STARS

What STARS does

STARS (legally Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1973 in Scottsdale, Arizona by parents of adults with disabilities, making it one of the first agencies in the Scottsdale area dedicated to serving individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization operates four core programs: Day Training for Adults (DTA), which provides structure and life-skills training; Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), which places participants in independent community jobs; CommunityWork, a supervised vocational program performing compensated tasks for corporate and nonprofit partners; and Community-Based Employment Support (CBE), which provides ongoing post-placement coaching. A complementary transportation service, Beyond the Ride, operates a fleet of more than a dozen vehicles within a 30-mile radius and is cited as the reason over 60% of center-based participants remain engaged with programming.

The organization's revenue model is multi-stream and predominantly institutional. Primary funding flows from Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DES DDD) Qualified Vendor contracts and from 16 Vocational Rehabilitation offices that refer participants; federal grants, such as FTA Section 5310 funds channeled through the Maricopa Association of Governments, and state legislative allocations supplement this base. Corporate revenue is generated through CommunityWork contracts with partners including Cox Enterprises (cable and remote refurbishment — 898,740 cables and 209,090 remotes in 2022), U-Haul International (recycling), Hospice of the Valley (welcome packet assembly), Fry's Food Stores, La Grande Orange, and The Saguaro Hotel. A fundraising and donations layer (Scottsdale Charros Foundation, Kiwanis Club, East Valley Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Arizona Republic Season for Sharing, Arizona Gives Day) contributes discretionary capital, and a new Social Enterprise initiative (including an 'All-STARS Brew' with OHSO Brewery) launched in July 2025 represents an emerging earned-revenue arm.

Operations are delivered through two Scottsdale campuses — the Osborn Campus (CommunityWork and administration) and the Cholla Campus (DTA) — with a small executive team led by Executive Director Claudia Chavez and supported by a Board of Directors chaired by Jennifer Alewelt. STARS holds Qualified Vendor status with AZ DES DDD and complies with OSHA, FLSA Section 14(c), WIOA, Title VI, and ADA requirements. The organization has explicitly navigated a state funding shortfall in FY26 and is repositioning with new executive hires, a culture initiative, and the social enterprise expansion.

Name

STARS

Legal name

Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services, Inc.

Website

https://starsaz.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

STARS is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based nonprofit founded in 1973 serving adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities through day training, competitive integrated employment, supervised vocational work, and transportation programs funded primarily by state DDD contracts, federal grants, and community donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services and Vocational Rehabilitation

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors) (HLADAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialized Adult Day Programs (Parkinson’s, Stroke, MS, etc.) (HSABANAE)

Keywords

• Developmental disability services
• Adult day training
• Vocational rehabilitation programs
• Employment support services
• Disability community programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Scottsdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Contracts and Grants: STARS receives funding through Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), federal grants such as the FTA Section 5310 program, and state legislative funding allocations. The organization has faced state funding shortfalls and advocates for supplemental funding.
2. Community Donations and Fundraising: STARS operates donation campaigns including the Beyond the Ride transportation campaign with a $75,000 goal. Donations are received from individual donors, family supporters, and community organizations.
3. Program Fees: STARS provides compensated work tasks for CommunityWork participants through contracts with corporate partners like Cox Enterprises and Hospice of the Valley.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

STARS delivers day programs, vocational training, competitive integrated employment placement, and transportation services for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities in the Scottsdale/Phoenix metropolitan area. Services are funded through Arizona DDD contracts, government grants, and community donations, and are accessed primarily through two campus locations in Scottsdale. The organization also provides compensated work tasks for corporate partners such as Cox Enterprises and Hospice of the Valley through its CommunityWork program.

Product overview

STARS (Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services) is a nonprofit organization providing programs and services for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected programs including Day Training for Adults (DTA) for life-skills development, Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for independent job placement, CommunityWork for supervised vocational training, and Community-Based Employment Support (CBE) with ongoing employment assistance. Transportation services (Beyond the Ride) support participant access to all programs, while the Shooting Star Newsletter keeps the community informed.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Day Training for Adults (DTA) Adult day program at the Cholla Campus that provides structure, life-skills training, social activities, and community integration for individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities.
• Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Employment program that prepares job-ready individuals for fully inclusive independent employment using a multi-phase model including discovery, readiness, and job placement, with on-the-job coaching at partner employers such as U-Haul, Fry's, La Grande Orange, and The Saguaro Hotel.
• CommunityWork Supervised work program where participants engage in compensated tasks for various nonprofit and corporate partners (such as Cox Enterprises and Hospice of the Valley), building employment and social skills in a center-based environment.
• Community-Based Employment Support (CBE) Comprehensive initiative with two programs: Independent Employment Support (ISE) for the first year and Employment Support Aid (ESA) for ongoing support without a predetermined end date, helping participants achieve full community integration through employment.
• Beyond the Ride Transportation Service Transportation service providing essential transport for participants to attend adult day programs and employment opportunities, operating a fleet of over a dozen vehicles within a 30-mile radius of STARS campuses.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 60% of center-based participants have remained engaged with STARS due to transportation services
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Scottsdale Kiwanis ClubminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 August 2025STARS joined Scottsdale Kiwanis Club breakfast meeting where Claudia Chavez shared how STARS empowers adults with developmental disabilities. The Kiwanis Club made a $500 donation to STARS.
• Cox Enterprises / Cox CommunicationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunityWork participants refurbish remotes, power cords, and cables for redistribution by Cox Enterprises. In 2022, participants refurbished 898,740 cables and 209,090 remotes. Cox volunteers have also painted the CommunityWork facility and cleaned exercise areas at the Cholla Campus.
• Hospice of the ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunityWork participants assemble welcome packets for the sole nonprofit hospice in Maricopa County. Participants like Ben put together 100 pamphlets per session. Described as a 'beautiful win-win' partnership where HOV gets required support while participants gain valuable job and social skills.
• U-Haul InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIE program places participants in U-Haul's recycling program. Participant Jackson has been in his carved position for nearly 3 years. U-Haul management has praised participants' work ethic and dedication.
• La Grande Orange (LGO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLGO created carved employment positions for three CIE participants in bakery and restaurant operations. Regional Restaurant Manager Blair Andersen and Bakery Manager Josh Thompson provide supportive atmosphere.
• The Saguaro HotelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIE graduate Vicente O. employed in groundskeeper/maintenance/housekeeping departments at The Saguaro Hotel in Old Town Scottsdale after completing Employment First Initiative.
• Phoenix SunsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for luxury game experience event treating STARS participants and staff to premium seats, special arena access, and meet-and-greet with Phoenix Suns Gorilla.
• National Charity LeagueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational Charity League Sonoran Centennial Chapter provides volunteers, holiday gifts, Easter baskets, and Halloween gift bags for STARS participants. The organization's focus is fostering mother-daughter relationships while serving the community.
• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian CommunityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSRPMIC hosted the 2024 East Valley Mayor's Prayer Breakfast where STARS was recognized. Ongoing mutual support relationship cultivated over many years.
• SRP (Salt River Project)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSTARS connected with SRP employees in Mesa to share information about STARS, explore volunteer opportunities, and discover ways to get involved. Kelly Valles serves as SRP liaison.
• MedixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-time volunteers for STARS who helped organize staff appreciation breakfasts at each campus, treating employees to food and hosting raffles.
• OHSO BreweryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTARS partnered with OHSO Brewery to create an 'All-STARS Brew' - a social enterprise initiative. Staff, board members, and participant Josh R. participated in brewing the custom beer.
• Detour Theatre CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDetour Theatre Company produces accessible theatrical performances featuring adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. STARS participants performed in The Little Mermaid production at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCqT6PXJGFizHKSRhcsXzp8g
• Facebookfacebook.com/starsaz1
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/422590
• Instagraminstagram.com/starsaz
• Xx.com/starsaz

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about STARS