The Naples Children Foundation awards STARability $80,000 grant to support Jr. Trailblazer Academy
STARability Foundation has received an $80,000 grant from the Naples Children Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, to support staffing for its Jr. Trailblazer Academy, an enriching after-school program that helps high school students with autism and other developmental disabilities prepare for a meaningful transition into adulthood.
Open to participants ages 14 to 22, the Jr. Trailblazer Academy combines employment readiness and life skills education with active, engaging experiences both onsite at STARability and throughout the community. Programming complements participants’ educational goals and employment aspirations while providing opportunities to develop greater independence, explore their interests and build valuable community connections.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Naples Children Foundation for investing in our Jr. Trailblazer Academy and helping transform the lives of the participants and families we serve,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “The transition from school to adulthood is an important time in a young person’s life, and experiences that allow participants to discover their strengths, build confidence in their abilities and put new skills into practice can make a significant difference. This generous grant helps ensure our team can continue creating opportunities that prepare participants for what comes next.” Participants in STARability’s Jr. Trailblazer Academy gain hands-on experience in cooking and nutrition, money management, community safety, social skills and home living, as well as employment readiness training. Community connections projects with local businesses and nonprofits provide additional opportunities to engage with the broader community, while photography, horticultural wellness, art, sports, dance and fitness support creativity, well-being and personal growth.
STARability staff also work closely with participants’ schools as part of each participant’s circle of support, including attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to better understand and reinforce educational and transitional goals.
Last year, the Jr. Trailblazer Academy delivered more than 8,000 participant experiences and provided more than 700 hours of vocational training, reflecting the breadth of opportunities available to participants as they prepare to age out of traditional school programming and take their next steps toward adulthood.
For more information about the Jr. Trailblazer Academy or to inquire about enrollment, visit STARability.org/junior-trailblazer-academy. To learn more about STARability Foundation and its innovative programs and services, visit STARability.org.
About STARability Foundation
For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.
About the Naples Children Foundation
The Naples Children Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, creates transformational change and improves educational, emotional and health outcomes for vulnerable children in Collier County. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCF has impacted nearly 90 of the most effective nonprofits in the local community, providing 420,000 children with the services an