To our Harc family, our staff, donors, families, friends, and the individuals we support, I want to share something personal.

In January, I had a serious cardiac episode that required triple bypass surgery. I've been recovering over the past few weeks, and although I don't usually talk much about myself, I know some of you noticed I was absent. February was Heart Health Month, and even though that’s ended, the message still holds: listen to your body and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Just months before this happened, I finished the Presidential Traverse in the White Mountains with my three sons. 

It was a tough three-day hike covering over twenty miles and nearly fourteen thousand feet of elevation gain, including reaching the summit of Mount Washington. After something like that, I could have easily thought what I was feeling was just heartburn or fatigue. But I paid attention and got help. I am here today because of that.

As President and CEO of Harc, I am continually inspired by the compassion, dedication, and strength I observe across our community. This experience reminded me that those who care for others must also take care of themselves.

I want to thank my incredible team for their leadership and stability while I was away. Harc’s mission never missed a beat, and I am proud to continue leading such an extraordinary organization. I am also deeply grateful to my wife and family for their support and love during this time.

To our devoted staff, your work is exceptional and your health is important. To our donors and supporters, thank you for helping make care and community possible. And to the individuals we serve and the families who stand with them, thank you for your trust, strength, and the heart you bring to Harc every day.

If I can leave you with one message, it is this: take your health seriously. Keep your appointments, ask questions, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

Thank you for your care, your support, and for being part of this incredible community.

-Russell

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), observed each March, is a time to recognize the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It encourages communities to celebrate the contributions of people with developmental disabilities and to work toward a society where everyone can participate fully and meaningfully.

This year’s theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always," highlights a powerful truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities and will continue to help shape them for generations to come. Their voices, talents, and experiences enrich our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and organizations.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Harc, a milestone that reflects decades of commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. For 75 years, Harc has helped create opportunities for people to live, work, connect, and thrive in their communities.

The impact of this work is best seen through the stories of the people Harc supports, like Amber who proudly goes to work at Beazley, demonstrating the value and dedication individuals with developmental disabilities bring to the workforce, and Monica, who uses her voice to advocate for greater accessibility in healthcare, raising awareness about the need for equipment like Hoyer lifts in doctors’ offices so that individuals with mobility needs can be properly and respectfully examined, and Josh, who after attending programs for more than 15 years, took his involvement a step further by becoming a board member of the very organization that has been part of his journey.

Stories like these show that Harc is more than an organization, it is a community where people are empowered to grow, lead, advocate, and belong. For 75 years, Harc has helped ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities are not only present in our communities but actively shaping them.

As we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we are reminded that inclusion is not just a goal for the future—it is something we build every day. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and continue working toward a future where everyone is valued, heard, and included.

A lot is going on at Harc these days! This is our 75th year in operation, and it will be our best one yet! We are commemorating this momentous year by sharing the stories that got us to where we are today. The 75 Voices for 75 Days campaign is an ongoing social media campaign that highlights the voices from the last 75 years every day up until May 8th, our Anniversary!

We'll share stories including those from Dr. Steve Becker, Harc's founding families such as the Hoffs, the Appletons, and the Corsos, Harc's employment partners such as KBE Building Supply, the Hartford Yard Goats, Beazley Insurance, Harc's program participants like David, Monica, Brianna, and many more. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to our social media channels below; enjoy the journey with us!

860Gives is bringing communities across central and northeastern Connecticut together for 48 hours of giving, and Harc, Inc. is proud to be part of this powerful movement of generosity.

From March 31 through April 2, 2026, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is powering 860Gives, a region-wide initiative designed to support the nonprofits that keep our communities strong. Over the course of two days, residents across 56 Connecticut towns are invited to come together to give, share, and make a difference.

Harc provides the essential services and opportunities for individuals and families. But with resources stretched and needs continuing to grow, community support has never been more important. The individuals served by local nonprofits are not strangers—they are our friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

This year’s giving event is especially meaningful for Harc as the we are celebrating our 75th Anniversary. For 75 years, Harc has been committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through programs that promote inclusion, independence, and opportunity.

During this year’s 860Gives, we invite you and everyone you know in the community to be part of that legacy. When many people give even a small amount, the impact grows quickly and helps us to continue our mission of changing lives and changing minds. 

We hope you share this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues to help spread the word. Because when a community comes together, even 48 hours can change lives. 💙

Mark your calendars for March 31st–April 2nd and be a part of the 860 region's biggest 48 hours of giving by supporting Harc. Click the link below to share our page and donate starting March 31st!

Harc’s Artisan Studio is honored to support the 40th World Down Syndrome Gala hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut. This special evening , taking place on Saturday, March 21st and celebrates four decades of advocacy, community, and impact across Connecticut. Fittingly, the gala falls on World Down Syndrome Day, a global day of recognition and celebration.

We are especially excited that our dear friend Keith McGilvery will be hosting the evening, helping to make this milestone celebration both meaningful and memorable.

In preparation for the gala, Harc’s talented artisans are hard at work creating vibrant centerpieces inspired by the signature colors of World Down Syndrome Day, bold yellow and bright blue. These colors symbolize hope, unity, and awareness, and our team has embraced them in designs that are both eye-catching and heartfelt.

Each centerpiece is thoughtfully handcrafted, reflecting the creativity, dedication, and pride of our artisans. We are proud to contribute to an event that uplifts individuals with Down syndrome and celebrates the strength of community.

We look forward to seeing these impactful creations on display as supporters gather for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and purpose.

While not on Valentine’s Day this year, the room was filled with love, and we are hopeful that our efforts will affect a positive outcome this legislative session. 

This year’s Have a Harc Day took place on February 13th at the Legislative Office Building. Yes, it was Friday, the 13th, and it was scary how determined our team was to get our message across! Our friend and host, Jillian Gilchrest, kicked off the event praising the work we do at Harc and affirming her support of our initiatives. Several other Legislators, took to the podium in support of our mission, including Representative Mike DeMicco, Senator Derek Slap, Representative Hector Arzeno and Senator Matt Lesser. Other Legislators listened quietly, taking it all in from the sidelines.

We heard from: Brianna Samsone, a Mom, whose child caught up to his peers after receiving Birth To Three services; Monica, a Harc resident, who described our staff as her “second lifeline;” Melinda, a parent, who commended Harc’s staff for not only providing supporting for her adult son, but also companionship; Liz, an individual in Day program, who does not have adequate transportation to get to appointments and work, due to living one block outside of ADA’s service area; Marianne, a participant in the Employment program, who recently lost her job and wants better incentives for employers who hire persons with I/DD; Jen, who wants funding for recreational activities and transportation to get to them; Harry, who with the assistance of his 1:1/interpreter, Steven, taught us some sign language including how to sign “I love you.”

Click below to watch the Have a Harc Day video and read our 2026 Advocacy Agenda.

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we reflect on the thousands of journeys, each one unique, meaningful, and full of purpose Among those stories is Liz’s, a member of our Employment Enrichment Service (EES) whose determination beautifully embodies Harc’s mission: empowering people to live with dignity, independence, and real opportunity.

Liz came to EES with a goal that was both bold and deeply personal: to leave the retail world behind and pursue her long-held dream of working in healthcare.

With the support of our EES team and the American Job Center, she explored career pathways that aligned with her strengths, her compassion, and her desire to help others. Through this process, she discovered a clear direction, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

This year, Liz took a major step forward. She applied to Goodwin University’s CNA program, was accepted, and earned a full scholarship to make her dream accessible and achievable.

Her accomplishment reflects not only her hard work, but also the power of inclusive support, something that has been at the heart of Harc for 75 years.

And Liz’s gifts don’t end with healthcare. She is also a skilled jewelry maker and the creative mind behind Liz Fashionable Glam, where she designs and sells handcrafted pieces. Her artistry highlights her eye for detail, her passion, and her growing confidence as a business owner.

Liz’s journey is a reminder of why Harc was founded in 1951 and why our mission remains just as vital today. When people are given opportunity, respect, and meaningful support, potential becomes possibility, and possibility becomes purpose.

As we honor the past 75 years and look ahead to the next 75, we celebrate individuals like Liz, whose stories continue to show us what inclusion truly looks like in action.

To explore Liz’s handcrafted jewelry, visit @LizFashionableGlam on Instagram or email her for order inquiries at lizfashionable999@gmail.com!

Valentine's Day may have passed, but we'd like to ride the love train into March and beyond.... some of our program participants made this commercial to encourage you to come visit us and pick out some great gifts for your loved ones, or yourself (we won't tell). Come see us at The Artisan Studio at 900 Asylum Avenue Monday - Friday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM! 

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and community spirit as Dueling Pianos returns on March 26, 2026!

We’re thrilled to welcome the high-energy entertainment of Savage Pianos for a lively, interactive performance that promises crowd favorites, friendly musical battles, and plenty of surprises along the way.

This special evening also celebrates 75 years of impact and inclusion When you attend, you’re doing more than supporting our mission, you’re helping provide lifelong support, dignity, and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and related disabilities throughout our community.

Event Details

📅 Date: March 26, 2026
📍 Location: J Under the Dome | 1 Sequassen Street, Hartford, CT
🕡 Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show begins at 7:00 PM
🎟 Tickets: $30 (not including fees)

Every ticket purchased makes a difference. Join us for a night of music, memories, and meaningful impact as we make this milestone year one to remember.

Click the link below to purchase your tickets today!

Join us at the Hartford Yard Goats Dunkin' Park for Harc's annual Walk N' Roll event. Come together with the Harc community for a day of fundraising, fun games, activities, snacks, to celebrate people of all abilities!

We are excited to announce that the "Good News Guy," philanthropist and dear Harc friend, Keith McGilvery, will be our Emcee and host for the fourth year in a row!

When you register for free, you'll have the opportunity to create a fundraising team or donate to an existing team to further Harc's mission during our annual Walk N' Roll event. By creating a fundraising team, you'll be able to mobilize your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to help the Harc community. Your support of an existing team will help us expand employment and recreational activities for the people we serve and reach everyone in our community who needs Harc's programs and services.

Click the button below to register today. We hope to see you there, happy fundraising!