Each class focuses on health, nutrition, group skills and personal safety, beginning with a fun lesson before heading into the kitchen. Participants of all abilities contribute to creating a healthy and delicious multi-course meal and dine together, as well as participate in serving the meal and help to clean their work and dining spaces.

Cooking Class is led by longtime STAR volunteer Sandra Smith in season and by rotating volunteers during the summer, along with Enrollment & Volunteer Manager Connor Nehls. Sandra has been the seasonal instructor for STARability since the class began in 2009. STAR participants adore her and attend her classes year after year. As a retired social worker, Sandra brings much experience in the health and developmental disabilities fields to this life skills program. She finds it particularly rewarding to get to know new participants, design activities to meet the particular needs of each individual, and rise to the challenge of feeding a large group.

“Being part of STARabilty now and in the past has given me the opportunity to participate in the evolution of the program,” Sandra says. “Imagine what joy it is seeing the progress of the participants. So much growth has happened, in big and small ways. I am so lucky.”

Cooking Class is open to all STARability participants.