The STARability Foundation has officially kicked off construction of its much-anticipated new campus in Naples, a major milestone for a nonprofit that has spent four decades empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The ceremonial groundbreaking took place Nov. 19 at 2655 Northbrooke Drive, signaling the start of a multi-phase journey to create Southwest Florida’s largest inclusive hub for life-enriching disability services.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Golisano Program Center, a building named in honor of philanthropist and Paychex founder Tom Golisano, whose cumulative leadership gifts totaling $10 million helped make the project possible. The center is envisioned as a transformative space that expands services and opens new opportunities for individuals with IDD of all ages.
“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. She continued, “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.”
The existing 42,000-square-foot building will undergo a full transformation into a state-of-the-art, purpose-driven space supporting education, vocational training, social enrichment and community integration. STARability’s daily capacity will increase from 75 to 180 participants per day, enabling the organization to serve more than 1,000 individuals per year and eliminate a growing waitlist that has stretched the nonprofit’s current facility to its limits.
Construction reflects a collaboration between Connor+Gaskins Studio and several top design partners, including Stofft Cooney Architects, Lisa Kahn Designs, Davidson Engineering and Architectural Land Design. The project marks the first phase of a long-term master plan to establish a nationally recognized campus dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through meaningful, measurable outcomes.
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For Tom Golisano, the new campus represents a continuation of over four decades of advocacy for disability inclusion. “Supporting opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has been a major focus of mine for more than 40 years,” Golisano said. He emphasized the community impact of the project, adding, “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.”
Golisano’s philanthropy has surpassed $1 billion, supporting education, healthcare, children’s hospitals, business investment and advocacy efforts that build independence for underserved communities. His Golisano Foundation remains one of the largest private organizations dedicated to IDD programs in the United States, granting support to nonprofits in both Southwest Florida and Western New York.
What began as a small group of dedicated parents has grown into one of Florida’s leading disability service providers. STARability now supports individuals aged 14 and older through vocational training, continuing education, teamwork-building, job placement, community engagement and ongoing life-skills development. Its programs aim to ensure that every participant is not only supported, but also celebrated.
With the launch of this campus, STARability strengthens its identity as a powerful regional force for inclusion—creating a model likely to inspire organizations across the country.
Originally reported by SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY.
