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When Caleb first came to The STAR Center, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He had been navigating life with a visual impairment since childhood and knew that finding the right resources and support would be key to his independence. What he didn’t anticipate, however, was just how much The STAR Center would become a second family to him.

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Caleb was diagnosed with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, a condition that caused him to lose most of his vision around the age of two and a half. While he doesn’t remember much about having sight, he vividly recalls the challenges of growing up blind in a world not always built for accessibility. Finding employment as a visually impaired individual meant navigating workplace accommodations, building confidence, and advocating for his needs. That’s where The STAR Center came in.

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When Caleb first connected with The STAR Center, he saw it through the lens of someone looking for resources. He participated in Orientation and Mobility training, job placement services, and assistive technology programs—each playing a role in helping him achieve his goals. But what made the biggest impact wasn’t just the services; it was the people.

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“For me, The STAR Center is all about dedication, love, and family,” Caleb says. “When you walk in, you automatically feel like everyone there genuinely wants you to succeed. It’s not just about helping you with job placement or mobility training; they want you to have the best life possible.”

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Thanks to The STAR Center’s job placement services, Caleb was able to transition into the workforce with the right accommodations in place. Whether it was assistive technology, or simply having someone to call when he needed guidance, he knew he wasn’t alone in the process.

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“It’s because of The STAR Center that I’m able to be active in the workforce,” Caleb explains. “They helped me get the workplace accommodations I needed, and even now, if something changes, I know I can always reach back out to them.”

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His journey hasn’t just been about finding a job—it’s been about finding confidence in himself and his abilities. And along the way, he’s been able to connect with others facing similar challenges, offering them encouragement and reminding them that they, too, can succeed.

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For anyone wondering whether The STAR Center can make a difference in their lives, Caleb’s message is clear: it absolutely can. He encourages others to seek out the resources available, whether it’s job placement, assistive technology, vision services or simply the support of a community that understands.

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“There’s something really special about being surrounded by people who believe in you,” he says. “If you’re struggling or wondering if there’s a place where you belong, The STAR Center is that place.”

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Looking back, Caleb sees his time at The STAR Center as more than just a stepping stone—it was a turning point. A place where he found not only the tools for success but a family that continues to support him every step of the way. And that’s something he’ll always be grateful for.

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