Community Services
Supporting Families Throughout the Years
HARC provides an array of services throughout the lifespan. During the early years, HARC supports families by helping with school programs and healthcare providers. As time goes on, HARC provides social services and case management, respite care, advocacy and counseling. HARC also offers on-going parent support groups and governmental advocacy.
Service Coordination
There are many public and private agencies that are available to assist families. HARC works closely with the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Social Services, Department of Children and Families, local schools and private agencies. HARC helps families negotiate the complex systems that are available to assist their children. Click here for a full list of available resources.
Advocacy
Family Support Coordinators attend meetings with the Department of Developmental Services or local schools to assist with person-centered planning. HARC’s goal is to assist parents in becoming effective advocates for their children. These Services are available in English and Spanish. In addition to providing advocacy for individuals and their families, HARC also advocates for system wide changes through governmental action.Click here for the Advocacy page.
Respite Care
In-home and out-of-home respite for short or extended periods of time can be arranged for people of all ages.
Camp Bulova provides much needed respite for families while providing fun and stimulating recreational and educational activities for their children with multiple disabilities and complex medical conditions.
Serving children ages 3 to 21, the program meets from 9:30 to 3:30, every 1st and 3rd Saturday from September through June, at HARC’s Bulova Center. With its experienced staff to ensure a high quality of care, families can truly have a day to relax and recharge, knowing their children are in good hands.
Programming includes: music and gross motor, arts and crafts, exercise and occupational therapy, massage therapy, sensory integration, circle time, friends and fun and holiday parties. Siblings are also invited from time to time. Click here for Camp Bulova 2012-13 photo gallery
Information and Referral
HARC maintains an extensive resource library, helps families locate additional resources and makes referrals when appropriate. HARC’s follow-along services prevent families from "falling through the cracks." HARC works with Section 8 housing, food banks, the Salvation Army as well as other local agencies to help families meet basic needs.
Parent Support Groups
HARC conducts a variety of parent support groups. These groups provide parents the opportunity to meet other families and to learn from their experiences. Some topics include: “coping with siblings,” “dealing with adolescence,” and other issues around “letting go.” Educational workshops include challenging behaviors, sexuality, special education law, transition services, and estate planning.
Public Education
Kids on the Block: HARC volunteers and staff visit schools in the Greater Hartford area and present puppet shows to school children using life-size puppets that illustrate a broad range of disabilities and respond to commonly asked questions.
When a family learns that their child has intellectual disability, HARC is ready to assist with information and family support, doing whatever it takes to keep a family together.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about HARC's Community Services.
For more information on Community Services please contact:
Dawn Allen
Director of Community Services
HARC, Inc.
900 Asylum Avenue MS# 1068
Hartford, CT 06105-1985
860- 218-6031
info@harc-ct.org