STAR Program Relocates to Serve More Adults

By Isabella Castillo / Contributor

The Notre Dame School’s STAR Adult Program, which serves adults with special needs, has moved to a new location in East Dallas where it has the capacity to double in size. 

The program has operated inside Notre Dame School in the State-Thomas neighborhood for the past six years, where it has helped adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities transition from school to the real world. 

In its restricted space, the program could accommodate just 36 adults. But its new location at the East Dallas Christian Church will enable it to serve 80 adults, who will receive 700 hours of training. 

The STAR program, which will continue to be operated by Notre Dame School, celebrated its reopening with families, board members, donors, and the community on Jan. 15.  

“By welcoming Notre Dame School’s STAR Program onto their campus and in their church, East Dallas Christian Church demonstrates its leadership in showing what it means to value every individual,” Notre Dame School of Dallas president Caroline O’Brien said. “We could not be prouder to be part of their mission and collective impact.” 

The Jan. 15 event opened with words from East Dallas Christian Church pastor Allison Drake, O’Brien, and a STAR Adult Program resident. Attendees also received a tour of the program. 

The expansion will allow the Notre Dame School’s STAR Program to accommodate its current students, adults on the waitlist, and other future students. 

Notre Dame School of Dallas president Caroline O’Brien is an alum of Highland Park High School who lives in Preston Hollow. Click HERE to read more about the school.