STARability Work Club. PROVIDED

STARability Foundation has announced its award of a $2,000 grant from the Red Sox Foundation to support its Jr. Trailblazer Academy program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We are grateful and honored that the Red Sox Foundation has invested in this life-changing program,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “We share their vision to improve health, educational and recreational opportunities in our community. These funds will allow us to continue growing the program to support more STARs and their families as they transition into adulthood.”

Modeled after STARability’s centerpiece program, Trailblazer Academy, the Jr. Trailblazer Academy is a structured after-school program that offers vocational training, continuing education and life-enriching opportunities such as art, health and wellness activities to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages 14 and 22 who attend Collier County high schools. The program also focuses on employment readiness training, life skills education and community connections through the arts and environment.

“The Red Sox Foundation is happy to support such a worthy cause in Southwest Florida,” said Brennan Whitley, director of Florida events and operations for the Boston Red Sox. “Every dollar raised by the Red Sox Foundation in the tri-county region stays in the tri-county region and this is just another example of how we can give back to the community that has given us so much over the past 31 years. The mission of the STARability Foundation aligns with everything the Red Sox Foundation is about and we thank them for all their hard work on serving those in need.”

The Red Sox Foundation harnesses the passion of Red Sox Nation to make a difference in the lives of youth, families, veterans and communities in need by improving health, educational and recreational opportunities. Through its annual fundraising initiatives, the Red Sox Foundation has raised over $104 million since launching in 2002, impacting countless lives throughout the United States.

STARability Nutrition Class. PROVIDED

STARability offers a variety of innovative, results-driven programs designed to accommodate the needs of each unique participant through teaching life skills, providing vocational training and connecting participants to the community through meaningful and fulfilling social experiences.

To learn more about STARability’s life-transforming programs, visit STARability.org.

About STARability Foundation

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities, not disabilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.

About the Red Sox Foundation

Established in 2002, the Red Sox Foundation harnesses the passion of Red Sox Nation to make a difference in the lives of youth, families, veterans and communities in need by improving health, educational and recreational opportunities. The foundation works to raise millions of dollars each year to expand access, create opportunities and strengthen local communities through programming, grant-making and partnerships. To date, the foundation has transformed and saved countless lives, resulting in a total investment of over $104 million. For more information, visit redsoxfoundation.org.