Harc

HARC helps people with intellectual disability and their families enjoy lives of quality, inclusion and dignity by providing support, education, and advocacy.

HARC was founded in 1951 by a small group of parents whose mission was to address the challenges of intellectual disability. Years ago, when a child was identified as having intellectual disability, he or she was almost always referred to an institution. There were few, if any, programs or services available to help the child living at home.

In The News

HARC Honors Employees Dominique and Chris enjoy the music HARC held its annual Client Staff Gala on June 19 in East Hartford. After dinner the following HARC employees were honored for their years of service to HARC's participants. Congratulations to HARC's dedicated staff. 40 YEARS Joyce Peters 25 YEARS Terry Labbe Ramona L. Rancourt 15 YEARS Diana Appleton Patricia M. Beaumont Jaime Rodriguez Doreen C. Timmons 10 YEARS Angela D. Anderson Faith M.B. Asal Connie M. Blasingame Hollace Brooks Karen Q. Chicoine Teresa A. Furchess Onelia Gonzalez Rebecca Jemison Marian C. Leist Thomas McGee 5 YEARS Yvette Adgers Lucelenia Alicea Kelly A. Bertera Erica J. Bovino Debbian R. Crosby Ana E. Maldonado-Cruz Nastasha A. Forrester- Currin Barbara DeJesus Ina G. Drummond DondrewC. Gibbons Kelly Ann Harris Gregory A. Joseph Kimberly K. Kitovich Mary M. Moriarty Faith Noland Janet Otero Samuel Romero Garfield B. Savage Shirley W. Taylor Darrell W. Trotman Althea P. Tyrell Kathleen W. White Michael dancing with DeShawn HARC is proud to count among its community sponsors

Save the Date! HARC presents its 21st Annual Benefit Auction Saturday, November 7, 2009 Hartford/Windsor Marriott To volunteer, receive an invitation or more information Jenna Rompelman at jrompelman@harc-ct.org 2009 Membership Campaign Exceeds Its Goal The goal for the 2009 campaign is $100,000. As of June 23, 2009, HARC has received $108,967. However, we still need your support. If you haven't made your donation , your gift made by June 30th will make a difference. Thank you. Your donation to the 2009 Annual Fund/Membership campaign is still needed. Please help make a difference and click on DDS to Reduce Case Management Services DDS has announced that forty case mangers have accepted the state's Early Retirement Incentive offer and will be retiring. In light of this, DDS has decided it can no longer assign case managers to individuals who are not enrolled in the fee-for-service Medicaid Program or who reside in private Intermediate Care Facilities. This should serve as a reminder to all parents and advocates that DDS supports are not an entitlement and can be reduced or eliminated at any time. Everyone has to remain vigilant and vocal in support of the need for these essential services. Click here to read DDS Press Release HARC Forms Self-Advocacy Group HARC has formed a self-advocacy group called "What's Happening Self-Advocacy Group." The group usually meets twice a month on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 pm. at HARC. A light supper is served. Participants discuss issues that they have identified. For schedule of monthly topics click here. Team Charless Wins Emperor Club Award HARC's Team Charless won the Emperor Club Award from Special Olympics Connecticut for raising the most money for the Ocean Beach plunge. The team raised approximately $2800. The team was formed in memory of HARC's beloved Charless Whitham, who was an ardent supporter of Special Olympics. HARC, Inc. is a registered charity with GoodSearch.com GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up! GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you’ll be supporting your favorite cause. Just go to GoodSearch.com and please be sure to enter HARC as the charity you want to support. And, be sure to spread the word!

In The News
HARC Holds Annual Meeting Commissioner O'Meara presents a Proclamation from Gov. Rell to Sara and David Hadden HARC held its annual meeting on June 17 at Tumblebrook Country Club. HARC honored Sara and David Hadden for their 25 years of service to individuals with developmental disability. They have been public advocates on behalf of HARC's participants, and each has served on the HARC Board of Directors. David has been Chairman of the Board. HARC also honored two long time HARC employees, Terry Labbe and Ramona Rancourt. Each has been employed at HARC for 25 years. Terry is currently the Director of Therapeutic and Educational Services for the Bulova Center, and Ramona is Director of Vocational Operations. Thank you to Terry and Ramona for their dedication to HARC. Terry Labbe and Ramona Rancourt with Seth Fierston, Chairman of the Board HARC Holds Graduation Four of the graduates with staff On June 12^th, 8 HARC's school-aged participants celebrated graduation. Many family members, friends, and staff from the Bulova Center and Supported Employment attended. Shirley Boron, Director of Day Programs, began the program by welcoming everyone. Dr. Becker, HARC CEO, spoke of the importance of perseverance during these difficult times. He encouraged us all to mark the special occasions in our lives with celebration. Dr. Becker then read an inspirational short story, “The Carrot Seed." This story emphasizes the need for hard work, patience and faith in the presence of those who would discourage us. After diplomas were presented, the graduates and friends enjoyed a special meal, punch and cake on the patio. Graduating seniors were: Charlese Kelly, Eric Santiago, Xavier Martinez, Kathleen Sandora, Timothy Ullman, William Jackson, Andre Garroway and Brett Srokowsky. . Thank you to Angela Frame and Billie Jean Griffin for organizing the festive decorations, music and luncheon! "Lose the Training Wheels" is Coming to West Hartford Lose the Training Wheels is a non-profit organization whose goal is to change the lives of children with disabilities by teaching them to ride a bike without training wheels. This skill will build self confidence, provide inclusion with their peers, and give then a lifetime of fun and exercise. Children attend one 75-minute session per day for five consecutive days. Most children enrolling are capable of riding a bicycle with training wheels, and most have learned to ride a bike within the 5-day period. This program is hosted by The Kiwanis Club of West Hartford in conjunction with the Town of West Hartford Human and Leisure Services. When: August 3 - 7, 2009 Where: Hall High School Fees: $125 for West Hartford residents and $175 for non-residents. The majority of the cost will be covered by private and corporate donations. Scholarships are available based on need. For more information call 860-561-0313 or 860-313-0101or e-mail LTTW@westhartfordkiwanis. org. You can also visit the website at www.losethetrainingwheels.org.