February 28, 2013
Dear Friends,
The past 36 years have been an incredible period in our quest to create social change for individuals and families challenged by intellectual disability. Through advocacy and litigation, it became universally clear that isolating people in large state institutions, sometimes numbering 5,000 and more, was a tremendous over-reaction to this disability and was frequently fraught with abuse and neglect. For sure, it was a blatant deprivation of human and civil rights with few opportunities to engage in community life, or benefit from education and training that would engender dignity and self esteem.
I have been blessed to work during this particular time in history as we joined hands to shape and actualize the dreams expressed by self advocates and their loved ones. What a glorious ride it has been to observe each day how good life could be: children off to a good start with early intervention; students attending neighborhood schools; people living in the community close to family and friends; presence and participation in community activities; the joy of having a job and being part of the American workforce. It has been a veritable renaissance, a flurry of innovation and celebration, energizing us forward to a new frontier.
The time has come for me to conclude my tenure at HARC, although my heart, soul and enthusiastic support will always be near. I am thankful for the hard-working board chairs and directors over the years and to our management team and staff for sharing their competence, leadership and passion for our worthy mission. I am forever grateful to clients, families, colleagues, United Way, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the State of Connecticut and to our donor community for their trust, confidence and generous support throughout this marvelous journey. My departure date will be on or about July 12, 2013.
In accordance with HARC’s succession plan, our board of directors will be working with an executive search firm to appoint a new CEO. We are fortunate that the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving sponsors an informative and generous executive transition program that provides training and assistance through its Nonprofit Support Program. In the next few weeks information concerning the search will be posted on HARC’s website, www.harc-ct.org.
I extend my best wishes to all of you in the furtherance of a good life for all. With fond memories and grateful appreciation, I remain,
Very truly yours,
Stephen Becker, President/CEO