March 2022
Dear Friends,
This spring, STARS Family Services is busier than ever. I am so thrilled with the way things are coming together for a spring and summer like no other--both in what new opportunities we are providing our residents and what more we are doing for the greater disability community throughout DuPage County.
Two generous donors have agreed to challenge gifts amounting to $100,000 to encourage people to give at this important time. If we all rise to that challenge, that would mean total giving of $200,000 in spring/summer. Fantastic! And that can start now.
So let me tell you why this is such a great time to support our SFS ministries and families. As we head into spring, we are really focusing our efforts so that SFS can both serve more of the STARS community and also provide a deeper level of ministry for our residents.
Our Arts Ministry. We’ve been talking about our art studio, and it continues to be a place of surprise and discovery. We see great potential for STARS to benefit from the art studio. We are growing this area so that more STARS can participate.
Make plans to attend our first ever Art Show! It’s called “Wild Woods” and will be open the evening April 29 7-9 p.m. and April 30 10 a.m. 3 p.m. at College Church. Come enjoy a delightful event and an eye-opening demonstration of the creativity and spirit of some of our residents. Put it in your calendar and plan to attend. We will be sending out more information soon!
And we aren’t stopping with visual art only. We are beginning to explore the development of programs with a focus on music as well.
Respite Care. Many STARS families aren’t ready for SFS residency, but a break would nice. That’s why we are formalizing enhanced Respite Care services for the larger STARS community. We are working to better accommodate individualized short-term residential stays. The initial response has been positive.
The parents of one STAR who recently had a respite stay at one of the SFS homes shared, “Our daughter was so happy and welcomed. She connected so well the whole staff. She wanted to continue at the art studio and return to have time with everyone. God has provided more than we could ever ask or think by providing a respite home for our daughter. Thank you all so much.”
Deeper Community. The past year has been a time when we have had to think on our feet. With the changing dynamics of vaccines, masks, and health concerns, in many ways the SFS community has helped us to bring together residents from all our homes and others in the STARS community in new ways. Weekday Community Time is filled with games, singing and crafts. SFS families and team members have been enjoying making memories with our residents during recent Snow Days, Super Bowl Parties, Bingo, and movie nights.
Your faithful prayers and support helped us make it through the pandemic. Now, as we move into spring, we look forward to a new life-giving season at STARS Family Services and we invite you to join us at this special turning point.
Will you help us reach the full challenge grant with a special gift this spring? You can give now by clicking the donate tab in the top right here on our website. You can also send us your gift by mail or give through out website.
And remember to come to our Art Show this spring!
Angela Killian
Executive Director, STARS Family Services
Pray with us:
Give thanks with us to God for the generosity of the challenge grant and that God would provide the full $200,000.
Pray for the upcoming art show, that God would guide us in preparing for it, that residents would feel both affirmed and excited for this first-ever experience.
Pray for the respite care efforts, that many would find rest, refreshment and blessing through the short-terms stay options at SFS
Pray for God to help us as we plan for summer ministries and developments..
Ask God to provide or our financial needs, that he would use SFS to care for STARS families, residents and respite care participants.