Left Bob, Russell, Gerry at the State Capitol

Advocacy is part of the job because you’re part of the mission.

Spring is here, and the energy at Harc and across the nonprofit sector is strong. Earlier this month, more than 2,100 people gathered at the State Capitol for Nonprofit Rally Day, including Harc staff, people we support, friends, and family. We stood shoulder to shoulder with other organizations from across the state, united in one message: Connecticut’s nonprofits need fair and sustainable funding.

That kind of turnout doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects something deeper—a shared belief that what we do matters, and that the people we serve deserve better. We’ve been underfunded for too long, and it affects everything: our ability to hire and keep great staff, to expand programs, and to meet the needs of the individuals and families who count on us every day.

Advocacy isn’t a separate part of the job. It is the job. Whether you’re supporting someone through a tough day, helping them prepare for work, organizing a family outing, managing paperwork, cooking a meal, or simply showing up with kindness, you are part of the story we’re telling policymakers. Every action you take helps make the case for why Harc’s work matters.

We’re not asking for extras. We’re asking for fairness. For the dignity of our workforce. For the inclusion and independence of the people we support. And for the long-term strength of organizations like Harc that hold communities together.

Thank you for staying committed, for showing up, and for believing in what we do. If you want to raise your voice even more, it takes just a minute to contact your legislators through The Alliance’s website:  Contact Your Legislator - The Alliance

Together, we’ll keep pushing forward.

Russell Coleman
President & CEO, Harc, Inc.

Our Walk N’ Roll on May 10th was an incredible success! Together, we raised over $47,000, topping the last two years!

Face painting, fun games, a fantastic raffle, delicious refreshments, and, of course, baby goats made the event super special.

A huge thank you to our amazing Emcee, Keith McGilvery, for bringing the hype and excitement to the event! Thank you to our dedicated volunteers — your efforts made this day unforgettable!

And to our generous sponsors: Talcott Financial Group, Hartford Parking Authority, Hartford Yard Goats & Dr. Steve Becker.

A special congratulations to the top fundraising team MARGOTS MOOVERS who received an additional $1,000 from Harc's CEO and President, Russell Coleman! Their passion and dedication shined and we are so grateful for their hard work to help us reach our goal of being able to add another wheelchair accessible van to our fleet.

Everyone's support powers Harc’s mission every day, and we couldn't have done it without you! We can’t wait to Walk N’ Roll with you again next year!

Harc was proud to join more than 50 nonprofit organizations for Nonprofit Alliance Day at the Capitol on May 14th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Held at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford, this annual event was not just a day of advocacy—it was a celebration of community, inclusion, and the powerful impact of nonprofit work across the state.

Thanks to the Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance, Harc and other organizations were given a unique opportunity to exhibit on the first floor of the Capitol. It was a powerful platform to educate both policymakers and the public on the essential services we provide and how we enhance the quality of life for the individuals and families we serve.

A highlight of the day was Harc self-advocate David, who attends our Day Program. With tenacity and purpose, David spoke directly to legislators like Representative Jillian Gilchrest and Senator Matt Lesser, passionately stating, “Harc is in need of funding, and if we don’t do anything now, everything will go downhill REAL fast!” His voice was a strong reminder of the importance of funding and legislative support for programs that empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Also, Franny the fantastic photographer will have her photograph postcards displayed and will be available for purchase at the Capitol’s gift shop. Click the YouTube video below to view her amazing photography in action for yourself. The talented individuals at Harc are passionate about what they do and we are in awe of their accomplishments.

This year’s event included a cool new element to the day—a refreshment area featuring specialty baked goods created by the social enterprises of participating nonprofits, along with delicious ice cream provided by Ben & Jerry’s.

From advocacy to ice cream, the 2025 Nonprofit Alliance Day at the Capitol was a true success for everyone who attended. Harc is grateful for the chance to stand alongside our peers, share our mission, and amplify the voices of those we serve.

Harc extends a heartfelt thank you to Mabelle B. Avery Middle School in Somers, Connecticut, for choosing Harc as the beneficiary of their recent Walkathon where they were able to raise over $1,800! Your generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to inclusion made a lasting impact on our community. 

Around 40 MBA students participated in this special day, teaming up with students from the RISE and SOAR programs for a fun and meaningful experience. Together, they played inclusive games like parachute, soccer, and volleyball—promoting teamwork, respect, and connection. 

Students completed the Walkathon loop and made colorful tie-dye socks for individuals who attend Harc and themselves. The day was filled with cornhole, music, snacks, and most of all, learning. 

A special highlight was a presentation by Harc staff that helped students better understand the importance of inclusion, compassion, and different perspectives. It was a moment of education and awareness that left a lasting impression. 

Thank you, MBA Middle School for choosing Harc and for supporting our mission to a more inclusive future. 

Harc’s Morning Buzz news broadcasters had everyone buzzing with excitement this week after taking their talents to the State Capitol for a very special segment on Nonprofit Rally Day.

On May 20th, our talented and passionate news anchors stepped outside the studio and on onto the South Lawn at the State Capitol in Hartford and asked the big question: “What does Rally Day mean to you?”

Equipped with microphones and a mission, our broadcasters interviewed multiple representatives from a wide range of nonprofit organizations. A powerful and consistent theme was trending — a passionate plea for sustainable funding. 

Many participants expressed deep concern about the current state of nonprofit funding, emphasizing the urgent need for increased and more reliable support.

For our Morning Buzz team, this was more than just another segment. It was a unique opportunity to experience journalism in action — reporting live, practicing their linguistic and interpersonal skills, and engaging directly with the community. It was also a moment of personal and professional growth, as the anchors embraced a new environment with confidence and curiosity.

This Nonprofit Rally at the Capitol was a great example of what makes Harc’s Morning Buzz so special: authentic storytelling, real-world experiences, and a commitment to learning.

Don’t miss the action, and check out the full YouTube segment from the State Capitol and see for yourself how our Morning Buzz anchors brought the voice of the people straight to your screen! Check out the awesome photos below that were taken on this important day!

We’re thrilled to share that Harc’s Artisan Studio has been given a wonderful opportunity to shine bright! Thanks to a generous Small Business Sponsorship from Naomi Lerner, our Artisans are being featured with a half-page ad in the Power of the Purse Program.

In celebration of this event, our talented Artisans are creating beautiful hand-crafted bags inspired by the Power of the Purse theme which are the centerpieces for the upcoming United Way event.

A heartfelt thank you to Naomi Lerner for her generosity and support of Harc’s mission and the incredible work of our Artisans!

Since March 19, 2001, Kim Jenkins has been a dedicated and compassionate member of the Harc family, and she has a deep sense of purpose, and a heart full of love for the individuals we serve.

Before joining Harc, Kim worked at Mercy Housing and Shelter. When the organization underwent renovations, Kim found herself looking for a new opportunity. A friend whose son attended Harc encouraged her to apply, believing it would be a great fit. That recommendation turned into a life-changing career move for Kim—and a tremendous gain for Harc.

Kim quickly found her groove as a Job Coach at one of Harc’s Supported Employment job sites: the DoubleTree by Hilton in Windsor, Connecticut. There, she supported a group of five to six individuals with housekeeping duties such as making beds, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, and dusting—sometimes cleaning as many as 20 rooms a day.

“I loved working there,” Kim recalls. “I went straight to the job site in the morning, and the individuals arrived by ADA transportation, staff vans, or public transportation. DoubleTree treated our group like their own staff.” Her passion for the work and her dedication to the individuals she supported was clear from the start.

Of all her years at Harc, one memory stands out most for Kim was the bond she built with the Delaney family, particularly the parents of Ann Jane “Janey” Delaney. “The mom and dad of the Delaney family made me feel like it was okay to wear my heart on my sleeve,” Kim says. “They were so kind, generous, and caring.”

Kim remembers vividly,the Saturday outings with Janey. Which involved bowling trips, meals at the buffet—and how the Delaney’s always went out of their way to make sure everyone, including staff, felt included. “They would even help pay for staff meals if we didn’t have the money,” she shares. “The Delaney’s made me feel like my job mattered.”

Now, more than two decades into her journey with Harc, what continues to bring Kim the most joy is seeing togetherness, kindness, and genuine connection when she comes to work. “The best part of my day is seeing everyone get along and watching the individuals we serve share their loving and giving personalities.”

Kim Jenkins exemplifies the heart of Harc’s mission—empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live lives of dignity, joy, and inclusion. We are grateful for her years of service and the lasting impact she continues to make every day.

We are excited to announce that Harc has been selected by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in response to its recent request for proposal to launch a new Remote Support initiative!

This innovative service, named Ability2Connect, will be a dedicated division of Harc focused exclusively on providing remote supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). These supports are designed to promote greater independence, enhance quality of life, and ensure safety for individuals living independently or with family.

Ability2Connect will operate a 24/7 call center, offering around-the-clock access to assistance. Using advanced assistive technology—including door and bed sensors, smart home devices, video monitoring, and more—our trained professionals will be able to provide timely support, reassurance, and safety interventions as needed.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to launch this transformative service!

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 36th 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.

Early bird tickets are available now—don’t miss your chance to save! Enter code: HARCGALA25 to save $25 dollars off your ticket.