FIRST PRESBYTERIAN OF WHEATON PAY-IT FORWARD PLAN BENEFITS DISABLED
Marion Robbins, member of First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, received $100 and turned it into $1300 which she donated to STARS Family Services in order to benefit its recently opened residence for women with disabilities, the Hooten Home.
An anonymous member of First Presbyterian offered $10,000 to the congregation to be used for community outreach and charity. On February 22, the pastors handed out one hundred $100 bills to folks who raised their hands to participate in the plan. Each recipient was charged with multiplying the money and then giving it away to benefit others.
Marion Robbins raised her hand. As the pastor referenced the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13: 31-32, she knew what she would do with the money she had just been given. She ordered a lovely sterling silver mustard seed necklace from a jeweler and organized a raffle to raise money for STARS Family Services, a nonprofit organization that builds and operates small supportive living arrangements for developmentally disabled adults.
Why STARS Family Services? Marion first became aware of the STARS program of College Church in Wheaton through her volunteer work with the Court Friends Program. She was the "eyes and ears of the judge" as she interviewed guardians and wards of the court, some of whom had disabilities. The work of STARS Family Services came to her attention when one of the members of her church moved into Washington House, the first group home for men. She states, "As a result of these interviews I have always been impressed with the work of the STARS program for the disabled and of course, when I read about the new group home....it was a match for me!"
Disability ministry has been a priority at College Church since the 1960s. The church believes that each person is created by God for a purpose, including those who are created with disabilities. College Church refers to such individuals as STARS. The STARS program makes access to worship, ministry, and fellowship a reality for the disabled community and their families. Currently 130 families from Wheaton and surrounding suburbs participate in STARS.
In 2008, a need was recognized and STARS Family Services was founded in order to provide living arrangements for adult STARS with aging parents. In 2011, Washington House in north Wheaton opened its doors to 4 adult men who continue to thrive in their independence. There is appropriate supervision and each resident takes responsibility for meal planning, cooking, and household chores as they live in community together.
This past April (2015) five women moved into the second house, Hooten Home, and a third (for men) will open a bit later this year. These two new properties are on Cross Street in Wheaton.
STARS Family Services is profoundly grateful to Marion for her heart and gift on behalf of those with disabilities.