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Importance of friendship for special needs teen

When Paul was an infant he had literally thousands of epileptic seizures a day. Now at the age of 17, the seizures have decreased dramatically. In fact, since January 2007, he has only experienced three. That is a big relief for his dad Jim Tessaro.

Paul has been involved with S.T.A.R. club on and off for the past six years. He really enjoys getting out and doing fun things. His passions are swimming, horseback riding, archery and dogs. "I like S.T.A.R. Club because the people who work here like having me as a friend," says Paul with a shy grin on his face.

S.T.A.R. Club provides respite for families of children and teens with special needs. S.T.A.R. stands for special training and recreation. The program has a 1:2 staff to participant ratio so the youth get lots of individual attention. It is one of the strengths of the program.

"What happens at S.T.A.R. Club is the true connectedness he feels with friends," comments Jim. "From my standpoint that's what makes S.T.A.R. so valuable. This program has created a nice cross-section of friends for him. He is always excited to go and it's such a nice focus for the week."

Paul is quite a high needs teenager relative to his comprehension level. "My goal is that he will have independent living one day," says Jim, "even though I know it will have to be with a room-mate." Father and son experienced a very emotional and positive step a few weeks ago when Paul learned to tie his own shoelaces.

Respite care is an important family preservation and support service. Since Jim was widowed just over a year ago, he appreciates the value of all community respite programs that much more. At S.T.A.R. Club staff works together with families in a spirit of cooperation because they recognize that families know best what they need.

"As a parent of a special needs child there is comfort in knowing he is spending quality time in a safe, caring and unconditional friendship environment. That is S.T.A.R.," adds Jim.

- Summer 2007 -