Earlier this month, my sons Nicholas, Jacob, Joshua, and I finished the three-day Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire. It covers nearly 27 miles through the White Mountains, with almost 14,000 feet of elevation gain. We each carried a pack weighing over 30 pounds and hiked in heat that reached the mid-90s. It was the toughest hike I have ever done. 

There were times when I felt completely exhausted. The trail was steep, rocky, and unforgiving. The heat was draining. I was tired, sore, and wondering what I had gotten into. But each time I looked ahead and saw my sons still moving forward, I kept going. 

We did this as a family, and we did it for Harc. 

The Coleman Climb for a Cause was our way of raising funds and awareness for the mission we believe in. We aimed to raise $6,288, which is one dollar for each foot of Mount Washington’s height. We are proud of what we achieved together and thankful for the support we received. 

This hike reminded me that progress isn't easy. It takes effort, determination, and people around you who won’t let you quit. That’s something I see every day in our staff and in the people Harc supports. They keep going. So we did too. 

Thanks to everyone who supported this effort. Your encouragement and generosity meant more than I can say. If you haven't had a chance to give and still want to, the fundraiser will remain open a little longer. 

Click here to give your final gift. 

Together, we keep moving forward. 

Harc extends its sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the Knights of Columbus Newington for their continued generosity and steadfast support. This week, Harc President & CEO Russell Coleman proudly accepted two generous checks on behalf of the organization, which is another remarkable show of kindness in a partnership that has already contributed over $25,000 to Harc’s mission throughout the years. 

The Knights of Columbus have been loyal allies in Harc’s efforts to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Their ongoing support helps fund essential programs and services that promote inclusion, dignity, and independence for those we serve. 

This longstanding partnership began years ago thanks to the late Frank Gozzo, a beloved member of the Harc family, who first introduced Harc to the Knights. Their well-known Tootsie Roll Drive became a successful fundraiser, raising significant funds over the years, and we are so grateful that this spirit of giving continues today. 

On behalf of the entire Harc community, thank you to the Knights of Columbus Newington for standing by our side and for helping us build a more inclusive world. 

We are excited to introduce Mike Gibney and Sam McLaughlin, the leadership team for Harc's new Remote Supports Program—innovators in advancing person-centered technology solutions.

Remote Supports are designed to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) by fostering greater independence, improving quality of life, and enhancing safety for those living independently or with family.

At the heart of this initiative is a 24/7 support center, staffed by highly trained professionals who provide real-time assistance and reassurance. Leveraging cutting-edge assistive technologies—including sensor-based monitoring, push-button access to our call center, and other adaptive tools—our team delivers proactive, responsive care tailored to each individual's needs.

Watch our Harc Morning Buzz segment that includes Mike and Sam showing how this adaptive technology works! 

This past month, our energetic and enthusiastic campers had the time of their lives at Camp Courant 2025, and the photos say it all! From wild adventures to quiet moments of discovery, this summer was packed with laughter, learning, and memories to last a lifetime. 

Whether splashing in the pool, shooting hoops on the basketball court, or getting up close with reptiles during the ever-popular Reptile Show, our campers embraced every moment. Law Enforcement Day brought a buzz of excitement as kids climbed into police vehicles, chatted with officers, and learned more about those who keep our communities safe. 

Over at the STEM program, campers let their imaginations run wild, building with LEGOs, exploring laptops, and diving into hands-on experiments. And let’s not forget the Golf Clinic, frisbee fun, and digging deep into the sandbox. 

But the adventure didn’t stop there! Day trips added even more excitement: At Spare Time in Windsor Locks, the children took to the lanes for some friendly bowling competition. 

A visit to Springfield’s museum district included stops at the Dr. Seuss Museum, where children played in Seussian kitchens, met beloved characters, and explored vibrant exhibits. In the Fine Arts Museum, they interacted with Van Gogh-inspired displays, while the Natural History Museum brought dinosaurs to life and sparked curiosity through hands-on activities and giant bubble play in the outdoor grass area. 

At the Mystic Aquarium, kids discovered marine life, including a freshwater fish display connected to their museum adventures. 

The excitement continued at the Beardsley Zoo, where campers encountered monkeys, reptiles, and even crawled through plastic tubes alongside their counselors for a closer look at the animals. 

Outdoor play reached new heights at Jonathan’s Dream Park, where campers raced across a rubber-padded playground designed for safe, inclusive fun. 

And, of course, no summer would be complete without thrills at Quassy Amusement Park, where laughter echoed across roller coasters and spinning rides. From start to finish, Capable Kids Camp 2025 was a joyful celebration of friendship, exploration, and childhood wonder. We’re so grateful to our staff, volunteers, and partners who made this magical summer possible. 

Take a gander at the awesome photos from our campers’ adventure and, here’s to the memories made, and to many more summers of fun to come! 

Van Tran, a father of two (9-year-old son, and a 15-year-old daughter), is a district manager in retail who grew up in New Orleans with very little. Now living in Connecticut, where he’s calls home, Van believes deeply in being involved in the community and exposing his kids to the importance of giving back.

Having experienced the impact of generosity firsthand, he strives to pay it forward and hopes to inspire his children to carry those values into their own lives. 

Thank you, Van, for donating the sneakers and shoes for our Dress for Success Module, so that the individuals who go to a job interview feel confident by taking a step forward into the workforce. 

If you, or someone you know, would like to donate gently used clothing or shoes, or if your loved one in Harc's Employment Program needs some professional wear for an interview, please contact Jessica Pinto at jpinto@harc-ct.org.

Ben Monkaba, an inspiring entertainer living with Williams Syndrome, along with his talented accompanist and friend Ed Roseman, recently delivered a performance at Harc that truly knocked the socks off of both individuals and staff. For a full hour, the room was filled with laughter, smiles, and nonstop dancing as this dynamic duo brought their unique energy and infectious love of music to the stage.

Ben and Ed’s easygoing rapport and mutual passion for performance created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that immediately drew everyone in. Their sometimes-quirky, always joyful takes on familiar tunes had us grinning from ear to ear, and the good vibes lingered long after the last note played.

Everyone at Harc was thrilled and immensely entertained. We can’t wait to welcome Ben and Ed back again soon for another unforgettable celebration of music, inclusion, and fun!

The Back-to-School South Marshall Block Party event was a great success! We had the opportunity to share information about Harc and the services we provide to individuals with disabilities. We spoke with several families about our Summer Camp program, which runs from June through August, as well as Camp Bulova, our Saturday respite camp that operates from September through June. We also made sure to mention that we’re conveniently located in the neighborhood on Asylum Avenue. We handed out flyers along with books, pencils, erasers, and stress balls. Although it looked like it might rain, the weather held out and the sun eventually came out, creating a welcoming atmosphere. We were able to connect with quite a few children and parents, and overall, it was a meaningful and productive event.   

WORXBranding was proudly recognized at this year’s Connecticut Art Directors Club (CADC) Awards in Bridgeport, taking home several honors for excellence in communications across the state. Among the standout wins was a Silver Award for The Heart of Harc: Franny’s Story, a moving video created in partnership with Harc. 

The video shares the inspiring journey of Franny, a beloved member of the Harc community, capturing the heart and mission of the organization through her story. It’s a powerful example of how thoughtful storytelling can elevate awareness and deepen impact. 

Congratulations to the WORX team for using creativity and heart to make a difference, and for bringing Franny’s story to the spotlight it deserves. 

Come join Harc for a one-of-a-kind interactive tasting experience at Butchers & Bakers in partnership with Nutmeg & Oak. Indulge in a culinary journey like no other, where you'll get to taste and savor a variety of delicious food and beverage pairings prepared by talented chefs and local vendors. This event is perfect for food lovers looking to explore new flavors and enjoy a fun evening out - all in support of Harc’s mission to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live lives of quality, inclusion, and dignity.

Eat well. Do good. Don’t miss this chance to support a meaningful cause while treating your taste buds!

Come join us for a fun interactive tasting experience at Butchers & Bakers - it's going to be delicious!

For questions, please contact Cailin Luneburg at, Cluneburg@harc-ct.org | 860-218-6007.

After 22 years of dedicated service at Harc, Sandra Lockett, our beloved Payroll Administrator, officially retired on August 8th. Throughout her tenure, Sandra was more than a key member of the HR team, and she was a trusted colleague, a reliable presence, and a friend to many. Her deep knowledge of payroll was invaluable, but it was her calm demeanor, her willingness to listen, and her steady support that left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with. 

Payroll is one of the most critical functions in any organization, and Sandra handled it with consistency, professionalism, and heart. She made an incredible impact on Harc, and she will be deeply missed. 

To celebrate Sandra’s incredible 22-year career, staff stopped by to share memories, express their gratitude, and wish her the very best as she enters this exciting new chapter of retirement. 

Get Ready for a Wicked Good Time at Harc’s Annual Auction & Gala! 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and generosity at Harc’s Annual Auction & Gala. This year’s theme, On the Road to 75, sets the stage for show-stopping entertainment, exciting auction packages, and heartfelt moments—all in support of Harc’s mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Did you purchase your tickets yet? Click the button below to purchase them now! 

For this year's program journal, we would like to feature photos and a little text about some of our beloved Harc staff, residents and program participants!

Would you be interested in providing a story, photo and/or some text so that we can draft up a sample for your review? 

We are offering the following options: 

▪️A $50 donation for a business-card size feature 

▪️A $125 donation for a quarter-page size feature

▪️A $250 donation for a half-page feature

▪️A $500 donation for a full-page feature