,
Community Inclusion Initiative and Community Builder Program
Starfire's Community Building programs make a substantial difference in the quality of life for children and young adults with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families. Starfire does this by providing community building supports annually to approximately 600 people: 75 children and young adults with DD, 150+ members of their families, and hundreds of other community members. The model is so successful, Starfire trains other professionals in the field on community building for people with DD throughout the country.
In its Community Building models, Starfire assists in identifying places or initiatives in the community where child or young adult with DD and their family can belong as a valued, contributing members of society. The long-term goal of our programs is to improve the well-being and the quality of life of people with DD and their families, and create a more vibrant community life in Greater Cincinnati that includes people with DD.
In 2019, Starfire served 77 adults and expanded to include 53 additional families with young children with DD, serving 130 people with disabilities, 200 family members, and hundreds more in citizen participants, employers, and project partners. Each person or family increased or maintained their network of 12 people in the community. 100% of young children with developmental disabilities and their families, and 90% of adults with DD achieved these the above goals. Among adults with DD, 113 socially valued roles were attained or maintained. The breakdown of role types include: leading community projects (29 total), participating in volunteer positions (46 total), and obtaining and/or retaining jobs (38 total).
Family Directed Inclusion Initiative. Of those who completed a family project, the outcomes include: 100% of families are definitely or somewhat more emboldened to engage in their community, and .85% of families experienced a change in their relationships with their neighbors and neighborhoods. Some comments … "Our neighbors feel much more connected than ever before. We stop by each other's houses more, invite each other over for dinners, and honestly just speak more to each other. People who share the same interest with my son's [sic] are open to talk and are willing to help him.".