The Business of Building Independence: STARC Helps the Developmentally Challenged Lead Richer, Fuller Lives
by Jamey Landry
In 1972, a simple mosquito bite eventually affected the lives of hundreds. Heaven, the 8-month-old daughter of Laura Delaup, was infected with encephalitis from that bite. The debilitating disease spread quickly and left little Heaven developmentally disabled. Faced with a parent’s worst nightmare, Laura didn’t cave to the pressures living with a developmentally challenged child presents. Instead, she fought back.
Laura formed the St. Tammany Association for Retarded Citizens (STARC) in 1972, along with two other mothers in similar circumstances. From the original three participants the organization has grown to serve over 700 individuals and their families in St. Tammany, Washington, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes.
The organization’s goal is to reach out to people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities and unlock their potential through a variety of mainstreaming projects and job skills programs. STARC members like to say that they are “in the business of building independence, day by day, step by step.”
Building Toward More
Meaningful Lives
STARC programs are designed to help developmentally disabled individuals of all ages and their families lead more meaningful, productive and fulfilling lives. This is accomplished through several forms of therapy, support groups, living assistance, job training and employment opportunities. STARC members learn job and life skills that build their independence and allow them to apply those learned skills in the community.
The Early Intervention program teaches families of infants and toddlers to age 3 how to cope with the challenges and needs of the developmentally disabled. Adolescent and adult programs teach life skills and provide job training designed to teach confidence and independence.
Community Interaction With STARC Is Easy
Although STARC receives funding through state and federal agencies and as a partner member of United Way, it develops its own brand of independence through various business enterprises it runs to supplement funding for training programs. The STARC businesses provide an outstanding opportunity for the community and STARC to interact in real-world settings. These businesses include a commercial linen service and retail dry cleaning and laundry services. Through its Better Way Services vocational training program, sorting, collating, document shredding, janitorial and horticultural services are offered.
Another STARC business that is popular with the community is STARC Art. The program is designed to give individuals a creative outlet for self-expression while providing the opportunity for participants to earn money and build self-esteem. Selected art is matted, framed and sold at various venues. Seasonal greeting cards featuring selected art are also available.
The businesses are mutually beneficial to both STARC and the community. STARC benefits by earning revenue and providing its members opportunities to apply newly learned job and life skills in a controlled, supportive environment. The community benefits by receiving high quality goods and services at a competitive price. But perhaps the biggest benefit STARC businesses provide to the community is the satisfaction of knowing that their purchases truly do help those with special needs make their lives richer, fuller and better.
Get Involved
STARC welcomes help from family members, interested citizens and professionals alike. Join them in making a difference for individuals with developmental disabilities by becoming a STARC member, by supporting STARC businesses or by volunteering your time and talent. Contact STARC at (985) 641-0197 or visit the website at www.starla.org.
