Few people express as much love and gratitude as Mae Smith, a participant in Goodwill’s S.T.A.R.S. program.
Mae was diagnosed with failure to thrive at birth, which causes slow physical development and puts individuals at risk for behavioral problems and developmental delays. When Mae first came to Goodwill, she was very reserved and often had difficulty participating in classroom activities. With help from instructors, she gained confidence and established friendships.
S.T.A.R.S. stands for skills training achieves results and is a unique day-habilitation program for adults with significant disabilities. The program recreates daily living scenarios to give participants a chance to learn real-life skills to overcome their disadvantages and achieve maximum independence. Through S.T.A.R.S., participants are also able to receive prevocational training. Mae gained job skills at a Goodwill store where her bright personality made her a favorite among retail staff. She later received a part-time job with Edgar’s Bath Goods, where she handmakes luxury bath bombs with other adults with disabilities.
Outside of work, Mae lives with her mother Darlene and brother Jeremy, who has cerebral palsy. Mae is very close with her family and assists her mom with Jeremy at home. “He can’t walk or talk, but I understand him,” said Mae describing the two’s relationship. Darlene heard about S.T.A.R.S. from a caseworker and enrolled her in the program soon after. “I’m thankful for Goodwill because they opened doors for my daughter Mae, and she’s still thriving. She’s still doing better every day.”