Short Term Assistance & Referral (STAR)

Emergency assistance for families having to travel for medical reasons

Stone Soup Group's STAR Program serves rural Alaskan families while in Anchorage or away from home due to medical reasons.

Contact Amy Westfall, STAR Program Parent Navigator at (907) 561-3701 or (907) 632-1633 for more information.

The STAR Program:

• Assists children with complex medical conditions and developmental disabilities.
• Provides short term supports to help avoid crisis and keep the family stable.
• Keeps the services family-focused.
• Listens to families, supports and assists them in advocating for their family.

Who is Eligible?

Children and adults who are eligible for services through Senior & Disabilities Services (SDS) may also be eligible for the STAR Program.  If you have questions about eligibility, please contact your local STAR Coordinator.

We cannot:

• Provide long-term supports.
• Provide ongoing case management.
• Provide long-term housing or financial assistance.

We can:

• Help families brainstorm solutions to problems.
• Help with navigating the complex social service system.
• Assist in locating medical & adaptive equipment.
• Assist with applications for services, such as:
• • DD Eligibility
  • TEFRA/DKC
  • Respite
  • SSI/SSA
  • Transportation
  • Public Assistance
• Connect families with community resources, such as:  
• • Education and Training
  • Recreational Activities
  • Short-term Respite
  • STAR Program in their region

Our STAR Parent Navigator is a family member of a child with special needs.
There is no charge to families for STAR supports.

This program is made possible by a grant from the State of Alaska Senior & Disabilities Services.