Our mission is to provide a work, enrichment, and educational community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are empowered to live full, productive, and satisfying lives in a God-centered environment. One way we do this is by developing our own special enterprises where adults with Down Syndrome, Autism and other special needs can enjoy meaningful, productive work in a place where we help them to be successful. We also offer on-going educational and enrichment classes, including dance, book club, sign language, culture and cooking, cardio drumming and more – so they can develop their potential. Most importantly, we offer our friends the opportunity to learn about God and His love for them in a place where they are understood, accepted, and valued. It is truly life-giving!
Who We Are
We are a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization modeled after Wellspring Community, the innovative and successful organization with the same mission, which the founders of Suncoast STARS established in Colorado, in 2008.
Why We Exist
When individuals with Down Syndrome, autism, or other special needs finish high school, with rare exceptions, they do not go on to college or go on to pursue careers. Most will never drive a car or live in their own apartment. These adults often face a future of isolation, boredom, and depression. We believe every person, regardless of ability, is created by God with purpose and dignity and deserves the opportunity to develop their gifts and talents and enjoy full lives. In fact, we call the folks we serve STARS which stands for Specially Talented Adults Raising Standards.
What does it mean to be "God-centered"?
At Suncoast Stars, we recognize the God of the Bible as our Creator, Sustainer, and the Source of all wisdom and we seek to honor Him in all that we do. As children of God, we recognize that every individual is endowed with inherent worth, value, and divine purpose. Our STARS are offered opportunities to learn about God's love through daily devotions and prayer. However, our core values, expressed in our actions and attitudes, are often the most effective means of communicating God's love.
Core Values
Dignity - As children of God, created in His image, we believe that each person is endowed with inherent worth, value, and divine purpose. Therefore, we believe we have a moral duty to preserve and defend one another's dignity throughout life.
Integrity - We believe integrity is being honest and consistent in what we think, say, and do. It is reflected in our lives by being truthful, sincere, trustworthy, fair, and faithful. Our integrity is evident by what we do, how we do it, and the results we produce.
Good Stewardship - We believe that everything we have is given to us by God including our talents, skills, and all our resources, therefore, we are to steward them responsibly. We believe that good stewardship inspires personal responsibility which promotes industriousness within our organization and credibility in the larger community.
Respect - We believe respect is the act of honoring and appreciating others and treating them with consideration. Our respect for one another fosters a general sense of trustworthiness and security which empowers everyone to be their best and creates a pleasant atmosphere.
Service - We believe that as children of God we are called to serve one another. We believe that by doing so we are acting as the hands, feet, and mouthpiece of God to others.
Grace - We believe grace is the unmerited blessing and favor that God offers to His children. Grace enables us to live in harmony with one another through acts of love, kindness, goodness, forgiveness, and mercy.
Come join us for our 2nd Annual Stride to Thrive 5k / 1 mile walk and Family Fun Fest on Saturday, February 28th at Grace Community Church in Lakewood Ranch.
Website Suncoast STARS community:
https://www.suncoaststars.org.
Donate:
https://www.suncoaststars.org/donate
Fundraising Event:
Our main fundraising event is the Stride to Thrive 5K and 1 mile walk happening February 28th from 8am to 11am. Click here to register: https://runsignup.com/stride2thrive
Sponsorship opportunities available: click here to view or download pdf: https://www.suncoaststars.org/_files/ugd/67869b_ee1849ff12d7495fb7c0841723a13706.pdf
For more info call: 941-282-7425 ext 3
Phone: 941-282-7425
Each Month we feature a customer's business or organization that has special things to offer that adds value to our community. You may submit your business or organization for consideration by emailing a few photos and a text blurb to: .
Testimonial
"I can’t say enough good things about Performance Copying & Printing. They consistently provide quality products, quick turnaround times, and exceptional customer service. Steve is a man of his word; Brian is great to work with, and Sandy and Lizeth are always pleasant and efficient. We’re grateful to have found them!"
~ Mary Lou Fenton
Co-Founder
Suncoast STARS Community, Inc.
