At Harc, we are grateful for the people who make our mission possible every day. Whether you are a parent, a staff member, a program participant, a volunteer, or a self-advocate, thank you for being part of our family. From all of us to all of you, Happy Thanksgiving!

This month, we focus on giving belonging, giving purpose and giving joy! Belonging, purpose and joy are just some of the benefits persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities have as a result of being fairly employed.  And the benefits aren't just for them; employers always highlight the incredible value and talent Harc individuals bring into their workplace. Yet far too many adults with I/DD remain underemployed or unemployed. The number is over 80 percent. Not because they lack ability, but because they lack opportunities.

At Harc, we believe employment builds dignity, independence, and connection. That is why partnerships like the one we have with Robinson+Cole mean so much. For more than forty years, they have created a workplace where people feel respected and valued. We were proud to recognize them at our Gala for their longstanding commitment to inclusion. They show what can happen when people believe in each other.

We hope their example inspires other businesses to take that same first step. If you are an employer looking to build a more inclusive workforce, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can create opportunities that bring lasting impact to individuals and families.

This GivingTuesday, we hope you will stand with us. Your support helps us create more opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. Every gift and every act of service moves our mission forward. If you are able, please consider making a contribution or volunteering your time.

We are thankful for every one of you, for your belief in this work, for your trust in us, for helping create a world where everyone belongs.

- Russell Coleman

Harc’s 36th Annual Auction and Gala, On the Road to 75, was nothing short of magical. With a vibrant Wicked-inspired theme, the evening raised more than $200,000, celebrating community, compassion, and decades of progress supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

The event transformed the venue into an enchanting scene, complete with glowing green and pink bracelets for the 1 in 100 Raffle and beautifully crafted centerpieces that invited guests to stroll down a “yellow brick road.” Beloved friend, philanthropist, and “Good News Guy” Keith McGilvery served as host and auctioneer, bringing his signature warmth and energy to the night.

Honoring Robinson+Cole
This year’s honoree, Robinson+Cole, was recognized for its groundbreaking supported employment partnership with Harc. Forty years ago, the firm made a forward-thinking commitment, not by upgrading technology or adding departments, but by welcoming individuals with disabilities into meaningful employment. Since then, they have employed more than ten Harc participants, including Adrienne, who celebrated twenty years at the firm. 

“Working here for twenty years has given me such joy and blessing. They make you feel like you are part of a TEAM,” Adrienne shared. Their continued dedication brings purpose and dignity to individuals and peace of mind to families, an impact Harc proudly celebrated.

A Powerful Raise the Paddle 
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came during the Raise the Paddle portion. Guests stood to share their “WHY”, including ties to Harc dating back to its founding in 1951, stories of loved ones receiving services today, and even a former Harc President. Together, attendees contributed over $40,000 during this segment alone. 

A Celebration of Community Impact
From generous supporters to dedicated volunteers, every guest played a role in making the evening unforgettable. The love, support, and shared commitment to Harc’s mission were felt in every moment. 

As Harc continues on the road to its 75th anniversary, this year’s Gala stands as a powerful reminder of what community can accomplish.

Click  below to view the 2025 Harc Auction & Gala Program Journal

On November 4, 2025, Harc's Leilany Rivera, Senior Director of Day and Employment Programs and Rhonda Tobin, Managing Partner at Robinson+Cole, joined host Renee DiNino on WFSB Channel 3’s weekly talk show, Hello Connecticut. The program, known for highlighting community-minded individuals and impactful local initiatives, offered a platform to showcase the power of inclusive employment in Connecticut. 

During the interview, Leilany discussed Harc’s wide range of employment and day services that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 She explained how Harc helps participants build resumés, develop workplace skills, and engage in job-readiness workshops, critical services in a world where more than 80% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities remain unemployed. 

Rhonda reflected on Robinson+Cole’s four-decade partnership with Harc’s employment services program. The firm was the first workplace in Connecticut to become a Harc corporate employment partner and has since employed a team of individuals from Harc in its Hartford office. Over the past forty years, more than ten Harc participants have worked at Robinson+Cole, becoming, as Rhonda described, “a true part of the fabric of our firm” and bringing lasting value to the workplace culture. 

The joint interview underscored the strength of collaboration between nonprofits and businesses and highlighted how meaningful employment opportunities can transform lives and enrich the broader community. 

Harc is thrilled to announce the newest addition to our transportation fleet, a brand-new accessible van, made possible through the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 grant program. In the celebratory photo, our very proud CEO Russell Coleman holds the keys to our new set of wheels, symbolizing another important step forward in supporting those we serve. 

The Section 5310 program enhances mobility for individuals with disabilities by providing critical funding for vehicles and operations that go beyond traditional public transit and ADA complementary paratransit services. Being selected for this grant is an honor and a testament to Harc’s ongoing commitment to improving access, independence, and community inclusion for transit-dependent populations. 

This new van will help us continue delivering safe, reliable, and compassionate transportation services, ensuring the people we support can get where they need to go with dignity and ease.

 We extend our sincere gratitude to the Section 5310 program for recognizing the importance of our mission and helping us move it forward, one ride at a time. 

This GivingTuesday, we’re excited to introduce you to some of the remarkable employees in Harc’s Supported Employment Program, individuals like Tim and Adrienne, who are thriving in their roles at Robinson+Cole law firm. Partnerships like this are made possible because of you. Your generosity helps build inclusive workplaces and communities where everyone is valued, welcomed, and empowered to succeed.  

Every dollar Harc receives on GivingTuesday is truly transformative for the individuals and families we serve. Your support fuels opportunities that bring purpose, belonging, and joy to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—opportunities that can change a life. 

Will you open your heart today and help individuals with I/DD continue to grow and flourish? Your donation is fully tax-deductible, and while large gifts help create big change, every single dollar adds meaningful value to someone’s life. 

Join us this GivingTuesday  on December 2nd in giving belonging, giving purpose, and giving joy. Together, we can help every person thrive.  Click below to give!

Cassandra has been a part of Harc for over a decade, and during that time she has flourished into a confident, compassionate, and caring woman. Recently, she began volunteering at St. Mary’s Home in West Hartford, a convalescent home where she has quickly become a joyful and dependable presence. 

Her volunteer responsibilities include wheeling residents from their rooms to their hair appointments, assisting with light hair care and styling, and most importantly, offering companionship and kindness. Whether she is keeping someone company or helping them feel their best for the day, Cassandra brings warmth and positivity to every interaction. 

The staff at St. Mary’s Home are thrilled to have her on their team. In the short video clip you are about to watch, a heartfelt message is shared with Harc’s Senior Director of Day and Employment Program, Leilany Rivera, and Director of Day Program, Will Hardee, expressing just how impressed everyone is with the wonderful work Cassandra is doing. 

Cassandra loves volunteering and looks forward to taking on new responsibilities at St. Mary’s Home. She hopes to continue bringing smiles to the residents and brightening their days with her friendly spirit. 

Take a look at the short clip of Cassandra in action, her dedication and joy truly shine. A special shout out to Director of Volunteer Services Will Sykes, who filmed the video.

This month Radames enjoyed an exciting day in Foxborough, MA, traveling with IHS (Individual Home Supports) staff to Gillette Stadium to watch the Patriots take on the Atlantic Hawks. Surrounded by the energy of the crowd and the thrill of live football, Radames had an unforgettable experience cheering on his team. Outings like this help create meaningful memories, foster independence, and build community connections—core values we celebrate every day at Harc. 

For more information, please contact Leilany Rivera at lrivera@harc-ct.org