STARS Family Services President Tony DiLeonardi

Tony DiLeonardi

The Board of STARS Family Services (SFS) expresses deep appreciation to College Church for its ongoing support of the residences, families and staff of SFS during an incredible year of blessings. Thank you for your prayers.

Since we began in 2008, STARS Family Services provides private community-based homes (supportive living arrangements) and related services for adults with developmental disabilities in Wheaton. At present there are two homes for men and one for women. The homes allow for these individuals to continue living in their own communities, close to their family, friends and church. All residents are involved in the STARS Disability Ministry at College Church.

Three significant movements were orchestrated by God and fully embraced by SFS in the last 12 months:

▸ The COVID-19 pandemic response

▸ The development of the Executive Director position

▸ God’s faithfulness through his people’s generosity

Pandemic Response

To protect our high-risk residents, in March 2020 SFS took the unprecedented step of closing the SFS homes and furloughed staff. Before reopening on July 6, we developed safety protocols (based on CDC/ IDPH, CCIW medical committee and SFS guidance), professionally disinfected each home, educated residents, family and staff on new protocol and created a new model for resident daily routines and activities outside the home. We are thankful there have been no positive COVID-19 cases among our residents or staff to date.

Executive Director

As reported previously, the board had made the decision to explore the possibility of hiring an executive director to oversee the various aspects of the organization under the direction of the board. Two distinct committees were formed to survey the overall organizational structure and sustainability. For over a year the committees surveyed all job descriptions, roles and needs. We furthered the development of a job description, identification of funding sources and establishing a strategy for conducting a job search for leadership.

Through this process, by witnessing her dedicated work as a board member and head of the personnel commission, it became clear that Angela Killian had the experience and expertise to lead SFS. After considerable prayer, effective March 1, 2021, Angela took on the role of executive director. We are praising God for his constant care of SFS through this process and season.

Fundraising

Due to COVID-19 we had no large events or fundraisers in 2020. However, donations large and small throughout the year were up. Two foundations (not at all affiliated with College Church) were instrumental this year. Additionally, we applied for and received money from the federal PPP program, allowing us to pay our staff during their furlough. Because we complied, we sought and received forgiveness of the loans. God is good.

In 2020, SFS experienced the most fruitful results of our end of year appeal in the history of the organization. And again, our partners at the STARS Resale shop continue to labor on our behalf as it contributes significant proceeds to the ministry of SFS. What a shining example of the church coming together. New fundraising sources continue to be identified and explored and we look forward to how God will provide through those sources.

Other brief updates:

Occupancies: SFS runs three homes, with the capacity for 14 full-time residents. Currently we have three open rooms - a challenge being addressed aggressively; however, potential applicants still face financial barriers put in place by the State of Illinois regarding access to funds for disabled adults.

Staff: Carol Casey continues to use her gifts and passions in a refined new role, focusing on the development, activities and daily needs of our residents, and as the key liaison to our STARS family members. Carol is excited to come alongside Angela as they work with our 30 employees, as well as volunteers, in the homes and at the job sites. We are so blessed to have so many dedicated staff and volunteers caring for our STARS.

I am grateful for the dedication of the board, who continue to serve and for whom I thank the Lord: Tom Paulsen (vice president), Nancy Singer (secretary), Michelle Linhardt (treasurer), Wil Triggs, Julie Clemens, Bob Kay, Glenn Kosirog and Ken Larson. As the executive director for SFS, Angela Killian will become an ex-officio member of the board. Dawn Clark has stepped off the board and we are grateful for her wise counsel over the years. We are in prayer as we contemplate additional board members.

As always, the STARS Family Services Board asks the members of College Church to be in prayer for the staff, the residents and their families and for those in the Partner Program that they will continue to thrive in an environment of Christian love. We ask you to add, most immediately, continued prayer for their good health and safety and for Angela (and Scott) Killian, as she transitions into her new role at SFS.

Thank you for volunteering, providing financial support and praying for the work of STARS Family Services. We are always looking for committed Christians to join our team of staff and volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a part of the SFS team, please contact Angela Killian for a list of current openings and to obtain a job application: angela@starsfamilyservices.org.

We praise God for how he continues to bless the ministry, even in the pandemic. To God be the glory!