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STAR-STAND TOGETHER AND
PHOENIX, AZ · EIN 860586210 · Form 990 · FY2021 · Medium ($1M-$10M) · www.thestarcenters.org
revenue
$7.6M
expenses
$6.6M
net assets
$475K
employees
88
volunteers
10
program ratio
73%
mission · from form 990

TO EMPOWER ADULTS DIAGNOSED WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS BY PROVIDING NON-CLINICAL PEER-RUN SUPPORT SERVICES TO PROMOTE PERSONAL RECOVERY THROUGH SOCIALIZATION, EDUCATION AND SELF ADVOCACY.

profile · synthesized from sources

STAR-STAND TOGETHER AND provides training and social programs focused on behavioral health and recovery. They offer certification courses for peer support specialists, crisis intervention training, and life skills development for young adults. The organization aims to support individuals in their recovery journeys and promote community integration.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2021

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $387K
    CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM: THE CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM TEACHES FOOD PREPARATION AND RELATED SKILLS TO HELP MEMBERS OBTAIN SKILLS NECESSARY TO WORK IN THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY.
  2. #2 $375K
    PEER DISCHARGE CARE COORDINATION: THE PEER DISCHARGE CARE COORDINATION PROGRAM PROVIDE PEER STAFF THAT HELP THOSE PERSONS WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS WHO ARE CURRENTLY PREPARING FOR INPATIENT HOSPITALIZATION DISCHARGE TO TRANSITION BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND FACILITATE ACCESS TO AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND OTHER SERVICES.
named programs · 17 · from sources

what they call their work

Basics of Excel & PowerPoint Training
Introductory computer skills course covering spreadsheet navigation, data entry, basic formulas, and creating professional presentations for use in administrative and behavioral health settings.
CPR & First Aid Certification Training
Hands-on course teaching life-saving skills including CPR, basic first aid, and emergency response, with official certification upon completion.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training
Course teaching de-escalation techniques, early warning sign recognition, and safety strategies for responding to behavioral health crises while preserving dignity and respect.
Documentation Training
Training on best practices for writing clear, objective, and compliant documentation in behavioral health and peer support settings, emphasizing confidentiality and continuity of care.
Forensic Peer Support Training – Two-Day Course
Training focused on supporting justice-involved individuals, covering court processes, supervision requirements, and recovery-oriented approaches for successful community reintegration.
Fun Bunch
Recreational events including bowling, park outings, Bingo, and visits to Jake’s Unlimited, designed to promote social connection, reduce stress, and support emotional wellness in a fun environment.
Peer Support Certification – 4-Day Virtual Course
Comprehensive virtual training covering core principles of peer support, recovery-oriented practices, ethics, boundaries, and communication skills to prepare individuals for certification as peer support specialists.
What Is Addiction
Educational session exploring the nature of addiction, its impact on mental health and relationships, and the role of peer support in recovery.
Young Adult Program
Supportive group programming for young adults focusing on social and emotional development through activities like Dungeons & Dragons, anime discussions, financial management, digital literacy, and recreational outings.
Young Adult Program Event: Anime Group
A group for anime enthusiasts to watch, discuss, and connect over shows, exploring themes of friendship, resilience, identity, and personal growth to build social skills and strengthen peer relationships.
Young Adult Program Event: Brunswick Bowling
A group activity encouraging social connection, teamwork, and healthy recreation in a relaxed setting to reduce stress, boost mood, and build confidence.
Young Adult Program Event: Dungeons & Dragons
A collaborative role-playing group using Dungeons & Dragons to support social and emotional development, communication skills, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
Young Adult Program Event: YAP Social / Valentine’s Mall Walk
A relaxed social outing combining light physical activity with social interaction to reduce stress, improve mood, and build confidence in public settings.
Young Adult Program Group: Digital Literacy & Cyber Security
A group focused on building essential skills for safely navigating the digital world, including protecting personal information, recognizing online risks, and responsible technology use.
Young Adult Program Group: Household Maintenance & DIY Home
A group helping young adults build practical life skills for independence, including basic home maintenance and DIY tasks, problem-solving, and healthy routines.
Young Adult Program Group: Self-Advocacy & Social Communication
A group supporting young adults in building skills to express needs, set boundaries, and communicate effectively, practicing assertive communication, active listening, and self-awareness.
Young Adult Program Group: “Money Moves” Financial Management
A group helping young adults build practical skills for managing money, including budgeting basics, smart spending habits, and financial decision-making strategies.
activities · 12 groups

what they do

  • Peer-Led Transition Support After Psychiatric Hospitalization 5 activities
    • 90-Day Peer Discharge Care Coordination
      Delivers a structured 90-day wrap-around care coordination program for individuals transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization to community-based recovery, using peer support specialists to provide ongoing support, resource linkage, and stabilization services.
    • Discharge Care Coordination
      Provides a 90-day wrap-around discharge care coordination service and a Peer Discharge Care Coordination program to support individuals transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization into community-based recovery.
    • Discharge Care Coordination
      Provides a 90-day wrap-around discharge care coordination service to support individuals transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization into community-based recovery.
    • Discharge Care Coordination
      Provides a 90-day wrap-around discharge care coordination service to support individuals transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization into community-based recovery.
    • Peer Discharge Care Coordination
      Provides a 90-day wrap-around discharge care coordination service to support individuals transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization into community-based recovery.
  • Direct Support Professional & Caregiver Training 5 activities
    • Behavioral Health and Safety Training Programs
      Provides skill-building workshops including Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), CPR & First Aid, and Basics of Excel & PowerPoint to equip individuals in behavioral health settings with safety, technical, and employability skills.
    • Crisis Prevention and Emergency Response Training
      Provides Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training to teach de-escalation techniques and safe responses to behavioral health crises, as well as CPR & First Aid Certification Training for life-saving skills and emergency response.
    • Crisis Prevention and Emergency Response Training
      Provides Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training to teach de-escalation techniques and safe responses to behavioral health crises, as well as CPR & First Aid Certification Training for life-saving skills and emergency response techniques.
    • Crisis Prevention and Safety Training
      Provides Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training to teach de-escalation techniques, as well as CPR & First Aid Certification Training to teach life-saving skills and emergency response techniques.
    • Specialized Training Programs
      Provides specialized training programs including Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) for de-escalation techniques, forensic peer support for justice-involved individuals, CPR & First Aid Certification, and basic computer skills (Excel & PowerPoint).
  • Peer Support Certification Training 5 activities
    • Peer Support Certification Training
      Offers hybrid and virtual peer support certification training twice per month, including a two-day forensic peer support training, to prepare individuals for roles as certified peer and recovery support specialists in behavioral health settings.
    • Peer Support Certification Training
      Offers hybrid and virtual peer support certification training twice per month, including a 4-day virtual course and a two-day forensic peer support training, to prepare individuals for certification as Peer & Recovery Support Specialists and related roles in behavioral health, specifically supporting justice-involved individuals.
    • Peer Support Certification Training
      Offers hybrid and virtual peer support certification training programs twice per month to prepare individuals for roles as certified Peer & Recovery Support Specialists in behavioral health, including specialized forensic peer support training.
    • Peer Support Certification Training
      Offers hybrid and virtual peer support certification training programs twice per month, preparing graduates for certification as Peer & Recovery Support Specialists and related roles in behavioral health.
    • Peer and Recovery Support Specialist Certification Training
      Offers recurring peer support certification programs, including a 4-day virtual course and hybrid training twice monthly, preparing participants for state certification as Peer & Recovery Support Specialists, with specialized tracks such as forensic peer support for justice-involved individuals.
  • 12-Step and Peer-Led Recovery Meetings 4 activities
    • Community Reintegration Activities
      Runs the Fun Bunch program, which provides peer-led social outings and evening activities to reduce isolation and support community reintegration for individuals in recovery.
    • Community Reintegration Activities
      Runs the Fun Bunch program, which provides peer-led social outings and evening activities to reduce isolation and support community reintegration for individuals in recovery.
    • Peer-Led Social Activities
      Runs the Fun Bunch program, which provides peer-led social outings and evening activities to reduce isolation and support community reintegration for individuals in recovery.
    • Social and Community Reintegration Programs
      Runs the "Fun Bunch" program, which provides peer-led social outings and evening activities to reduce isolation and support community reintegration for individuals in recovery.
  • Outpatient Behavioral Health Services 4 activities
    • Outpatient Counseling Services
      Delivers short-term individual and group counseling services through licensed professionals for mental health and behavioral topics, including anger management, anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse. Counseling is also available for adult families and couples, with a sliding fee schedule for uninsured individuals.
    • Outpatient Counseling Services
      Delivers short-term individual and group counseling services through licensed professionals for mental health and behavioral topics including anger management, anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse, also offering counseling for adult families and couples on a sliding fee schedule for uninsured individuals.
    • Outpatient Counseling Services
      Delivers short-term individual and group counseling services through licensed professionals for mental health and behavioral topics including anger management, anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse. Counseling is also available for adult families and couples, with a sliding fee schedule for uninsured individuals.
    • Outpatient Counseling Services
      Delivers outpatient counseling services through licensed professionals, including short-term individual and group counseling on mental health and behavioral topics (anger management, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse), and counseling for adult families and couples. Services are available by appointment and a sliding fee schedule is implemented for uninsured individuals.
  • Outpatient & Residential Recovery Support Services 4 activities
    • Outpatient Mental Health and Recovery Services
      Operates multiple program locations in Arizona providing daily outpatient mental health services, peer support, and recovery programming for individuals with mental health, psychological trauma, or substance use concerns. Services include one-on-one support, personalized treatment planning, and basic needs support like hot meals and hygiene items.
    • Outpatient Mental Health and Recovery Services
      Operates multiple program locations in Arizona providing daily outpatient mental health services, peer support, and recovery programming for individuals with mental health conditions, psychological trauma, or substance use concerns. This includes one-on-one support, personalized treatment and recovery plans, and structured outpatient programs for young adults aged 18-29.
    • Outpatient Mental Health and Recovery Services
      Operates structured outpatient programs across multiple locations in Arizona, offering daily programming (7:30am–3:30pm, Mon–Fri) that includes individual and group counseling, peer support, life skills development, and recovery planning for adults and young adults (18–29). Services are provided by licensed professionals and peers with lived experience, with sliding fee options for uninsured individuals.
    • Outpatient Mental Health and Recovery Services
      Operates multiple program locations in Arizona providing daily outpatient mental health services, peer support, and recovery programming for individuals with mental health, psychological trauma, or substance use concerns. Services include one-on-one support, personalized treatment planning, and basic needs support like hot meals and hygiene items.
  • Basic Needs Provision for Youth and Families 2 activities
    • Basic Needs Support
      Provides basic needs support including hot meals, clothing, food, and hygiene items to support stability for individuals during outpatient treatment and recovery.
    • Basic Needs Support
      Provides essential support including hot meals, clothing, food, and hygiene items to individuals participating in outpatient treatment and recovery programs to promote stability and dignity during care.
  • Youth Foster Care Transition Support 2 activities
    • Young Adult Outpatient Program
      Operates a structured outpatient program for young adults aged 18–29 focused on peer support, life skills development, and group services to support their transition to adulthood.
    • Young Adult Outpatient Program
      Operates a structured outpatient program for young adults aged 18–29 focused on peer support, life skills development, and group services to support their transition to adulthood.
  • Public Speaking & Presentation Skills Training 1 activity
    • Computer Skills Training
      Offers "Basics of Excel & PowerPoint Training" to build foundational computer and presentation skills for participants in behavioral health settings.
  • Community-Based Behavioral Health Services 1 activity
    • Contracted and Specialized Service Delivery
      Delivers behavioral health services under contract with all AHCCCS Complete Care Plans and serves veterans as a VA-recognized provider, ensuring access to care for publicly insured and military-affiliated populations.
  • Behavioral Health Intake & Referral Coordination 1 activity
    • Referral and Intake Coordination
      Manages a formal intake process including receipt of referral forms via fax, eligibility verification, system registration, collection of clinical documentation, and notification of approval to participants and referring providers via phone and email.
  • Uncategorized 8 activities
    • Life Skills and Employment Readiness Training
      Offers on-site and mobile instruction in life skills and pre-employment training, including budgeting, GED preparation, computer studies, resume writing, interviewing, food handler certification, and vocational courses in culinary arts and hospitality to support independence and job placement.
    • Life Skills and Pre-Employment Training
      Offers life skills and pre-employment training on-site at all centers, including budgeting, GED workshops, computer studies, resume and interviewing workshops, food handlers card preparation, and vocational courses in culinary arts and hospitality.
    • Life Skills and Pre-Employment Training
      Offers life skills and pre-employment training on-site at all centers, including budgeting, GED workshops, computer studies, resume and interviewing workshops, food handlers card preparation, and vocational courses in culinary arts and hospitality.
    • Life Skills and Pre-Employment Training
      Offers life skills and pre-employment training on-site at all S.T.A.R. centers, including budgeting, GED workshops, computer studies, resume and interviewing workshops, food handlers card preparation, and vocational courses in culinary arts and hospitality.
    • Life Skills and Pre-Employment Training
      Offers life skills and pre-employment training on-site at all S.T.A.R. centers, including budgeting, GED workshops, computer studies, resume and interviewing workshops, and vocational courses in culinary arts and hospitality.
    • Peer Support Services
      Provides peer support from staff with lived experience of mental health, trauma, or substance use conditions, offering one-on-one sessions, group support, and community reintegration activities. Peer support is integrated into outpatient care, discharge planning, and social programming to promote recovery, independence, and connection.
    • Peer Support Services
      Provides structured outpatient peer support from individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions to help others navigate the behavioral health system, support recovery, and foster community connection.
    • Peer Support Services
      Provides structured outpatient peer support from individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions to help others navigate the behavioral health system, support recovery, and foster community connection.
financials · form 990 · fy2021
revenue
Total revenue$7.62M
Contributions & grants$6.65M87%
Program service revenue$928K12%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$46K
expenses
Total expenses$6.59M
Program expenses73%
Admin / overhead27%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$4.19M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$5.15M
Cash$1.13M
Investments$0
Liabilities$4.68M
Net assets$475K
Liquid reserves2.1 mo
3 years on record · 2019–2021 · YoY revenue +47.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

paid leadership · 1
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
SUZANNE LEGANDER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 40 $165K
board members · 10
  • DARYL RUMBAUGH — VICE PRESIDENT
  • DENNETTE WARD — PRESIDENT (THRU 6/22)
  • ELIZABETH GALLAGHER — SECRETARY
  • HORACE WILLIAM MICK — DIRECTOR (THRU 7/22)
  • JILL HOGAN — PRESIDENT
  • KATHY BASHOR — DIRECTOR
  • PETER RAEL — DIRECTOR
  • SANGHOON YOO — DIRECTOR
  • STASCHE STOOKS-EWING — DIRECTOR
  • VICKI JOHNSON — TREASURER
relationships · 21

who they work with

  • AHCCCS Government — Peer support certification course is approved and recognized by AHCCCS.
  • AHCCCS Government — References AHCCCS system benefits as part of resource guidance for individuals navigating mental health care.
  • Arizona Complete Health Partner — Contracted health plan for service delivery
  • Banner University Health Plans Partner — Contracted health plan for service delivery
  • Care 1st Partner — Contracted health plan for service delivery
  • Clinics Partner — Case managers from clinics submit referrals and STAR contacts clinics for required paperwork
  • Hospital/Therapist Offices Partner — Submit referrals for individuals seeking services at STAR
  • Magellan Complete Care Partner — Contracted health plan for service delivery
  • Maricopa County Partner — Sponsor of The Art of Life event
  • Maricopa County Attorney's Office Partner — Sponsor of The Art of Life event
  • Maricopa Medical Center Partner — Historical connection where founding members were discharged from its Psychiatric Annex and began peer support.
  • Mercy Care of AZ Partner — Contracted health plan for service delivery
  • Peer & Family Organizations Partner — Submit referrals for individuals seeking services at STAR
  • S.T.A.R. Recovery Center Partner — Hosts individuals in recovery programs including socialization, education, and employment skills activities.
  • SAMHSA Government — Peer support certification course meets or exceeds SAMHSA competency standards.
  • Steward Health Care Network Partner — Contracted health plan for service delivery
  • The Fun Bunch Partner — Co-located program providing information and member reservations at the Phoenix campus.
  • The Young Adult Program Partner — Co-located program providing information and member reservations at the Phoenix campus.
  • Training Department Partner — Internal department providing certification and skills training programs
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Partner — Contracted health plan for service delivery
  • Veterans Administration Government — Recognized provider for veteran service delivery