Featured Article: "Starfire empowers individuls with disabilities"
Nikki Booker and Krista Brinkmeyer are using their creativity to send a powerful message about inclusion, friendship and community building. As senior members of Starfire, an organization that works to empower individuals with disabilities, Nikki and Krista are surrounded by people who truly believe in them.
“Everyone in the world has gifts. Sharing those gifts makes a vibrant community,” says Executive Director Tim Vogt. “A disability does not define who someone is. Starfire empowers individuals with disabilities to focus on strengths, not labels.”
Both Krista and Nikki are working on yearlong capstone projects that build on their personal interests in photography, production and community. Starfire facilitates these for their senior members, providing them with a unique opportunity to showcase their passions in a way that engages the entire community.
With the guidance of supportive staff and the partnership of Public Allies Cincinnati and some dedicated artists and photographers, Krista has merged her love of photography and community to create the Cincy Story Mural Project. Her collection of photographs of the people and places of Cincinnati will be transformed into murals in various areas of the city. Communities can apply for the murals through
Krista’s project has brought people together from many Cincinnati communities, as evidenced by the Mural Launch Party held at The Mound Café in Norwood, Krista’s hometown. “Seeing so many friends has been the most fun thing about this project,” Krista says.
Nikki Booker was inspired by the book Waddie Welcome & the Beloved Community, a true story about how a man with cerebral palsy rallied an entire community to help him achieve his dream of living independently. With the help and guidance of playwright Catie O’Keefe, designer Jeni Jenkins and Candice Jones Peelman of Starfire, Nikki is realizing her dream of writing and producing a play based on the book. Traveling to Waddie Welcome’s hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Nikki had the opportunity to meet some of Welcome’s supporters firsthand.
The community is invited to attend a special reading of the book on Jan. 14. Nikki’s play will be performed at the Emery Theatre on May 12. “I would love to star in the play as well," she says.
Starfire works with more than 100 volunteers each month to work with teens and adults, and is actively seeking members.
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Thanks to many thoughtful teenagers and young adults from Starfire Council of Greater Cincinnati, 500 Wesley Community Services Meals-On-Wheels clients received a holiday goodie bag full of personal care items and treats.
“Our senior clients are truly indebted to the financial support from Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church for making these gifts a reality,” said Stephen Smookler, executive director, Wesley Community Services.
Starfire is a place where people come together to be more involved citizens through shared interests and passions. Giving back to the community is an important part of Starfire’s mission.
“Our seniors are delighted to receive these festive holiday gift bags,” said Rev. Stephanie Tunison, chief executive officer, Wesley Services Organization, parent organization for Wesley Community Services.
Sondra Lemkuhl, Meals-On-Wheels client, said: “People don’t usually think comfort items are special gifts, but to me they are so important. They really brighten my day and I look forward to them every year, thank you.”
Gio Boeing, program coordinator for Teen and Young Adults at Starfire Council said, “This is our seventh year providing holiday goodie bags to area seniors in need. It’s our pleasure to help brighten the seniors’ holidays and ring in the New Year.”
To read the published article, go here.
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