At College Church in Wheaton, we refer to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as STARS. STARS stands for Seeking to Always Reflect the Savior. It is our goal for them and ourselves, to be more like Jesus with how we act and how we do thing. The STARS ministry serves nearly 150 families in the western suburbs and has always been open to all, and has been for . Participants in the program do not need to attend College Church. The ministry provides social, recreational, and educational programs for children and adults and provides support to their parents and caregivers. Run for the STARS provides assistance for these families in the areas of Recreation, Respite and Training.
Respite is the number one need of families who have a child with a disability, and caregiving is a 24/7 job. RFTS provides:
Full and partial scholarships for recreational camps where STARS have a blast and parents receive some needed rest.
Full and partial scholarships for entire families to attend family retreats where they are refreshed in body and spirit.
Programs throughout the year where parents can drop-off their STARS for fun and recreation for no charge.
Since there is a 90% unemployment rate for individuals with developmental disabilities, last year RFTS provided:
A grant that helps pay for job coaches at Twice is Nice and STARS Resale Shops to train and supervise STARS in the workplace.
