THE STAR CENTER WELCOMES BEN HEIN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The STAR Association is pleased to announce the selection of Benjamin Hein as Executive Director of the STAR Center.
Ben Hein, is a UW-L graduate, has been involved in social services and non – profits in the La Crosse area for 20 years. He brings a strong skill set to lead the STAR Center into the future.
Ben recognizes the important role the STAR Center serves. “La Crosse is known as a community of opportunity. The STAR Association plays a crucial role in providing opportunity for all members of our community to enjoy their best quality of life through the benefits of accessing physical activity.
When we, as a community, work intentionally to eliminate barriers to accessing physical activity and social engagement, we support the individual needs of all members of our community allowing us all to live healthier lives.
The STAR Association convenes the best elements of our community. Collaboration, opportunity and access. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the STAR Association and continue the work of this valuable community resource. “
Dr. Virginia Wintersteen, President of the STAR Association, states “ We are excited for Ben to join us. He is grounded in our community, can connect with people and is passionate about our mission and serving people of La Crosse. We are confident that with Ben’s leadership the STAR Center will continue to grow and serve those with disabilities and achieve our goal of everyone living their healthiest life through physical activity.”
The Sports, Therapeutic and Adaptive Recreation (STAR) Association provides Specialized
Modified Exercise, Adaptive Recreation Inclusive recreation and Para Sports Programs
that support the overall health of ALL members of our community.
We want and EVERYONE to enjoy their best quality of life.
MOVING TOGETHER- MOVING WITH PURPOSE
Participants and Volunteer Registration:
Spring 2026 session is OPEN- sign up today! Programs will run in 8 week session from March 29th- May 22nd!
Spring 2026 volunteer registration is open- 8 week session! Please complete your orientation and waivers every year. View our Volunteer Page to learn more.
Get Involved- Membership and Waivers!
Explore membership opportunities or sign your yearly waivers below!
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 opened 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
“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.”
Upcoming Events
STAR Center Rummage Sale Fundraiser
Save the Date! The STAR Center will be hosting a Rummage Sale Fundraiser on Saturday, April 11th at Lincoln Middle School. All proceeds will go towards supporting our mission to […]
2026 La Crosse Area Parkinson's Walk and Awareness Event
Join us for the 2nd Annual Parkinson's Walk and Awareness Event on Saturday, May 4th- sponsored by Overhead Door of the 7 Rivers Region.
STAR Center Cornhole Tournament and Fundraiser
Save the date for the 3rd Annual STAR Center Cornhole Tournament and Fundraiser. Join us for a fun day of playing the classic Midwest game of Cornhole with the STAR […]
STAR Center Logger's Game
STAR Center Fundraiser at the La Crosse Logger's Game
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Contact us today
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- Participating in our programs
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- Much more
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Star Center Sponsors
Thanks to these generous businesses and organizations for their support.
Business partners
Collaborative partners
2025-2026 Coulee Region "FROST" Ice Time Sponsors
Star Center Affiliations
These groundbreaking organizations partner with us to help individuals thrive–thank you!
