Amy Herrgesell doesn’t talk much. Sometimes it’s a nod of the head or three-word sentences. But when the 49-year-old enters the doors leading to STARS in Scottsdale, a grin from ear to ear speaks for itself.

“I haven’t had to [ever] look for anything better because she’s happy there. It’s a program with a heart,” says Mary Lou Herrgesell, Amy’s mom.

Founded in 1973, STARS serves adults 21 and older with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, traumatic brain injuries and other cognitive and intellectual disabilities. Formerly known as Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services, the nonprofit serves approximately 150 participants Valley-wide at its two Scottsdale locations.

“Our tagline is ‘changing lives through opportunity’ and that’s what we hope to establish,” says David Henderson, STARS president and CEO. “We [want to] do whatever we can do to change lives in the community.”

The visionary behind the nonprofit is Mary King, 90, a former city of Scottsdale employee and current board member. In 1973, King was asked to research services for adults with disabilities in Scottsdale. The request came in the wake of broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera’s 1972 reporting of the neglect and abuse of patients with intellectual disabilities at Willowbrook State School and Letchworth Village, both located in New York state.

In Scottsdale, however, King found that services for adults with disabilities were nonexistent and desperately requested by parents. These parents—mainly mothers—formed Las Madrinas (“the godmothers”), an auxiliary group that worked to raise money and establish a program in which their children had purpose, friendship and community. Led by King, Las Madrinas created the organization now known as STARS.

In their humble beginnings, they operated out of borrowed space where participants made quilts using King’s sewing machine. But as times changed, its mission became more member inclusive. Today, STARS programs range from day training for adults to competitive integrated employment.

Amy has been attending the day program since her early 20s. After developing spinal meningitis as a newborn, she was later diagnosed with a rare syndrome characterized by seizures. When she aged out of public school, Mary Lou and her husband, Stephen, knew that their daughter needed something more than just being with them all day. Each month, they receive a calendar detailing daily activities ranging from morning conversations to music hour.

“She likes to sing and then one day, they’ll do karaoke, play games, crafts, painting,” says Stephen, who also serves on the board. In fact, he says Amy enjoys being there so much that they must remind her it’s not open on the weekends.

“I know a lot of the participants from when I drop Amy off,” Stephen says. “I see what’s going on, the interactions with the people. Everyone seems to be happy to be there. I can’t say enough about the people who work there, the training they receive and the compassion they show. They [the participants] love to be treated like everyone else.”

“And that’s a continued STARS’ goal, especially when it comes to employment for people with disabilities,” says Henderson.

“One program that really changed the fate of STARS is the competitive integrate employment program,” he says. “We don’t just give them jobs nobody wants. We ask them, ‘What would you like to do?’ ”

The STARS website states it strives to be the premier employment service in the Valley for people with disabilities through an individual first approach. This is achieved through having strong connections and working collaborations with many local employers.

STARS staff works with participants to develop real-life, vocational skills such as hygiene, punctuality, supervisory, peer relationships and work etiquette. This initiative is designed to build confidence and help participants obtain and retain an independent position supporting them with this job exploration through such services as resume writing, interviewing skills and one-on-one site training support.

“They are excellent employees, and we are proud of them,” Henderson says.

As the organization—which celebrates 50 years at its annual “Fiesta!” fundraising gala on May 13—moves forward in the future, the big question is what’s next.

A main concern is housing for people with disabilities, especially as their parents and guardians age. Henderson adds that people with disabilities such as those with Down syndrome rarely lived past 50 years old. Today, however, they are living longer, so it’s a concern for families like the Herrgesells.

“We’ve worried our whole life—when we get old, when she gets old,” Mary Lou says. “We want to select a place and know it’s safe.”

Although Amy has recently moved into a group home catering to those with developmental disabilities, the couple would love to see STARS move in that direction.

“They’ve done such a good job at STARS, and we’re certain that would carry over to a group home,” Stephen says.

Henderson says more families have voiced this same concern, which they are looking at as a possibility for the future moving forward…just like King did 50 years ago.

“In a way, we are a trusted brand and have to honor that,” Henderson says. “We have to always listen to what people in the community are saying and prioritize these services.”

And continue to put smiles on faces, which last a lifetime.