May 25, 2012
HARTFORD, CT, May, 2012 HARC, Inc., an organization serving people with intellectual and related disabilities, is pleased to announce that its President / CEO, Dr. Stephen Becker was honored by The National Conference for Community and Justice of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts (NCCJ) with its annual Human Relations Award, at a reception and dinner held at The Marriott Downtown on April 26, 2012.
NCCJ
The NCCJ is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America by promoting understanding and respect among races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.
Individuals who receive the Human Relations Award have distinguished themselves in their daily lives by implementing the ethical principles of respect and caring for others, open-mindedness and tolerance, leadership by example, diligence and dignity in fighting for human rights and responsible leadership. In addition, they have been active in combating religious prejudice, ethnic discrimination and racial bigotry in the community and workplace. And they have contributed to cultural, civic and business organizations and demonstrated concern for fostering social justice and cooperation among all religions, races and ethnic backgrounds.
Also honored this year with Dr. Becker are Chris Dadlez, President / CEO of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center; Edward Lewis, Senior Managing Director of Alternative Assets, Cigna Investment Management; Charles W. Shivery, Chairman, President & CEO, Northeast Utilities; and Sophia Dzialo, a Hall High School senior and youth community organizer.
Dr. Becker states, “This award is particularly meaningful to me because of NCCJ’s and HARC’s shared vision for an inclusive community. The “Good Old Days” were not very good for people with intellectual disability and their families. This award is truly a celebration of our community’s progress in the furtherance of human relationships and I thank NCCJ for its concern about this issue and its willingness to do something about it.”