News
Just one year ago, Starbridge was launched through the merger of The Advocacy Center and LDA Life and Learning Services. Today, we celebrate the journey that we have been on together and look forward to a bright future.
Our vision is that every person leads a fulfilling life in their community. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you to make this vision a reality.
All the best,
Colin Garwood
President/CEO
The Rochester chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) recently recognized Starbridge with a Pinnacle Award for its branding campaign to launch the new organization. The judges praised Starbridge for its clear communication objectives and strategy and described the campaign as “consistent and heartfelt.” The branding campaign included development of a new name and logo, extensive communications with audiences to establish Starbridge, and a continued commitment to living the brand through strategic planning and decision-making.
Read more: Starbridge Wins Pinnacle Award for Branding Campaign
Hello Friends:
I hope you are enjoying spring, with its warmer weather and buzz of activities available in our communities.
The vision of Starbridge is that every person will lead a fulfilling life in their community. Every person should be able to direct their own future and have the community support they need to realize their dreams. Most people would agree with us, but the next question we all ask is: how do we make this happen?
Click to read Message from President/CEOMessage from the President/CEO - April 2016
The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (NYS DDPC) is inviting the public to review their five-year State Plan and provide comments. They gathered data from “over 1,000 diverse New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members, staff, service providers, and others”, according to the DDPC’s news release.
Read more: NYS DDPC Inviting Public Review of Five-Year Plan
By the fall of 2014, Don Schofield was struggling to meet his basic needs: “I was living couch to couch.” He had been unemployed for five years, largely because of untreated mental health disorders, and he was unable to maintain relationships with his five children and his grandchildren. As he said, “They got tired of taking care of me.”
A counselor referred Don to Starbridge’s LASR (Learning to Achieve Self Reliance) program. Shlynn Hodkinson, a Starbridge service navigator, credits Don for his hard work. Shlynn said, “He was willing to do anything but needed support to know what to do.”
Read more: “Now I have everything I need”
Developmental Disabilities Awareness month promotes understanding of developmental disabilities and inclusion of people who have developmental disabilities. Increased awareness leads to greater access to education, health care, employment, and community living opportunities for everyone.
During the month of March, Starbridge encourages you to check out the following resources –
Read more: March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Starbridge is proud to be part of the campaign to “Spread the Word to End the Word”. Nationwide, activists are working to eliminate the use of the “r words” (retard or retarded) from common usages that are insulting, exclusionary, and disrespectful to people who have intellectual disabilities. The campaign encourages all of us to use language that promotes respect for all people.
On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, many Rochester organizations will host events and pledge drives to build awareness of this campaign. Here are ways you can participate:
Read more: Spreading the Word to End the Word
Dear Friends:
If you have ever planned a long road-trip, you know it is not enough just to know who wants to go with you. You have to decide on your destination, when you will start, what you would like to do along the way, how you will pay for the trip, and how you will all get along during the journey.
In planning for where Starbridge is headed, we have undertaken a deliberate process to map out a strategy for the next three years. Our intent is to lead the way in serving the diverse, evolving and life-long needs of people who have disabilities.
Click to read Message from President/CEOMessage from the President/CEO - February 2016
Our first Celebration of Champions as Starbridge was a success!
The event was hosted at Locust Hill Country Club on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Nearly 300 guests enjoyed good company, great music from Mambo Kings, our ever-popular wine pull, and a silent auction. Ginny Ryan of 13 WHAM-TV served as emcee, and did a remarkable job of presenting the heartwarming stories of our Community Awards recipients. Senator Rich Funke was on hand to congratulate the recipients, too.
Read more: 2015 Celebration of Champions A Success
On October 27, the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Rochester Business Journal hosted the annual Greater Rochester Awards, recognizing nonprofit staff members, executives, volunteers, and programs for their contributions to the community. Starbridge Board Chair Stephen G. Schwarz was honored for in the Board Leadership category for demonstrating effective leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, community collaboration and problem solving.
Congratulations, Steve, and thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for Starbridge and the people we serve!