Our Mission
Suncoast Stars Community exists to provide a work, enrichment, and educational community where adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs are empowered to live full, productive, and satisfying lives in a God-centered and nurturing environment.
Who We Are
We are a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization modeled after Wellspring Community, the innovative and successful organization with the same mission, which the founders of Suncoast STARS established in Colorado, in 2008.
Why We Exist
When individuals with Down Syndrome, autism, or other special needs finish high school, with rare exceptions, they do not go on to college or go on to pursue careers. Most will never drive a car or live in their own apartment. These adults often face a future of isolation, boredom, and depression. We believe every person, regardless of ability, is created by God with purpose and dignity and deserves the opportunity to develop their gifts and talents and enjoy full lives. In fact, we call the folks we serve STARS which stands for Specially Talented Adults Raising Standards.
What does it mean to be "God-centered"?
At Suncoast Stars, we recognize the God of the Bible as our Creator, Sustainer, and the Source of all wisdom and we seek to honor Him in all that we do. As children of God, we recognize that every individual is endowed with inherent worth, value, and divine purpose. Our STARS are offered opportunities to learn about God's love through daily devotions and prayer. However, our core values, expressed in our actions and attitudes, are often the most effective means of communicating God's love.
Core Values
Dignity
As children of God, created in His image, we believe that each person is endowed with inherent worth, value, and divine purpose. Therefore, we believe we have a moral duty to preserve and defend one another's dignity throughout life.
Integrity
We believe integrity is being honest and consistent in what we think, say, and do. It is reflected in our lives by being truthful, sincere, trustworthy, fair, and faithful. Our integrity is evident by what we do, how we do it, and the results we produce.
Good Stewardship
We believe that everything we have is given to us by God including our talents, skills, and all our resources, therefore, we are to steward them responsibly. We believe that good stewardship inspires personal responsibility which promotes industriousness within our organization and credibility in the larger community.
Respect
We believe respect is the act of honoring and appreciating others and treating them with consideration. Our respect for one another fosters a general sense of trustworthiness and security which empowers everyone to be their best and creates a pleasant atmosphere.
Service
We believe that as children of God we are called to serve one another. We believe that by doing so we are acting as the hands, feet, and mouthpiece of God to others.
Grace
We believe grace is the unmerited blessing and favor that God offers to His children. Grace enables us to live in harmony with one another through acts of love, kindness, goodness, forgiveness, and mercy.