The YMCA believes that everyone deserves to enjoy life’s richness, and that includes our members with mental and physical disabilities. Our award winning DayStar program provides training support and the YMCA’s special brand of love for handi-abled members of our community.
The Dye Clay
Family YMCA's DayStar Center will celebrate it's 9th
anniversary in May 2009! DayStar is certified by the Agency
for Persons with Disabilities Florida and is authorized by
this agency to provide various services. Through the Center,
we offer a Pre-vocational, Recreational and Rehabilitative
Day Treatment Program that serves handi-abled adults.
With the support of the Department of Children and Families, Brooks Health Foundation, Jacksonville Community Foundation, The Reinhold Foundation, B.A.S.C.A., Trinity Fabricators, and numerous community businesses and individuals, the YMCA was able to develop this unique program.
The founder, Jo Knott, recognized the need for programs for disabled adults in Clay County. After graduation from public high school, disabled adults in Clay County had few options. Those incapable of assuming jobs in supported employment found themselves relegated to seclusion in their homes-organized programs capable of attending to their needs simply did not exist. Thus with the support of B.A.S.C.A. and the Bob Dye Clay Family YMCA, the DayStar Center was born.
In August
2008, the YMCA of Florida's First Coast opened our second
DayStar Center at the Barco-Newton Family YMCA. The ribbon
cutting ceremony for the Marty and Bryan Jennings DayStar
Center was attended by nearly 100 individuals. This Center
has a modern flair and easy access to other program areas,
such as Wellness and Aquatics. The Center will serve 17
program participants over the age of 18.
©2007 YMCA of Florida's First Coast