When Jim Dziubaty first walked through the doors of what was then LDA Life and Learning Services (now Starbridge) in April 1997, he was looking for more than just a job—he was looking for confidence, stability, and a chance to prove to himself that he could succeed.
After being diagnosed with a mental illness in the late 1970s, Jim spent years navigating hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and uncertainty about whether employment was even possible. Like many people with disabilities, he worried that working could jeopardize his benefits, and he wasn’t sure what kind of future was possible.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or if I could do it,” Jim recalls.
An opportunity through East House led him to a small part-time custodial position at LDA. What began as a few hours each week gradually became a career spanning nearly three decades. Along the way, Jim witnessed the organization grow, move locations, evolve into Starbridge, and expand its impact throughout the community.
Today, Jim works four days a week, taking tremendous pride in maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through Starbridge’s doors.
“If I see something that needs to be done, I do it,” he says.
That dedication became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without being asked, Jim took on additional cleaning responsibilities because he wanted to help keep employees safe. It wasn’t about recognition—it was about caring for the people around him.
For Jim, Starbridge has provided something invaluable: trust.
“They let me do what I do. I have the autonomy to do my work, and people know I’ll get it done.”
That trust has helped him build confidence while managing his mental health. With the right support system, medication, routine, and meaningful work, Jim says he’s experienced some of the best years of his life.
“Working at Starbridge has made me very happy because I’m successful at what I do.”
Outside of work, Jim is a lifelong creator. He enjoys leatherworking, crafting, and inventing board games and products. He carries notebooks filled with business ideas and dreams of one day starting his own company.
But his vision extends far beyond entrepreneurship.
His goal is to hire people with disabilities through Starbridge’s employment program and give back to the organization that helped him build the life he has today.
“I want to give people with disabilities a chance. If I can help someone achieve their goals or dreams, that’s what I want to do.”
Jim believes deeply in Starbridge’s mission because he has lived it.
“They helped me so much. I believe in what Starbridge does. People with disabilities need opportunity, and Starbridge gives them that opportunity.”
Whether he’s making handmade gifts for coworkers, keeping the building spotless, or planning for the future, Jim approaches life with generosity and purpose. He finds joy in helping others succeed, often saying that bringing happiness to someone else is one of life’s greatest rewards.
After nearly 30 years with the organization, Jim isn’t just part of Starbridge’s history—he’s a reflection of its mission. His story reminds us that with opportunity, support, and belief in someone’s potential, meaningful work can become the foundation for confidence, independence, and hope.
“Working for Starbridge has been very good for me. It keeps me focused. It’s the foundation that lets me dream about what’s next.”
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