Two Decades of Purpose and Impact.
Where we
came from.
Before the programs, there was a person who saw what no one else was willing to fix.
Sun Star was founded in 2005 from a vision that every person deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. Before ASun Star became the comprehensive organization it is today, its foundation was built through community-based prevention efforts focused on addressing violence among youth. Working directly with children, families, schools, and community partners, through her Miss America/Miss USA Organization platform, “Preventing the Violence Against Children by Children,” our Founder and CEO, Nickie Alston, witnessed the devastating impact that violence, trauma, untreated behavioral health needs, and limited access to quality services were having on young people and their families.
Communities needed more than crisis intervention, they needed sustained support, meaningful opportunities, and organizations willing to walk alongside individuals throughout their journey.
Nickie Alston, Founder & CEO
Aiding Children’s Talents
That vision gave rise to the R.E.A.C.T (Recreational Events Aiding Children’s Talents) Program, an afterschool initiative designed to respond to and prevent violence among children by empowering youth, strengthening families, and creating healthier communities through education, mentorship, intervention, and advocacy. As the program expanded, so did the recognition that the needs of individuals and families extended far beyond violence prevention. Behavioral health services, developmental disability supports, autism services, family-centered care, and community-based programs were all essential pieces of helping people build lasting, successful lives.
20+ years later,
still the same purpose.
Programs expanded. The mission never wavered.
From that realization, ASun Star evolved into the organization it is today. What began as a commitment to preventing violence and creating safer futures has grown into a trusted provider of behavioral health, developmental disability, ABA, and community-based services across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. While our programs have expanded over the past 20+ years, our purpose has remained unchanged: to remove barriers, recognize the unique strengths within every individual, and provide compassionate, evidence-based, person-centered care that empowers people to reach their fullest potential.
Today, every service we provide reflects the same belief that inspired our beginning, that lasting change happens when people are seen, heard, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed. As we continue to grow, innovate, and expand our reach, we remain committed to our founding promise of: “Helping People, Changing Lives!”
For more than 21 years, ASun Star has remained committed to one unwavering purpose: helping individuals discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and build brighter futures. Every interaction, every service, and every partnership reflects our belief that when people are empowered with compassion, opportunity, and the right support, they can become their brightest Star.
Our Journey
Where We Came From
In 2005, we founded the R.E.A.C.T. program, Recreational Events Aiding Children’s Talents, to help prevent violence and empower youth through education, mentorship, intervention, and advocacy.
Expanding the Vision
As needs grew, so did we. We listened. We learned. We expanded our services to support children, families, and communities in more meaningful ways.
Growing the Continuum
Our services evolved to include behavioral health, autism and developmental disability supports, family services, and community-based programs across the lifespan.
Today
We proudly serve children, adolescents, adults, and families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania with over 34 services and programs.
At ASun Star, we see the potential in every individual. Through compassion, innovation, and unwavering support, we empower each person to discover their strengths, embrace their journey, and shine as their brightest Star!
Nickie Alston
CEO & Founder, ASun Star
A Founder With Purpose
and a Heart to Serve
Nickie Alston’s journey has always been anchored in service, leadership, and empowering others.
As a proud titleholder in the Miss America Organization and Miss USA Pageant, she used her platform to advocate for youth, mental wellness, and community empowerment.
Today, that same drive, grace, and commitment continue to shape ASun Star and the lives we impact every day.
Our Story
Continues.
Our story explains where we started. Our mission defines where we’re going. Together, they shape the future we’re building, one life at a time.
Discover our purpose, values, and the promise that guide everything we do.
