STARability Foundation Presented BCB Homes with STAR Award for their commitment to inclusive employment

STARability Foundation presented a STAR Award to Greg Brisson, President of BCB Homes, on January 28, to recognize his company for their commitment to inclusive employment, and for being a vocational partner of the STARability Trailblazer Academy program.

The local luxury home building company is one of 26 area businesses and nonprofit organizations that are helping others realize the benefits of the Trailblazer program. Brett Cooney, Trailblazer participant, was also present for the award presentation as he has been working with BCB since October as an office assistant.

“BCB Homes is proud to be involved in a program to enhance the life of individuals with disabilities. It’s a privilege to partner with STARability and we are honored to have Brett Cooney as part of the BCB Homes team,” says Brisson.

Brett says he loves working at BCB Homes because he feels a part of the team and he enjoys having his own desk and area to work. His co-workers say he immediately gets to work once he walks in the door and stays on tasks until the end of his shift.

“This is Brett’s first paid job and he is learning to manage his own money,” says Carrie Cooney, Brett’s mother. “He is now able to use the money that he earns to feel more independent — go out to eat, go to the movies, travel to Disney, and to pay his STARability program fees. This has given him much more independence and he is excited every week when he receives his paycheck from BCB Homes. We are so proud of him.”

STARability works closely with businesses to match employees, provide supports, and define job responsibilities. A participant’s skills, strengths, and interests help determine an appropriate placement to offer a positive, meaningful experience. It is a team endeavor on all accounts, and the STAR Award strives to recognize the entire business and their efforts towards a more inclusive community. STARability thanks BCB Homes for welcoming Brett to their team and providing meaningful and inclusive employment.

The STARability Foundation launched the Trailblazer Academy to address an unmet need in Collier County for a full-time, post-high school program for young adults with intellectual (ID) and developmental (DD) disabilities. The Trailblazer Academy fills a gap in local disability services by providing daily vocational training and education for individuals 18 years and older with ID/DD who have aged out of school services.

STARability Foundation:
The STARability Foundation exists to Support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize Teamwork and connection to the community to build Awareness and Respect for their individual abilities. A professional staff and more than 100 volunteers deliver a full calendar of engaging, innovative and creative programs to ensure that members, currently ages 14 to 70, have the quality of life they seek and deserve after aging out of school-supported services.
For more information about the Naples nonprofit and its programs, go to www.STARability.org or https://www.facebook.com/STARabilityfoundation.