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News

Dear friends,

I hope the new year is off to a good start for you, in spite of the continued threat of COVID-19 and the unrest on the national level.

While we are mindful of the many challenges we all face, we want to share some good news with you.

Dear friends,

It is the first day of October, which is also the first day of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s NDEAM takes on a special significance because we are marking the 75th anniversary of NDEAM and the 30th anniversary of the ADA.

Good morning,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m encouraged to see the progress New Yorkers have made in controlling the spread of Covid-19 as we try to safely resume daily living.

Here at Starbridge, we are operating much as we have been for the past 5 months. Our staff continue to serve individuals and families throughout the region. We are grateful for the technology that enables us to stay in touch with you and with each other!

Dear friends,

Like so many of you, we have watched with horror as people of color have died at the hands of police and vigilantes. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. These are three of the most public and most recent losses, but they are just a few of the many names that we have heard over the years. Every life taken is a tragedy.

Our country has not lived up to the promise of our Declaration of Independence: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. From America’s history of slavery and the ensuing centuries of racism since, it is hard not to see it any other way. Institutionalized racism has led to serious public health concerns in communities of color: lowered life expectancy, employment rates, educational attainment, and homeownership; higher rates of maternal mortality, incarceration, and COVID infections.

Dear friends,

As you know, New York State has been on PAUSE since mid-March. The Governor has announced that the Finger Lakes region, including Rochester, can begin a phased reopening of businesses on Friday, May 15th. This is part of his NY Forward plan for reopening the state, to happen in stages.

Families who have children with disabilities face personal and financial challenges more often than families who have children without disabilities. In rural communities, people often lack internet access, experience higher rates of poverty, and are physically more isolated from each other and from agencies that can help.

Good afternoon,

Based on the latest guidance from state authorities, we are further restricting access to our sites for essential purposes only. Effective immediately:

  • Our main office at 1650 South Avenue is closed to visitors until further notice.
  • No visitors will be allowed to any Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) unless medically or clinically essential. This is to protect the health of the people living there and of the staff supporting them.

Otherwise, Starbridge staff are continuing to provide supports and services in education, employment, and healthy living. You can contact us through staff phone numbers, emails, or via our website or main phone number: 585-546-1700.

NYS OPWDD has issued the following guidance suspending visitation to IRAs, effective immediately:

Good afternoon,

The safety of the people we serve, our employees, and our community is critical. We are carefully monitoring the developments with COVID-19.

We want to assure you we are continuing to operate and provide supports and services; however, we are taking additional precautions to help minimize the spread of the virus.

Happy New Year! We have some exciting news to announce:

Nikisha Ridgeway, M.A., has joined Starbridge as our Chief Operating Officer. In her role, Nikisha is responsible for Starbridge’s overall operations and service delivery.