STARability Foundation, a leading organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), celebrated the commencement on its new future campus located at 2655 Northbrooke Drive in Naples. The milestone was commemorated with a groundbreaking ceremony held on Nov. 19, including the special unveiling of the Golisano Program Center, a building dedicated to Tom Golisano that will honor a lasting legacy and $10 million in transformative leadership gifts from Mr. Golisano toward STARability’s permanent new home.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, community leaders, board and committee members, STARability’s vision of creating a first-of-its kind campus and a welcoming home for people with IDD and their families is becoming a reality,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “This next chapter would not be possible without the incredible support from Tom Golisano and our entire community. As we advance this work, we are not only building a regional hub that expands services and opportunities for families across Southwest Florida but also shaping a campus that will stand as a national model for what true inclusivity can look like. We are building a brighter future for our STARs to shine.”

During the momentous celebration, guests enjoyed a celebratory toast, remarks from STARability’s leadership, project partners and supporters, and the opportunity to be part of this historic step forward for the community. The campus will be built in partnership with Connor+Gaskins Studio and several industry design leaders who are contributing their expertise to the project, including Stofft Cooney Architects, Lisa Kahn Designs, Architectural Land Design and Davidson Engineering.

Today, STARability serves more than 370 individuals each year, with an average of 75 participants attending daily programs. Demand continues to outpace available space, with a waiting list that grows each day. The new campus expands services and support to serve 1,000 people annually, welcoming 180 participants on campus each day and eliminating the waitlist.

The renovation marks the beginning of a long-term, multi-phase plan to create a comprehensive, purpose-driven campus tailored to meet the growing needs of Southwest Florida. The project transforms the existing 42,000-square-foot, two-story building into an inclusive, state-of-the-art program center, setting a new standard in Florida as a regional hub for people with IDD and their families to learn, grow and thrive.

“Supporting opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has been a major focus of mine for more than 40 years,” said Tom Golisano. “STARability’s new campus is an important and much-needed step for Southwest Florida. It will provide more individuals and families with the programs and support to help them build meaningful, independent lives. I’m pleased to contribute to a project that delivers real results and strengthens inclusion in our community.”

STARability is a regional leader in providing innovative, results-driven programs designed to accommodate the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Southwest Florida. Their life-transforming work ensures families have access to programs, resources and an inclusive community that provide opportunities to lead a meaningful and productive life.

To learn more about STARability Foundation, visit STARability.org.

About Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation

Tom Golisano, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives in business, healthcare, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals – including multiple children’s hospitals across the country that bear his name and numerous other organizations exceed $1 billion.

A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, in 1985 Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding grants to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

About STARability Foundation

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. 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.