Creating opportunities
The feeling of being a productive part of one’s community goes a long way toward leading a happy, fulfilling life. That, Cassie Elvin said, is what Starlight Enterprises provides to Tuscarawas County residents with disabilities, whether it’s through job opportunities, volunteer work, education or social functions.
“We introduce individuals to other people and places so they can achieve their own personal interests, goals and dreams in each of their communities,” said Elvin, CEO of the New Philadelphia-based non-profit service agency that presently serves more than 100 people. “Community involvement is imperative for people with disabilities. It helps build self-esteem and confidence. Employment gives them purchasing power to rent a house or buy other things in the community.”
Starlight Enterprises offers services for adults with a wide range of disabilities, Elvin said.
“Some people we help can drive and live independently,” she said. “Others are more ependent and have a legal guardian.”
“We offer a continuum of services,” Elvin said. “For those interested and able who want to work in the community, we have an Employment Department that helps to line people up with their interests to get them involved in community integrated employment. We are a CARF Accredited business for employment.”
Some people have goals other than employment. Starlight can help them, too.
Coordinating volunteer opportunities is one way, Elvin said.
“We volunteer at more than 20 nonprofits,” she said. “It’s a win-win. It provides people with skills and abilities that are needed at the nonprofit organizations, and in doing that it develops skills that people can use on their resume and work with businesses in town.”
Some individuals have goals that are more social or recreational.
“We can assist them with those goals as well,” said Tracy Aubihl, Community Connections Manager. “Maybe they want an opportunity to join a club. Some individuals have a more creative side and enjoy making art, or working in a wood shop. We have opportunities to create those types of classes. Art broadens self expression.”
And they have the chance to sell their creations at Starlight’s Art on High Gift Shop and in the community.
“We facilitate trips to places like the Canton Museum of Art and the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Aubhil said. “It’s all about making people’s lives fuller and brighter.”
The organization, originally called Starlight Workshop, was started by parents of individuals with disabilities in the 1950s. Today, Starlight is a private service provider to county residents with disabilities. County boards around the state, Elvin said, used to offer programs like those offered by Starlight in coordination with private providers. Recently, however, private providers are now sole provider of services.
“The rules are changing, but that doesn’t mean the people are changing,” she said. “Our concern is what is in the best interest of individuals and their families.”
Elvin has 37 years of experience in the field of disabilities. She joined Starlight in 2013. Since that time, the organization has grown from having no hub site in the community to having three permanent hub sites in New Philadelphia, along with 25 community sites, Elvin said.
Starlight’s three permanent hub sites at 236 East High Street, 246 East High Street and 400 East High Street establish a starting point of services for each day, then individuals link themselves up to the services they want to participate in based upon their individual plan, or get assistance from a life coach as needed.
“The people we serve makes my job satisfying,” she said. “Our model of services is being replicated across the state of Ohio by other providers as a positive one and one that has positive outcomes for people and communities. We truly want people to be happy.”
Starlight’s Services Include:
• Employment
• Volunteering
• Work Skills
• Educational Learning
• Homemaking - Personal Care
• Community Exploration
• Physical Fitness
• Creative Arts/Primitive Arts
• Recreation
• Financial Budgeting
• Personal Shopping
• Independent Living Skills
• Technology/Computer
• Personal Care
• Mobility Training
• Cooking
• Benefits Analysis
• Transportation
Starlight is funded through private and corporate donations, Medicaid, businesses and agencies for whom it does business. For more information, you can call 330-339-2020 or visit ThinkSEI.org.