Check out highlights from our 2016 performance for ARC of New Jersey!

Nearly six years ago, Tim Harris made many of us smile when he became the first person with down syndrome in the United States to own and operate his own restaurant. He was passionate and dedicated to following his dream

Earlier this year, after serving up over 75,000 free hugs, in addition to thousands of meals, Tim's Place closed its doors. Tim began chasing a new dream...love

Things may not always work out as planned but Mr. Harris continues to inspire. Follow his journey here, through Tim's Big Heart Foundation 

It has been over 10 years since Jason McElwain went from team manager to basketball star over the course of four minutes. 

Scoring 20 points, including a school record six three-pointers, in four minutes is an all-time moment for anyone and many people within the autistic community look up to to J-Mac for his achievement. However, I believe his greatness lies in what led him to that moment. The dedication required to be at practice everyday. The commitment to improving his game, never knowing if he would get a shot. The fortitude to miss his first two shots, one badly, and come back to hit his next seven. Those attributes truly make Mr. McElwain a "Shining Star". 5 years later, he was still on the same path.

Jason McElwain continues to follow his dreams, as he has now taken up marathon running, and in 2014 he ran his third Boston Marathon 

Throughout our journey at Shining Stars Network we will shine a light a on many people with special needs who may not get attention for their accomplishments or journeys. We will also celebrate some amazing and transcendent people who have shown the world what people with special needs can accomplish.

In 2012, Anthony Starego, who has autism, caught the eye of the whole country when he kicked a 24-yard game winning field goal in the Brick Dragon's upset victory over the Toms River North Mariners.

This momentous occasion would lead to national headlines and appearances on the Today Show and ESPN's College Gameday. His beautiful and courageous story was shared with the world.

Check out highlights from our 2014 show!

Sally Curci created the Shining Stars variety show for special needs students.

Check out this great article about the Cranford Board of Education honoring our own Sally Curci for her marvelous work with the Cranford Shining Stars variety show:

“Sally’s desire to showcase the talents of our special needs students has been immeasurably successful in making an entire community embrace and realize the talents and potential of these very special individuals,” said Superintendent Dr. Gayle Carrick.

Click here for the rest of the article!

Cranford students gather with their "buddies" weekly.

Every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., dedicated teenage volunteers from Cranford gather together with their "buddies" to participate in the Young Athlete Program, which is designed for children with special needs between the ages of three and seven years old. The goal of the class is to help develop the skills needed to eventually compete in the Special Olympics, which begins at age eight.

The program was initiated last year under the directorship of Sally Curci, a local resident and teacher, who has two children with special needs.  

Curci has already seen the success of the children in the program, not only from a physical standpoint, but from a social aspect as well. And much of the credit goes to the volunteers, made up of middle school and high school students who can't wait until Saturday morning just to see the kids' smiling faces.

"This program would not succeed if it wasn't for our dedicated teenage volunteers who get up early each and every Saturday to make this dream a reality," said Curci. "These teenagers become "buddies" and work one-on-one with the children in a group setting. The bonds that have been formed are amazing. Sometimes I wonder who is having more fun, the younger children or the older children."

At first, many of the children are unable to participate, at least initially, in a typical gym environment. The parents know that every child is safe and welcome in the program, and that they don't have to worry about "unique behaviors". A child may start the program not participating at all, or running all around the gym, but as the weeks and months go by, they are not only participating, but excelling in the activities.   

"To see the progress of each child from the beginning of the program to the end is just miraculous," added Curci. "It truly brings tears to your eyes. Many of the children will eventually compete in inclusive recreation activities as well."

For more information about the program, you can contact the Cranford Community Center at 709-7283.