Counting Stars provides support for children with disabilities

GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW) – Counting Stars, a new non-profit organization in Green Bay, works to support children with disabilities between the ages of 4 and 17 in Brown County. 

Executive Director Jennifer Bourget says children with disabilities don’t always have the same access or opportunities to education, community events and activities, and employment as people without disabilities. And families don’t always have the knowledge to confidently advocate for all of the support needed for persons with disabilities to lead a full and meaningful life.

“Our overarching mission is to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere; creating a community that is safe and welcoming and inclusive to all of our kids,” said Bourget.

Counting Stars works to decrease barriers and fights for inclusion. The group started operating in Brown County in January by providing support for 6 children in the area. Now, in May, Bourget says they are serving over 50 families for whom they are providing supports.

“All of our kiddos are hooked up with a case manager and have funding through the county. So we currently don’t have any families who are paying out of pocket, which is amazing because these services could add up rather quickly for them,” said Bourget.

Counting Stars works out of the YWCA in Green Bay. It provides Daily Living Skills Training for children with disabilities. It offers family and unpaid caregiver training, safety planning and prevention, and IEP advocacy.

“It’s not respite. We don’t want to be called ‘Glorified Daycare’. We are educating. We are teaching, training, working on grooming skills, social skills, communication, playing with friends and peers,” said Bouget. “We have a lot of typically developing kiddos coming in to volunteer and play as well. So we’re not just focusing on children with disabilities. We really want what true inclusion looks like.”

2024 Date Night Out Fundraiser

Bourget says that Counting Stars has grown so fast, that that they need to connect with more business partners to volunteer and to get a true picture of what the organization does. To do that, Bourget says they are having a fundraiser called “2024 Date Night Out” on Thursday, May 30th from 6 to 10 pm at Stadium View at 1963 Holmgren Way in Green Bay. Tickets are $40 per person and include Heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert bar, and music. The first drink is included in the ticket price. This is an adults-only event. 

“We’re trying to raise money for a 15-passenger handicapped accessible bus for this summer,” said Bourget. “We really want to be able to provide transportation for our families to and from the center. And to take us on all of our great community outings.” 

Summer Programs

Over the summer, Bourget says they will be working with kids on cooking skills. And they are starting a small coffee shop at the lounge of the YWCA.

“That’s where the kiddos will be practicing their cooking skills and customer service,” said Bourget. “They will have baked items for sale a couple times a week. So come in and check us out.”

More information about Counting Stars can be found on their website and their Facebook page.