Coming Soon: Same Battle, Different Scars Symposium

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Training for Real-World Intervention

  • Developed and led by Elesondra DeRomano, this program was created in partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to equip transit operators with the tools to recognize and respond to human trafficking. Through immersive, roleplay-based scenarios conducted in real transit environments, DeRomano trained operators to identify both overt and subtle warning signs—emphasizing that trafficking rarely appears as expected and requires constant awareness in everyday spaces.

Fighting for Our Missing Girls : Supporting Ohio Senate Bill 178

  • Ohio Senate Bill 178 proposes creating a task force to address the crisis of missing Black, Indigenous, and women and girls of color in Ohio. EleSondra DeRomano, founder of S.T.A.R.S. Toledo and a survivor of childhood trafficking, has been a leading voice for this effort. She stresses that all missing children deserve equal urgency, regardless of race. The bill would bring together community leaders and state agencies to improve response times, train first responders, and raise statewide awareness—helping protect some of Ohio’s most vulnerable youth.

STARS food giveaway

  • We hosted a food giveaway, providing 68 baskets of essential groceries to families in need. Through this effort, we were able to serve 280 people, ensuring they had food on their tables. All glory to God for making this possible!

STARS IN ACTION

At STARS, we believe in the power of community, resilience, and giving back. Every day, we work tirelessly to support and uplift youth impacted by abuse, trafficking, and homelessness. From mentorship programs and educational workshops to food drives and community events, our mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment where young people can heal, grow, and thrive.

Through your support, we’ve provided meals for those in need, hosted events that empower and uplift young lives, and built a network of compassionate individuals dedicated to change. Browse through our past initiatives, see the impact we’ve made, and join us as we continue making a difference—one life at a time.

📅 Check out our past events
📸 See us in action!
❤️ Get involved. Support our mission today.

Become A Volunteer

Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth

Join us in empowering youth who have faced trauma. As a volunteer, you can mentor, assist with events, support donation drives, and more.

Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with S.T.A.R.S. is a chance to create lasting change in the lives of young people. Your support helps provide guidance, healing, and hope.

Interested?
Send us an email below.

EMAIL US

There are no upcoming events at this time.