Norwalk Resident Lois Marasco Celebrates 25 Years of Service With Local Agency Serving People with Disabilities

Norwalk Resident Lois Marasco recently celebrated her 25th work anniversary with STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way. Lois is the Receptionist for STAR and she also assists the Finance Department with accounting and financial reporting.

STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a local non profit agency serving people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities in Mid- Fairfield County since 1952.

Ms. Marasco started working for STAR after a period of time when she had been taking care of her parents and grandson with Down’s syndrome. “I saw there was a reception job in the finance department and thought that was perfect. I had always worked in finance… and I love people so the position with STAR rang a bell.”

Marasco says she has particularly enjoyed the clients at STAR. “They just make you smile. You may be having a bad day and they make you laugh. They are wonderful. It’s what life is all about.” She says it’s been amazing to see clients come to STAR and then blossom and grow. They open up and start to socialize and become involved in activities or jobs.

She continues, “When I first started there were not any group homes! STAR Inc. and STAR Residential were separate. They merged later. And back then, our early intervention and Birth to 3 programs were onsite. Now our staff members go to the families’ homes. So much has changed. We hold a lot more events now. Back then, our only fundraiser was the Rubino Dance. Angie Rubino ran it—one year that raised $70,000.”

She also said STAR offers a lot more for the clients and their families now, such as the July 4th picnic and Sibshops and a Thanksgiving meal for those who do not have family to celebrate with.

Katie Banzhaf, Executive Director of STAR said, “Lois has been a crucial part of the STAR family since she started working with us. She has been a true asset to STAR, and a very dear friend. We are so grateful for all her years of service, knowledge, skills and talent. Everybody loves Lois.”

STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not–for-profit organization serving individuals of all ages who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as providing support services to their families. STAR creates opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy while informing and encouraging the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals. For more information about STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way please visit their website www.starct.org.

Photo 1: Lois Marasco of Norwalk (on right ) and Linda Snell of Fairfield (on left) both celebrate 25 years of service with local agency, STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way…