The STAR Center Story
Not long ago, La Crosse community members asked the question, how can we provide the opportunity for everyone to lead the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible? Joining with educators, aging and disability advocates, health professionals, social organizations and support organizations, we defined the vision of health equity, where ALL members of our community can live their healthiest life. This vision will close the gap between medically based therapy and fitness programs and sport activity opportunity for ALL community members, regardless of their ability.
Learn more about the history of the STAR CENTER STORY.
We serve people of all ages with disabilities, chronic conditions or those recovering from strokes or accidents. The STAR Center offers an array of diverse programs, allowing all community members to experience health benefits through participation. Every individual has the opportunity to choose what type of programming—community-based assisted programs, specialized exercise, adaptive programming, para sport or inclusion programming—best suits their needs.
Currently, STAR Center programs are held at various venues throughout the La Crosse area. In February 2025, the STAR ASSOCIATION will open a one-of-a-kind, accessible adaptive fitness STAR Center Facility Bringing adaptive exercise and inclusion to a new level. Our Adaptive and Para Sports programs will continue to be held a Central High School. The Green Island Ice Arena is the home of the Coulee Region “FROST” Sled Hockey team.
Youth
STAR Center fitness programs and activities offer young people fun opportunities to reach their full potential and live their healthiest lives. Our adaptive and para sports programs introduces youth to new activities that may become life-long passions. Here, youth who face challenges can stay active, try new things, make new friends and just have fun.
Adults and seniors
Staying healthy at every stage of life can be challenging. At the STAR Center, all adults and senior citizens can find programs and activities that satisfy their needs and preferences. Our programs are focus on confronting the physical issues that occur with many chronic diseases and are based on medically based therapies. Enjoy the support of others with similar challenges as we move together to improve health and quality of life. Expert assistance in every program ensures maximum benefit and enjoyment!
Veterans
The STAR Center offers rewarding, therapeutic activities for veterans of all ages and abilities—Wounded Warriors, War fighters and veterans experiencing PTSD, social isolation and other conditions. We’re honored to help veterans support their overall wellbeing with veterans fitness programs, wheelchair sports, adaptive sports and more.
- Cognitive impairment
- Seniors
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Huntington’s disease
- Developmental challenges
- Autism spectrum
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Congenital syndromes
- General public
- Caregivers
- Students
- Case workers
- Training coordinators
- Family members
- Neurologic challenges
- Spina bifida
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Orthopedic challenges
- Connective tissue disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- RA
- Balance issues
- Chronic back pain
- Physical challenges
- Trauma
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Veterans
- Wounded Warriors
- PTSD
- War fighters
- Team RWB Eagles
- Social isolation
- Visual challenges
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Low vision
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Cataracts
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“I know firsthand how difficult it is to maintain quality of life in a wheelchair. I believe the STAR Center will become a template for other communities.”
Star Center News
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Contact us today
We’re here to answer your questions about:
- Participating in our programs
- Sponsoring our programs
- Volunteering
- Contributing to our facility
- Much more
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