STARability Foundation and City of Naples River Park Community Center partnered for second year to offer summer camp for all abilities
STARability Foundation recently partnered with the City of Naples to host a summer camp at its STAR Store & Studio at 106 10th Street North. The five-week program provided nearly 50 campers of all abilities from the River Park Community Center with the opportunity to learn how to make bracelets.
The STAR Store & Studio is part of STARability’s Social Enterprise program, creating an inclusive environment for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive vocational training or paid employment by helping to maintain the store and create items for sale, such as candles, jewelry, cards and ornaments. Located a short walk from the River Park Community Center in the Naples Design District, the STAR Store & Studio benefits STARability through its resale shop and sale of its STAR products.
“We were very excited to continue our partnership with STARability this summer,” said Lynn Clarke, the recreation supervisor at River Park/Anthony Park. “The kids love going to the STAR Store. This camp is a great way to show them what the mission of the store is, who it helps, and the benefits that some of their very own friends may get from it as they grow older. It is also an amazing opportunity for two businesses to get together for the betterment of the community. The partnership with the City of Naples and STARability really shows how two businesses with like-minded missions can work together to serve in a more effective way.”
Campers had the opportunity to learn about the STAR Store & Studio as a business and what makes these handcrafted products so special. The camp is intentionally an inclusive experience; campers and leaders of all abilities share in the experience together and learn from one another.
The Summer Camp was co-led by three STARability participants and employees of the STAR Store & Studio: Liv DeAngelis, Chloe Kahn and Caitlin Roggia, alongside STAR Store Director Carrie Jo Terry. Through this experience, STARs are able to practice leadership, pride and skill development.
“STARability is thrilled to continue our partnership with River Park,” said Cayla Childs, STARability’s director of Social Enterprise. “The experience is as meaningful and special for our participants as it is for the campers. It is a valuable opportunity for them to gain confidence in their skills as they share their knowledge and passion for their craft.”
Campers were able to take home one bracelet of their creation; others fashioned during their lesson were contributed to the STAR Studio. As with all STAR Studio products, all proceeds from bracelet sales directly benefit STARabiltiy’s programming.
For more information about the STAR Store & Studio, please visit starstoreandstudio.square.site or email studio@STARability.org.
