Through our Virtual STAR Connections, participants can connect with one another and engage in innovative classes and activities from anywhere—whether they are traveling, living out of state, unable to leave home or simply well-suited to virtual learning.
Join us on Zoom for continuing education, art and creative expression workshops, health and wellness classes, life enrichment activities and many other opportunities.
Click here to view the Spanish flyer on Virtual Programming.
Why Virtual?
“Growing up, I was told that I was never going to learn computer because it would be too hard for me. Everybody did their best, but they didn’t realize I was more of a one-on-one person when it came to that. I’m so grateful for Computer Class in particular, and now, 23 or 24 years after being out of school, I feel like I’ve finally learned how to do certain things. I feel so accomplished.”
—Nicole C., Virtual STAR Connections participant
Those wishing to subscribe to Virtual STAR Connections must first enroll with the STARability Foundation. Participants must have a device (a cellphone, tablet or computer) with a camera and internet access.
Subscription-based series
STAR participants can subscribe for a “bundled” series, or for all three series to run concurrently. Each bundled series consists of 3 hours of programming a week.
Single Series: Sign up for one of the three series and receive 3 hours of programming per week, 12 sessions in all for the month, for $35.
1-2-3 Series: Sign up for all three series and receive 12 hours of programming per week, 36 sessions in all for the month, for $105.
Arts & Expressions
MUSICAL THEATER – Mondays at 12 p.m.
Explore the world of Musical Theater! Hosted in partnership with Craig Price and Mary Mitchell of The Naples Players, Musical Theater provides STARs the opportunity to engage in acting, singing and dancing from a number of different musicals. Come learn the choreography to a dance routine, practice vocal warmups or develop your acting skills while we perform a scene from a Broadway show!
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT – Mondays at 2:30 p.m.
Learn the art of photography in this two-part activity! You’ll receive a video of the week’s lesson to explore and complete at home, and then, after you’ve completed the project, you’ll join your fellow photographers on Zoom for the virtual Photography Exhibit. The exhibit will showcase the previous week’s project and give STAR photographers a chance to talk about their work with one another!
LOL: IMPROV FUN THURSDAYS – Thursdays at 12 p.m.
Come join Craig Price and Mary Mitchell of The Naples Players for an hour of laughter in LOL “Laugh Online” Improv Fun Thursdays. You’ll play improv games that focus on communication techniques like listening, accepting, supporting and letting go of mistakes, all in a fun, online environment!
Health & Wellness Series
MOVEMENT MATTERS – Thursdays at 1:15 p.m.
Movement Matters is a program designed to expand your awareness and to educate you on the importance of a healthy lifestyle in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, water intake and more. Let’s work together to improve our overall health wherever we live, work, learn and play!
YOGA – Fridays at 3:30 p.m.
Join yoga instructor Salima Silverman of House of Gaia for a calming and relaxing yoga practice. Participants learn how to control their breathing, stay focused and become in tune with body awareness through a variety of yoga poses, stretches and meditations.
You can also join Salima for an additional yoga session on Saturdays at 1 p.m. Saturday’s event is sponsored by MVP Autism Foundation. Thank you, MVP Autism Foundation!
SPIRIT CLUB FITNESS – Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Offered in partnership with SPIRIT Club, Fitness classes are broken into different areas of focus including Cardio, Balance, & Strength. All fitness classes work on teaching functional movements to help your whole body become healthier and more physically capable. All exercises are designed to be engaging and easy to follow so everyone can join in and have a great time!
Life Enrichment Series
HEALTH & SAFETY – Wednesdays at 9 a.m.
Participants engage with one another and discuss a variety of topics related to health, nutrition, physical activity and personal wellness to help them implement healthy habits in their personal life as well as out in the community.
GARDEN CLUB – Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Garden Club is a two-part activity. First, tune into our Facebook page on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. for a video from Employment Specialist Halley Kretschmer of the week’s project. Then, after you’ve completed the project, join Halley and your fellow gardeners by Zoom the following Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. to talk about your progress.
NUTRITION CLASS – Thursdays at 9 a.m.
This class covers a variety of topics related to eating healthy and exercising regularly, encouraging participants to lead a healthy lifestyle and make healthy choices in their everyday life.
Free online content
Fifteen (15) hours per month of free programming are available to STAR participants through their annual foundation enrollment, including the following.
BINGO – Mondays at 1:15 p.m.
In this fun recreational class, instructors call out the bingo numbers and show them on-screen while participants use their own cards and chips to play along. Bingo encourages participants to cheer on their friends and interact together as a team!
COMPUTER CLASS – Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.
With guidance from Communications Specialist Matthew Walzer and Program & Volunteer Coordinator Connor Nehls, participants further develop concentration, comprehension and fine motor skills. This class also provides a great opportunity for STARs to cultivate their creativity, have fun and share their progress with their peers. Class topics have included typing exercises, research projects, Microsoft Office, thank-you cards, goal pyramids, poems, holiday activities and many more, and participants are welcome to make requests!
NEXT CHAPTER BOOK CLUB – Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Join STAR volunteer Sue Guben and Program & Volunteer Coordinator Connor Nehls to enjoy reading through a variety of both fiction and non-fiction books as a group while the instructors guide discussion and conversation among peers.
TRIVIA NIGHT – Once a month at 5 p.m.
Test your knowledge of fun facts in this monthly themed program that’s part class, part party! We’ll talk about subjects like Disney and Marvel movies, popular songs, history and more, and don’t hesitate to dress or decorate your space on theme. Don’t know the answer? No problem! This is all for fun, and the best part is your friends are there to help you. We use color coordination to vote for our answers as a group.
CLUB STAR – Once a month at 5 p.m.
Join us in Club STAR for a monthly virtual dance party—from your own home! Wear your coolest attire and get ready to dance the night away to your favorite music with your friends.
Learn more about Virtual STAR Connections by contacting Virtual Program Manager Francesca MacAlister at francesca@STARability.org or 239.594.9007.
Is your STAR participant interested in virtual programming with a focus on life skills and vocational training? Learn about our Virtual Trailblazer Academy.
Virtual programming is supported by grants from the Community Foundation of Collier County, Golisano Foundation, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and Vasari Cares Foundation.
Help Transform Lives
STARability Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, registration #CH172. A copy of our official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. For more information, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs at 1.800.435.7352 or visit freshfromflorida.com.
