As we close out the year, I find myself thinking about the many moments that brought us together. This season, I had the chance to attend several of our holiday gatherings, and while no two were alike, they all had something in common: joy, warmth, and the unmistakable sense that Harc is a place where people belong. 

Maggie, who has shared the gift of music with Harc for more than a decade, was at many of the celebrations. With bells in hand and songs in the air, she helped create something simple and beautiful. People came together not to exchange gifts or put on a show, but to sing, to laugh, to eat, and to feel connected. That is what makes this place so special. 

Looking back on the past year, I am filled with gratitude. For the families who trust us. For the staff who give so much of themselves. For the donors and volunteers who believe in this work. 

And most of all, for the individuals we support, who remind us every day what strength, joy, and possibility really look like. 

As we look ahead to 2026 and prepare to celebrate Harc’s 75th anniversary, I hope you’ll stay with us. There is so much more to do and so much more we can do together. From our family to yours, thank you for being part of this journey. Wishing you peace, health, and happiness in the new year. 

-Russell Coleman

Holiday Spirit Week was filled with warmth, fun, and festive cheer as staff and individuals came together to celebrate the season in style. The week kicked off with Pajama Day, where everyone embraced cozy, cheerful vibes by wearing their favorite holiday PJs. From festive prints to comfy classics, the smiles and laughter truly set the tone for a joyful week.

As the week continued, the holiday spirit only grew stronger. Festive socks took center stage at 900 Asylum, with stylish staff and individuals showing off fun patterns and bold holiday flair. The creativity and enthusiasm did not disappoint, and holiday cheer could be felt throughout the building.

The final day of Holiday Spirit Week wrapped things up on a cozy note, with flannel shirts, showing lots of holiday spirit. Everyone brought the cozy vibes, making it the perfect ending to a memorable week.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make Holiday Spirit Week so fun and meaningful. We wish everyone a joyful, cozy, and cheerful holiday season!

We are honored and grateful to announce that Harc has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the J. Walton Bissell Foundation. This generous support helps strengthen our mission and enhances the services we provide to the individuals and families we serve.

Recently, the Bissell Foundation invited all of its grantees to a networking luncheon held at the Stowe Center for Literary Activism. The event was a wonderful and inspiring opportunity to connect with fellow organizations, share ideas, and celebrate the collective impact made possible through the Foundation’s support.

Pictured at the event are Sarah Anthony, Executive Director and President of the J. Walton Bissell Foundation (left), and Marian Leist, Harc’s Chief Operating Officer (right).

We extend our sincere thanks to the J. Walton Bissell Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in the important work we do. Your support makes a meaningful and lasting difference to the Harc community as a whole.

This Thanksgiving, Harc Board Member and self-advocate Josh Starr enjoyed a truly memorable experience when he attended the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Accompanying Josh on this special adventure were his mom, along with friends and family, making the day even more meaningful.

Josh shared how thrilled he was to watch the parade from an office high up in one of the city’s skyscrapers, offering a bird’s-eye view of the highly anticipated annual celebration. From the famous balloons to the lively performances below, it was an unforgettable way to take in the festivities.

Looking ahead, Josh is excited and hopeful for many more fun and exciting adventures in the coming new year!

Harc’s Champions of Cheer Committee wrapped up Holiday Spirit Week on a high note by treating all staff to a delicious breakfast bar. The breakfast buffet was catered by Red Rock Tavern and offered a wonderful way to thank our staff.

The Champions of Cheer Committee meets monthly to create and carry out fun, creative ways to recognize and appreciate Harc staff. Members brainstorm ideas, organize events and initiatives, such as parties, food trucks, and snack carts, and review their impact, all in a collaborative and engaging setting.

The breakfast spread featured fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, orange juice, coffee, and hot cocoa; there was something for everyone to enjoy. The warm food and cheerful atmosphere perfectly captured the spirit of the season.

The Committee is always welcoming new member and new ideas; write to Tara at thernandez@harc-ct.org or call 860-218-6142.

Take a look at the magical moments that were captured at our 36th Annual Auction & Gala. We look forward to our 75th Anniversary next year!

The Nutrition Program at our Bulova Center has been cooking up something special with its “Nutrition from Around the World” initiative. Through this program, individuals and staff have been exploring global cultures by preparing delicious homemade dishes inspired by countries from around the world. 

So far, the group has created meals influenced by places such as New Zealand, Africa, Italy, and more. Most recently, the spotlight was on Saint Lucia, where participants prepared the traditional dish of salt fish and green figs. Along the way, everyone enjoyed learning about the country’s culture, ingredients, and culinary traditions. 

This hands-on experience has been both educational and fun, allowing individuals and staff to expand their knowledge of international cuisine. Thanks to this program, many can now proudly say they’ve added new global flavors and recipes to their cookbooks.

We were thrilled to welcome NBC Connecticut’s Kevin Nathan, along with Dynamic Human Performance, to Harc for an exciting and engaging fitness segment. The visit highlighted the importance of health and wellness while creating a fun, energetic experience for everyone involved.

Our folks were excited to participate and brought incredible enthusiasm to the collaboration. The positive energy and encouragement made the segment both inspiring and empowering, showcasing the joy of staying active together.

We are grateful to NBC Connecticut and Dynamic Human Performance for partnering with us and helping share a motivating message of health, wellness, and community.

On November 27th, Harc & Sole Runners Oneal and Nate proudly represented Harc at the Manchester Road Race. Among 12,385 registered runners, both Oneal and Nate ran with purpose, dignity, strength, and perseverance, demonstrating true commitment and determination. 

This marked only their second time participating in a road race, and despite the cold weather conditions, they remained focused and made it a point to cross the finish line. Their dedication and resilience were inspiring to all who followed their journey. 

Oneal and Nate shared that they are looking forward to continuing to run more races in the future. Having Harc as their sponsor gives them even more motivation and pride as they lace up their running shoes and represent an organization they care deeply about. We are incredibly proud of Oneal and Nate for their dedication, commitment, and the positive spirit they bring to Harc. 

This year’s Manchester Road Race also carried a meaningful mission as a Race Against Hunger. In response to the growing food insecurity crisis in Connecticut, the Race Committee directed all net proceeds to two vital nonprofit organizations: Connecticut Foodshare and the Manchester Area Conference of Churches Charities. Oneal and Nate were honored to take part in a race that not only celebrated athletic achievement but also supported such an important cause in our community. 

Have a Harc Day is an annual event at the Connecticut State Capitol that brings together individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and supporters to advocate for inclusive policies. The day emphasizes compassion and community while giving participants the chance to meet legislators, share personal stories, and highlight the importance of funding, access, and supportive policies for people with IDD.

As we reach the end of another remarkable year, we reflect on the journeys of the individuals and families we are privileged to support at Harc. Each story reminds us why our work matters and why the generosity of our supporters is so essential. As the year comes to a close, we want to remind you that it is not too late to make an end-of-year gift to Harc and help continue this important work.

One story that truly captures the heart of our mission is Adrienne’s. For the past twenty years, Adrienne has worked at Robinson+Cole, a firm that has partnered with Harc for more than four decades. Adrienne is known for her pride, determination, and the joy she brings to her workplace each day. Her parents taught her early on to be thankful for the opportunity to work, knowing that not everyone is afforded that chance, and she carries those lessons with her every day.

Adrienne recently shared words that deeply moved us:
“Working here for twenty years has given me such a joy and blessing that makes you feel like you’re part of a team, and Harc believes in not quitting and that everybody deserves a chance to prove that they can do a wonderful job.”

She also expressed how grateful she is for the opportunity to make a difference at her job—how showing up, contributing, and being valued means everything to her. Adrienne’s words speak to dignity, gratitude, and the belief that every person deserves the chance to shine.

Adrienne’s success did not happen overnight. Like so many individuals supported by Harc, her journey, and her family’s journey, has been shaped by years of encouragement, opportunity, and unwavering support. That support continues today because of generous donors who believe in our mission.

As we close out the year, your gift can help ensure that more individuals like Adrienne have access to meaningful opportunities, support, and the chance to thrive. End-of-year giving makes a powerful difference, and there is still time to give. Thank you for believing in Harc and for helping us create brighter futures for the individuals and families we serve.