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.

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are the lifeline of HARC. Our Board of Directors and Board Committees represent the voluntary leadership of HARC; volunteers are active in all areas of our organization. Whether you have a few hours a week, one day per month, or would like to help for one project at a time . . . we have a job for you! Click here to view a PDF volunteer application Kids on the Block Dory Michael doryemichael@harc-ct.org Volunteers visit schools in the Greater Hartford area and present puppet shows for school children using life-size puppets who portray various disabilities. Unified Sports Dory Michael doryemichael@harc-ct.org Unified Sports Teams are made up of disabled and non-disabled players who practice together and then compete with other teams locally. This is similar Special Olympics' national unified sports program. Be a Friend Dory Michael doryemichael@harc-ct.org HARC's Be-A-Friend Program pairs a person with mental retardation with a friend from the community to share leisure activities: bowling, the movies, a dinner out, talking on the phone, or sharing mutual interests. Life Enrichment Program Shirley Boron sboron@harc-ct.org HARC's Elderly Enrichment Program serves as a model for older people of all abilities. It combines volunteerism and physical exercise with community activities and cultural events. Recreation Dory Michael doryemichael@harc-ct.org HARC offers an array of recreation programs throughout the year for children and adults alike. Volunteers are welcome in all of these programs. Special Projects Jenna Rompelman jrompelman@harc-ct.org HARC always has a number of projects that need to be done: special events, clerical, data entry, computer programming, mailings, remodeling and painting, landscaping, repairs, cooking and reading programs. Fundraising Jennifer Meligonis-DeJohn jmdejohn@harc-ct.org Volunteers are constantly needed to help with various fundraising activities. HARC's major fundraisers are the annual auction held in the fall and the HARC Walkathon held in May. Both require a broad range of skills and talents. Client Bridges Dory Michael doryemichael@harc-ct.org Volunteers work with clients on a one-to-one basis involving community activities. Vocational Joyce Peters jpeters@harc-ct.org HARC's vocational department welcomes student interns who can assist in task building on a one-to-one basis. In addition, we welcome volunteers to conduct reading and/or cooking programs. Click here to view a PDF volunteer application!