As we celebrate the holiday season, it's a time to reflect on what makes this time of year so special and meaningful. 

The holiday spirit is alive and well at Harc, with celebrations happening throughout our programs. From cheerful gatherings to creative crafts and shared meals, these moments highlight the connections and joy that bring us all together. Seeing the smiles and laughter during these celebrations is a reminder of the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued and included. 

This season is also a time to recognize the unwavering dedication of our staff. Their hard work ensures that individuals Harc supports can enjoy the festivities, share in the holiday season, and experience moments of joy and belonging. From decorating and hosting holiday parties to creating festive moments, their efforts bring extra joy and warmth to the season. 

On behalf of my family to yours, I want to wish you and your loved ones continued happiness and peace this holiday season and a bright, hopeful new year. Thank you for being part of Harc’s journey and for supporting our mission to make meaningful differences in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. 

Together, let’s carry this holiday spirit into the new year, full of growth, celebration and hope. 

This holiday season, our Supported Employment crew helped spread joy to the folks in our Senior Supports program! They put together some amazing Holiday Activity Kits for the group homes, packed with materials for five days of creative and engaging activities. 

Each kit included step-by-step guides and supplies for holiday crafts like wreath making, stocking decorating, snow globe creating, holiday card crafting, and ornament making. These activities were a great way to spark creativity, bring some holiday cheer, and make everyone feel connected.

The team worked hard assembling these kits, and it was a meaningful way to give back during this special season. Their efforts made a big impact, spreading smiles and showing how we can all come together to share the holiday spirit.

We’re so proud of the amazing work our Harc participants are doing to help others in need! One of the most impactful ways they’re giving back is by teaming up with the Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance (CHRA).

With guidance from a skilled CHRA trainer, our participants help assemble harm reduction kits that are shared throughout the community. These kits are filled with essential items to support people at risk of substance use or experiencing homelessness, providing tools to promote safety and well-being. These thoughtful resources can make a meaningful difference in times of need.

By getting involved, our individuals aren’t just making an impact—they’re also gaining valuable skills in community service, public health, and harm reduction. It’s a powerful example of compassion and teamwork coming together to build a stronger, more caring community.

Every kit that goes out into the community reflects their hard work and dedication. We’re so proud of their efforts and the positive difference they’re making for others!

Franny, one of our inspiring future microbusiness owners, has a real passion for photography! Recently, she took a special trip to the State Capitol Building to grow her portfolio. With her unique perspective, she captured the stunning architecture and lively energy of the Capitol in a creative way.

What makes Franny’s work even more amazing is how she uses her tablet, mounted on her wheelchair, to see the world through her lens. She skillfully navigates the space with her right foot, setting up camera angles with such precision and care. Her determination and artistic eye truly shine in every photo she takes.

Every image tells a story—not just of the Capitol’s beauty but also of Franny’s determination to overcome challenges and chase her dream of building her photography business. This trip to the Capitol is just one step in her journey, and we can’t wait to see her continue to share her incredible talent with the world!

The holiday season is here, and what better way to spread some cheer than with handmade gifts from Harc’s Artisan Studio. Our talented artisans have been busy creating beautiful holiday cards, soy candles, gift bags, ornaments, jewelry, and so much more—each item crafted with care and love, making them perfect for your gift list.

We’d love for you to check out our artisans’ favorite holiday picks and find just the right gift for someone special. When you shop at Harc’s Artisan Studio, you’re not just giving a meaningful present—you’re also supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they build skills, confidence, and community in the workforce.

Every purchase makes a difference, empowering our artisans to keep doing the work they love and sharing their incredible talents. This holiday season, choose a gift that spreads joy all around—for you, your loved ones, and our amazing artisans!

Don't forget to get your Mystery Sock Subscription box! For only $13.99 you will get an awesome sock from our collection; this price includes free shipping. Hand picked by our Harc SockStarz employees, and specially packaged for you and your loved ones!

Our wonderful staff, the individuals we support, and their families celebrated the holidays with songs and music, great food, and just an all-around fun time at each of the holiday parties! Take a look at some of the photos that were taken during these festive holiday parties at the Brentmoor and the Prospect group homes.

The Champions of Cheer committee at Harc recently made everyone’s day a little brighter at 900 Asylum with a fun surprise—they treated everyone to free drinks and snacks from the "Morning Brew" cart! For the day, the cart served up hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and tasty treats like danishes and cakes, all at no cost to employees. This thoughtful gesture brought big smiles and created such a warm, welcoming vibe for everyone.

The Morning Brew cart usually runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, offering hot drinks for just $1.25. It’s run by Harc individuals with support from a Job Coach, giving them an opportunity to build work experience.

The Champions of Cheer committee, made up of Harc staff and families, is all about making sure our employees feel recognized and appreciated. They’re constantly coming up with creative ways to celebrate the amazing contributions of Harc’s hardworking team.

This special Morning Brew cart surprise is just one of the many ways the committee shows love to our staff. It’s their way of saying “thank you” and making sure everyone knows how much they’re valued!

If you would like to be involved with Harc's Champions of Cheer Committee, please email Tara Hernandez for more information thernandez@harc-ct.org.

When did you start with Harc? 

I started the week of November 18th. 

How has it been going so far? 

It’s been great! Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming, and I’m enjoying learning more about the services we provide and the community we serve every day. 

What were you doing before coming to Harc?  

I relocated from California this summer, where I spent the last eight years as a Stage Manager and an Entertainment Operations Supervisor at Knott’s Berry Farm. I simultaneously worked for Cypress College for six years, where I mentored students pursuing a career in theatre operations/management and supervised various plays, musicals, and dance concerts. Most recently, I was working in the wedding industry as a Day-Of Coordinator. 

What is your favorite part of your day?  

My first sip of coffee. 

What are the biggest projects currently on your plate?  

Believe it or not, we are already making arrangements for 2025’s Auction & Gala. 

Of what contribution or achievement are you most proud?  

My cross-country move this year was not something I ever thought I’d be capable of, but I am so proud of myself for taking the plunge. My fiancé, Aspen, and I drove through 14 states over six days. We got to visit old friends, landmarks, and campsites along the way, all with our dog in tow. 

What are you most looking forward to? 

Events! I am so excited to get to be on the ground creating exceptional experiences for our volunteers and attendees at our advocacy and fundraising events in 2025. 

What are some fun facts about you?  

I love trivia and crossword puzzles, my favorite movie is the 2001 live action Josie & the Pussycats, and I’m currently learning sign language. I have two cats and a dog, and one of the cats is allergic to the dog (yes, this is really possible). 

What do you do in your spare time?  

I love to read, hike, try new coffee shops, do bar trivia, and spend time with friends. 

What is your communication and learning style?  

I’m a functional communicator – I love details, lists, and timelines. I’m an ESFJ with a visual learning style, and my leadership style is empathetic and people-forward. 

We think you are amazing and we want to recognize you for the meaningful contributions you are making to Harc every day. 

With Bonusly, everyone can publicly recognize anyone else by giving small bonuses that add up to meaningful rewards. Each month you will receive an allowance of “Harc points." You can use that allowance to give your teammates small bonuses to celebrate success in real time. We think you will love giving recognition that is candid, social, and expressive!

As you earn bonuses, you can redeem your points for gift cards to major retailers, donations to charities, and more! If you are not signed up, or have any questions, ask your direct supervisor or manager.

Happy bonusing!