Since October, a committee consisting of members from North Star’s Board of Directors and key staff members have worked to find just the right person to head the agency when current Executive Director Mark Witmer retires- someone who shares the same vision and values, and we are pleased to announce that we have found our new Executive Director. Only the fifth director in North Star’s 43-year history, Valerie L. Schwager will be joining the agency in June.

North Star has a branch office in Toledo located at 221 West High St.

The agency provide services to people with disabilities is constantly changing, and in 1993, it became evident to the agency that for many people, the right thing to do is to provide support in someone’s own home, rather than in a group home or facility setting and, with Mark’s guidance, the Supported Community Living (SCL) program was begun. (SCL is a one-on-one support service that helps someone to live safely and as independently as possible in their own home or apartment in the community. It is “person-centered,” which means the individual has a say where and how they live and what their personal goals are.)

Schwager will come to North Star from Link Associates in West Des Moines, a large agency providing similar services to the ones provided by North Star. Valerie has 20 years of experience supporting people with disabilities, and was previously Link Associates’ Director of Supported Living, overseeing the supported community living, day habilitation, and employment services programs. Valerie says that she “is honored to uphold North Star’s mission to empower each person to realize potential, pursue dreams, and enjoy life.”

Witmer’s tenure with North Star has been filled with dozens of successes. he agency expanded, and branch offices were opened in Charles City, New Hampton, Mason City, Marshalltown, Vinton and Toledo; services are provided to individuals from more than 30 counties.

A June 19 open house from 3:30 – 6 p.m. is planned at the main facility (3420 University Avenue, Waterloo) to honor Mark’s retirement and provide an opportunity to greet Valerie. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.