Sun, Moon & Stars, Inc

✨Annual Meeting of Sun, Moon & Stars ✨ Budgets, board members, and by-laws… oh my! What could have been all business turned into a fantastic and engaging afternoon as we dug into the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our nonprofit strong, compliant, and moving forward. So grateful for a dedicated board who show up with passion, purpose, and heart. It’s all about making a meaningful difference in the lives of our autism families. Abbi Nori Nelson, Lori Bonaldi, Chloe Taylor Langer, Christine Miller, Stacey Salvietti and Mark Faressa … gratitude! https://lnkd.in/ePBQe2fA #sunmoonandstarsinc #annualmeeting #nonprofitlife #501c3nonprofit #autismfamilies

“Everyone Can Be an Ally.” 💙 What a fantastic afternoon at Judson Primary School educating 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders on what it means to be an autism ally. We are deeply grateful to Lauren Tarzia of Inclusive Together for delivering such an engaging, thoughtful, and interactive presentation that truly resonated with the students. Our sincere thanks to Principal Raymond and the Watertown Public Schoop Distrct for embracing inclusivity and creating space for meaningful learning and conversation. The students were engaged, inquisitive, and wonderfully empathetic—proof that when we lead with education and understanding, real change begins early. It is a beautiful thing when nonprofits like Sun, Moon & Stars, Inc and Inclusive Together collaborate, educate, and work together to make a lasting difference. Learn more about Inclusive Together: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ejDJPmBk

🌟 Sun, Moon & Stars, Inc is proud to be the NON-PROFIT OF THE NIGHT for the Bridgeport Islanders’ Autism Appreciation Night! 🌟 Join us for a sensory-friendly, judgment-free, and truly awesome night of hockey with our community! 🏒🧩 📆 Sunday, March 8 ⏰ 3:00 PM – Game Time 📍 600 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604 💲 $23 per person includes: 🚙 Free Parking 🧢 Free Sound Tigers Hat 🧩 Free POP-IT Toy 📷 Post-game photo on the ice! 🎟️ Get tickets here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_dk2Cyk We are incredibly grateful to have collaborated with the Bridgeport Islanders for the past four years. They continue to be amazing partners, and we can’t wait to share another unforgettable hockey night with our families and supporters. ✨ Resources and a dedicated Sensory Space will be available. #sunmoonandstarsinc #autismevents #bridgeportislanders #autismappreciationnight #autisminclusion #autismsupport #sensoryfriendly #judgmentfree #community

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” — Martin Luther King Jr. At Sun, Moon & Stars, we answer this question every day by building an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming community for individuals with autism and their families. 💫 Together, we create spaces where everyone belongs.

Snow day reality ❄️☃️ While the weather may have forced us to cancel events and activities this weekend, nonprofit life doesn’t hit pause. Events rescheduled ✔️ Meetings and activities coordinated ✔️ Follow-ups booked ✔️ And a whole lot of behind-the-scenes organizing happening ✔️ “The weather may pause events, but purpose never takes a day off.” Grateful for a dedicated team that keeps the mission moving forward—no matter the forecast. 💙💖❄️

Shout out to Cub Scout Pack 52 and Ashley McClain Founder of LINKED- Autism Safety Project We came together this week for meaningful conversations and connections around supporting individuals in the autism and disability community. The open dialogue around inclusion, accommodations, and community support was truly impactful. A special thank-you to Troop 52 and Mike Hanis for hosting and for their genuine willingness to learn, ask questions, and take action. These conversations matter, and they help create real change for individuals and families. At Sun, Moon & Stars, we are incredibly thankful for opportunities like this and look forward to continued collaborations with Ashley, Pack 52, and the scouting community. Together, we are building more inclusive, understanding, and supportive communities.

Sun, Moon & Stars, Inc was honored to be included in such an impactful and meaningful endeavor. The 2nd Annual Training & Mock Traffic Stop with the Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorder at SCSU and Post University was held today. It was a powerful day of learning, empathy, and connection. Officers from the Waterbury Police Department, Watertown CT Police Department and Naugatuck Police Department participated in a Linked- Autism Safety Project training, while Post University Pathways students learned what to expect during routine traffic stops. Students then took part in hands-on mock traffic stops using the blue envelope, building confidence through real-life practice. The day concluded with a meaningful panel discussion led by Linked Program Director, Ashley McClain, bringing together students and officers to share perspectives and deepen understanding. Today was the perfect example of how disability inclusion thrives when compassion, education, and collaboration meet. Outstanding, just outstanding.

🎓 Reaching 4 the Stars Scholarship Applications for the 2025/2026 school year are now open! ✨At Sun, Moon & Stars, we believe in empowering those who dream of making a lasting difference in the lives of children with special needs. Investing in their future means investing in hope, inclusion, and brighter tomorrows. ✅ $1,000 scholarship for a Greater Watertown-area high school senior pursuing a career helping children with special needs in fields like special education, speech therapy, ABA, occupational therapy, art therapy, or music therapy. 📅 Deadline: April 1, 2026 📬 Mail applications to: Reaching 4 the Stars Scholarship PO Box 563, Watertown, CT 06795 Reaching 4 the Stars Scholarship Detail and Application 👉 https://lnkd.in/eJhCUtvN PLEASE SHARE!

At Sun, Moon & Stars, Inc., our mission has always been about fun, connection, and inclusion—creating meaningful events, activities, and programs while building a supportive community for all. 🌙✨ It’s hard to believe that 2026 marks our 10-year anniversary! 🎉 This milestone would not be possible without the dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring our mission to life. ✨ Meet Our Team ✨ Christine Faressa President & Chairman of the Board Mark Faressa Vice President Abbi Nori Nelson Marketing Chair Lori Bonaldi, CPA Treasurer Christine J. Miller Secretary Stacey Terni Salvietti Board Member Chloe Taylor Langer Board Member Katherine Montoya Bilingual Ambassador Christina Rinaldi Artist-in-Residence Corinne Rubbo Member at Large Sharon Gialo Marketing Liaison Edwards Ingram Sun, Moon & Stars – Certified CPAs Grady & Riley LLP Sun, Moon & Stars – Board Attorneys We are incredibly grateful for our families, donors, supporters, partners, and volunteers who make this journey so meaningful. 💙 Learn more about our team and mission: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ePBQe2fA #autismfamilies #autismevents #inclusionmatters #autismsupport #community #nonprofitlife #10YearAnniversary

🌟 Thank You for Helping Our Community Shine! 🌟 As 2025 comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported Sun, Moon & Stars this year. Because of YOU, families with children on the autism spectrum enjoyed incredible experiences like: ☑ Autism Awareness Night at Lake Quassy ☑ Sensory-Friendly Train Rides with The Railroad Museum of New England ☑ Community Supper Clubs, Lego & Art Clubs, and Parent Support Group Meetings ☑ Holiday events like Letters to Santa and Haunted Halloween Celebration ☑ Collaborations with Best Buddies at Watertown High School, Extreme Air, and Sensory-Friendly Movies at the Strand Theater ☑ Our Starfish Swim Club Water Safety Program ☑ Expansion of the Watertown Stars adaptive sports program to include baseball Your support helps us fulfill our mission to create opportunities and build a strong, inclusive community—and brings us closer to our vision of a world where every person feels valued and inspired to thrive. 💙 Thank you for being part of this journey! Want to join us in 2026? Visit www.sunmoonandstars.org to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give. #ThankYou #AutismCommunity #SunMoonStars #InclusionMatters #WatertownCT