opportunities to neurodivergent people. “Las Madrinas has now become a special designation for the individuals that were there at the beginning and have continued to be involved with the organization,” Director of Development Michael Barry said. He explained that many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are excluded from social assistance. “We started with an opportunity for these individuals to have someplace to go and enjoy a sense of community,” Barry said. “Many of these individuals never get to engage in the satisfaction and dignity associated with work, but STARS has been working for several decades to change that.” They have four main programs. The Home and Community-based services program is where volunteers provide attending care services to individuals with great need in their homes. They also have a Day Training program, one of its largest offerings. Participants there work hands-on toward gainful employment. “This program sees individuals aged 18 and up through the spectrum,” Barry said. “We’re effectively trying to equip them with the skills and training they need should they try and be capable of moving into an employment situation.” STARS offers the Community Work Program, where individuals work with light assembly tasks, like packaging, cleaning and shipping for organizations like COX Enterprises and Hospice of the Valley. The organization works with people referred to them by other agencies who are trained for specialized tasks. “We discover what they are passionate about and would like to spend their time doing and what they’re good at doing,” Barry said. The goal is to allow participants to work somewhat independently. On May 13, celebrating 50 years since its founding, STARS will hold its annual Fiesta celebration. Growth has always been a critical aspect of STARS, and this will continue in the future. “Going forward we plan to substantially expand our community of individuals, corporations, and foundations,” Barry said. “We’ve got a multi-step campaign underway. We will expand our reach and approach beyond what we’ve done in the past.” starsaz.org STARS celebrates 50 years in the Valley The original Las Madrinas: (front) Ruth Talbott, Gwen Nemmers, Shirley Mulligan. (back): Jane Stoss, Darlene Carlson, Kathy Stamadianos, Mary King and Linda Kearney. In its early days, STARS members would participate in a multitude of activities, including camping trips and co-ed dances. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL BARRY Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning • Leadership Programs PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music • “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available WE’RE PROUD OF OUR GR ADUATING 8TH GR ADERS! 98% OF THOSE THAT APPLIED TO PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS WERE ACCEPTED! CONGR ATULATIONS! 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL CHRISTIAN VALUES. QUALITY EDUCATION. Preschool through Grade 8

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