STARability expands Support Services to help families navigate resources, build connections

STARability Foundation is expanding its Support Services department, strengthening its role as a trusted connector for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families as they navigate resources, services and opportunities throughout Southwest Florida.
Since launching in 2024, Support Services has grown its network of community partnerships, educational programming and health and wellness offerings to help families better understand and access the resources available to them. Services extend beyond current STARability participants and families, providing a point of connection for individuals throughout the community seeking guidance and information.
A dedicated team connects families with local and state resources and provides guidance related to legal, financial, medical and health services, as well as recreational and educational opportunities. Support Services has cultivated relationships with more than 70 community partners, creating a network of organizations and professionals that can help address the diverse and evolving needs of individuals of all abilities and their families.
“Families often have questions that extend far beyond any one program or service, and navigating all of the options available can feel overwhelming,” said Lindsay Reyes, director of support services for STARability Foundation. “Our goal is to help families better understand what is available, connect them with trusted resources and give them the information they need to confidently determine their next steps.”
Support Services also creates opportunities for families to connect directly with community organizations and experts. Each year, the department hosts a Resource Fair bringing together organizations from across Collier and Lee counties to share information, services and resources. This year’s free event welcomed 27 community partners and more than 80 attendees.
The department has also expanded its educational resources through the “Support. Learn. Connect.” webinar series, which launched earlier this year. Free and open to the community, the monthly webinars connect individuals, families and caregivers with experts on topics spanning benefits and financial planning, guardianship and supported decision-making, housing and employment, the transition to adulthood, mental health and healthy relationships, social connection, caregiver well-being, emergency preparedness and fitness. Each session is designed to provide practical information, valuable tools and actionable guidance while connecting families with trusted resources.
Health and wellness programming is another growing area of Support Services. New offerings include “Confidence in the Kitchen,” which helps individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities develop hands-on skills for preparing food safely and independently. The department continues to explore additional educational opportunities that support independence, well-being and lifelong growth.
The expansion comes at an important time for STARability as the organization prepares to move into its new permanent home in 2027. The visionary inclusive campus will create countless opportunities for STARability to grow its programs, deepen community connections and expand the ways it serves individuals and families.
“Every individual and family has different needs, and those needs can evolve throughout life,” said Reyes. “As STARability enters this next chapter, we have an opportunity to continue building a strong network of support that helps families feel connected, informed and empowered while creating more possibilities for the people they love.”
To connect with STARability’s Support Services team or learn more about available resources, visit STARability.org, email supportservices@STARability.org or call 239-594-9007 x113.
 
About STARability Foundation
For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability