FORT WORTH, TEXAS (October 31, 2023) – On Thursday, October 26th, Goodwill North Central Texas hosted a fall festival and Halloween party for more than 120 S.T.A.R.S. participants, a unique day program for adults with disabilities. Halloween is Goodwill’s favorite holiday and employees and S.T.A.R.S. participants alike were dressed in costumes made from items found at local Goodwill stores. S.T.A.R.S. participants played games, enjoyed a photo booth, participated in a trunk or treat and awards were given for most original, funniest, weirdest and scariest costume, as well as best dance.
S.T.A.R.S , which stands for Skills Training Achieves Results, recreates daily living scenarios through an interactive, realistic environment. Participants rotate between different places such as the apartment, general store, town square, art studio and fitness center. Each different place gives participants a chance to learn real life skills while having fun and interacting with staff and participants. The curriculum is designed to help participants overcome their disadvantages and achieve maximum independence.
“We believe that every individual, regardless of their challenges, deserves the chance to shine and succeed in a supportive and interactive environment while having fun,” said Kimberly Smith, Vice President of GSS and S.T.A.R.S. “This year’s event was filled with creativity, laughter, and valuable learning experiences. We were thrilled to have community partners join in the fun at our ‘Trunk or Treat’ event, making the day even more special.”
About Goodwill North Central Texas
Goodwill is more than a thrift store. The largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves this chance.
Goodwill North Central Texas is based in Fort Worth and serves 18 counties in the region. The nonprofit’s 27 area retail locations provide revenue through the sale of donated goods to support Goodwill’s mission to CREATE lives of independence and BUILD a stronger local community. Job training and career services programs for people with disabilities, such as physical or mental disabilities and other barriers to employment including lack of education or work experience and homelessness are guided by the organization’s vision of a North Central Texas where every person has the opportunity for maximum independence and abundant living. For more information, please visit www.GoodwillNorthCentralTexas.org.