On December 5, our NorthStar families had an unforgettable afternoon at Scotiabank Arena, watching the thrilling NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Charlotte Hornets! For many of our kids, it was their very first time seeing a live professional basketball game — and the excitement in the air was incredible. When the game began, the arena exploded with cheers. Our kids joined right in — shouting, clapping, and proudly supporting the home team, the Toronto Raptors. The atmosphere was...

On the journey of raising a child with special needs, every step forward is hard-won, and every spark of progress can change a life. The story of NorthStar begins with one such spark—and has since grown into a constellation of hope for countless families. Benny: Racing Against Time To the children at NorthStar, he is “Uncle Benny”—warm, patient, and reliable. To many families, he is a guide who is always racing against time. As a single father of a child with autism, Benny understands deeply...

Why Buddy Up Matters Every child deserves a friend — but not every child is taught how to make one. Children with autism and other developmental differences genuinely want friendships, yet struggle to read social cues, understand boundaries, or communicate in familiar ways. These challenges often lead to misunderstandings, isolation, and painful rejection. Inclusion is more than sharing a space. It requires a supported environment, intentional activities, and peers who understand how to...