STAR Inc., Lighting the Way in Norwalk received a $20,000 grant from Fairfield County”™s Community Foundation to support local individuals with intellectual and developmental (IDD) disabilities find jobs through its My First Jobs Program. Current research reveals that only 15% of people with IDD are employed. STAR is recognized as a leading agency in Connecticut in job placements, coaching and hours worked competitively by people IDD.
Katie Banzhaf, Star executive director, said “”¦This funding is a catalyst to our current job-placement success and the future of our Jobs Program that is unique in Fairfield County. ”¦”
Martha Spiegel, one of two job developers at STAR, said “It is incredibly rewarding to see first-hand the support and enthusiasm from the community and our business partners. ”¦Our average tenure of people placed in jobs is now over 9.5 years. That says it all.”
STAR is one of the few agencies in Connecticut chosen to participate in a Customized Employment Certification Program that is the benchmark for job placement of people with IDD in the future.
Fairfield County”™s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds.
