When Karla Stevenson saw the news about disability not-for-profit StarJam needing urgent financial support, the Monster Company owner and creative knew she had to do something to help.
StarJam has launched an emergency appeal and Karla has designed a You are a Star tile to raise money.
The organisation is dedicated to empowering young people facing challenges due to disability, through music, dance and performance, and Karla’s friend Maisie is one hundreds of participants nationwide who benefits.
“I learned that StarJam is so good for Maisie’s confidence, her learning, and just being able to be part of a community.”
Maisie, who has Down Syndrome, is Karla’s good friend Becs Dowling’s daughter.
Long time locals, Maisie and Becs recently moved back to their home in Raglan after a few years in Hamilton.
The 21-year-old loves StarJam; Maisie has been a ‘jammer’ since she was 8 and before that she was a regular at Patti Mitchley’s dance classes and performances.
“I love it. I love dancing and the games we play and the exercises we do and my friends. I love the concert and the disco. It’s the best,” Maisie enthuses.
“It’s just a really special place for her to be around her peers. Where she can be herself and express her creativity in a really safe environment,” Becs says.
“They also do a little five-minute performance at the end of each workshop and Maisie loves to be in the limelight.”
As well as being a haven, StarJam is also a place where Maisie has found her ’tribe’ and sense of belonging in the world.
“If she didn’t have it, she would be even more isolated, because she doesn’t have much on in her week at the moment, and to be around people who she feels safe with and accepted by is really important to her.”
It’s also a place where Becs has found a supportive and caring community of like-minded parents and caregivers.
“StarJam felt really special to me, and I’ve met such lovely people who are in a similar boat to me and they are accepting of each other and our differences.”
Maisie’s younger sister Zoe has also helped at StarJam for the past few years.
“They really rely on the volunteers,” Becs says.
At the end of the year, StarJam holds a grand finale performance, which provides the opportunity for the jammers to shine on the big stage in front of family and friends.
“The big show has the best vibe and energy. All the parents get involved and it’s really fun and uplifting,” Becs says.
The organisation has been running for 22 years, and evidence of its popularity is in the waitlists for every one of the 10 locations.
Head to The Monster Company, 58 Wallis Street to purchase your tile or visit themonstercompany.co.nz – all funds raised go directly to StarJam.
by Janine Jackson
