Baton Rouge Respite Care Center

STARC is a dedicated organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in St. Tammany Parish and surrounding areas, providing a comprehensive range of services including training, advocacy, and community connections. Their mission focuses on enhancing the well-being and independence of individuals through programs such as early intervention, vocational employment, and residential living. In addition to their core services, STARC fosters creativity through initiatives like STARC Art, which pairs individuals with local artists to create and sell unique artworks. As one of the largest employers in the region, STARC plays a vital role in the local economy while promoting personal growth and accomplishment among its participants. Generated from the website

Based in Hammond, La., OPTIONS is a local and private nonprofit agency providing various services to people with developmental disabilities and their families who live and work in the community. The agency was founded in 1989 and provides community homes and supported living services, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The agency provides services to people with mental disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, Down syndrome, blindness, hearing and physical impairments and other developmental disabilities. Its candidates and residents are employed by local businesses, including the First Guaranty Bank, Wal-Mart, Trey Yuen and the Liquid Container. In addition, OPTIONS employs the other candidates to do contract work, such as lawn maintenance, janitorial work and assembling work at its own workshop.