February 20, 2016
LARC Athletes selected for 2017 International Special Olympic Games

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We are proud to announce that three athletes from LARC’s  Special Olympics program have been selected to represent Connecticut and the USA in the 2017 World Winter Games in Austria.

Natasha Cole will compete in Cross Country Skiing, and Rebecca Lamoin and Scott Grupe will compete in Alpine Skiing.  

Natasha, Rebecca, and Scott were recently surprised by representatives from Special Olympics Connecticut at a pizza party for the athletes, coaches, volunteers and families.

The trio represent three of the four athletes representing Connecticut.  “It is amazing, and that’s because (LARC Special Olympics Coordinator) Robin Pedone is always really encouraging her athletes if they’re eligible to apply.  They just happened to be the lucky three,” said Laurie-Jean Hannon, vice president of sports for Special Olympics of Connecticut.

Congratulations Natasha, Rebecca, and Scott!
February 18, 2016
The National Inclusion Project Partners with Camp MOE
to create inclusive recreational opportunities
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The National Inclusion Project has partnered with Camp MOE to create an inclusive environment where children with and without disabilities can play, learn and laugh TOGETHER. As part of the partnership, the National Inclusion Project provides the Let’s ALL Play program model, training, expertise, annual Power of Play Conference and a wide network of inclusion experts ready to problem solve and share best practices on ensuring that no child sits on the sidelines.
 
Camp MOE is one of just 12 new organizations that the National Inclusion Project has chosen to partner with this year.  “We are excited to work with Camp MOE to provide more inclusive opportunities for the children of Northwest Connecticut,” says Nick Leisey, National Inclusion Project Executive Director.
 
Research shows overwhelming evidence that the Let’s ALL Play model helps children with disabilities improve self-esteem, social skills and confidence, while those without disabilities improved their leadership, problem solving and empathy skills. The model makes it possible for all children to come together, and participate in recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, community service, physical fitness and more.  More importantly, it allows children with and without disabilities to create friendships that may have not been possible in other parts of their lives.
 
“Camp MOE welcomes children with differing abilities and is a testament to the spirit of inclusion and opportunity,”  says Katherine Marchand-Beyer, Camp Director.  “We look forward to our partnership with the National Inclusion Project and the additional training resources it will bring to our dedicated camp staff.”
July 28, 2015
LARC Receives $25,000 Grant from The Draper Foundation Fund
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ARC is pleased to be the recipient of a $25,000 grant from The Draper Foundation Fund, a fund of The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut.  This grant will allow the agency to purchase a new van, providing more Recreation and Social Enrichment programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.

LARC believes that all deserve the chance to have fun with friends, and that recreation is a critical factor to one’s health, well-being and connection to the community.  As a result, the agency offers a Social Enrichment program that is funded solely by the generous community.  The program provides critical respite and recreational opportunities for 120 individuals with disabilities such as group outings, social gatherings, and Special Olympic activates.

According to Larry Cassella, Executive Director of LARC, “We are grateful for the generosity of the Draper Foundation Fund.  Their support means the difference between an individual sitting at home with elderly parents that are unable to drive, versus being able to get out and participate in an activity with friends.  Our recreation program will be able to expand to offer more daytime trips as it is no longer hindered by transportation.”

June 5, 2015
Students Donate Refurbish Bikes to FISH
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Students in LARC's School to Community Transition Program donated eleven refurbished bicycles to residents living at FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwest Connecticut.  They have been working on this community service project since January.

LARC's School to Community Transition Program helps individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 21 successfully transition to adulthood.  The program blends academic, daily living, personal/social, and occupational skills into integrated lessons designed to help students function independently in society.

The mission at FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern CT is to meet the most basic of human needs - food, shelter, and hope.
April 9, 2015
Families to Families Advocacy Meeting
The Governor’s proposed budget has troubling news for those caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).  For years, the CT Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has offered no residential placements for adults with I/DD, unless it was declared an “emergency” case.  As a result the waiting list for residential supports has grown to over 2,000 individuals.  

The proposed budget does not include funding to address the residential waiting list and makes further cuts to essential services.  Among the programs to be cut are Employment Opportunities and Day Services, Community Residential Services, Rent Subsidy Program, Voluntary Services Program, and Family Support Grants.

If you are concerned for the future of your loved ones with I/DD,  please join us for a “Families to Families” meeting on Wednesday, April 15th, 6 PM at LARC.  Shannon Jacovino, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for The Arc Connecticut, will be available to answer your questions and discuss ways that families can stand together to have you voice heard on this important issue.

March 25, 2015
Spring Wine Tasting
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We are pleased to report that $32,000 was raised at our Annual Spring Wine Tasting!  All of the proceeds will enable children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive the programs and services they deserve.

This year saw a terrific turnout, with approximately 400 participants enjoying the company of friends, tasty tidbits donated by local restaurants, and samples of beverages arranged by Michael Nejaime of Tony’s Drive-In Package Store.


December 19, 2013
Thank You from the Transition Program
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The Transition Program thanks everyone for their generous donations to the book and school supply drive that will benefit the Hopewell Primary School in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.

With the help of LARC staff, friends, family, community members, and the Rotary Club of the Torrington/Winsted Area, we were able to completely FILL two 55-gallon drums.  This represented 454 pounds of books, notebooks, paper, pencils, and other needed supplies!  View YouTube Video and Photo Gallery to see students preparing the items for shipping, and the smiles on Hopewell children.

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August 22, 2013
LARC Receives $16,500 Grant from the Draper Foundation Fund
The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut, Inc., has awarded a grant in the amount of $16,500 to LARC.  This grant will allow the agency to transition to a more efficient electronic record keeping system, benefiting 137 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by LARC’s Day Support and Vocational programs.

According to Executive Director Larry Cassella, “We are very grateful for this support which will improve client services by enabling staff to spend more time working directly with the individuals we serve on a daily basis.”

June 18, 2013
LARC Participants Join The Arc Racing Team

LARC is excited to be a part of The Arc Audi Racing Program, as they compete in the Pirelli World Challenge Series at Lime Rock Park on Friday, July 5th.  Twenty individuals from LARC are heading to the racetrack to serve as honorary crew members for RS Werkes, part of Istook’s Motorsports.  To get an idea what it’s like for our participants in the program, click to watch a video from documentary filmmaker Heidi Reinberg, taped during last year’s Sonoma, CA.
 
Team owner Don Istook and his wife Laurie share The Arc’s commitment to ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are fully included, especially when it comes to employment opportunities.  Two of Laurie’s brothers, Mark and Tyson Heitt, were diagnosed with Fragile X, but that has not stopped them from working as an integral part of Don’s race team.  Don and Laurie wanted to give other people with I/DD a taste of what it might be like to be part of a fast-paced race crew and came to The Arc with a unique idea to include individuals in the excitement of race day as the team moves from town to town to compete in the Pirelli World Challenge Series.
 
LARC’s guests will have an opportunity to get hands-on in the paddock with the drivers and crews as they prepare for the race and then watch Don’s team compete for points in the Pirelli World Challenge Series with their two Audi TT RS cars.  Follow The Arc Audi Racing Program at www.thearc.org as we take this exciting ride with Don and his team!
April 25, 2013
New Vehicle Donation Program
LARC has launched a new vehicle donation program to provide additional funding for programs and services in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The program accepts used cars, vans, trucks, boats with a trailer, and recreational vehicles.
To get started, simply click on the picture below, or call 1-877-ARC-CARO (1-877-272-2270).  Please have your title in hand.  Be sure to select "CT LARC (Litchfield ARC)" when you complete the online form or call the toll-free number.  This will ensure that LARC will receive the proceeds from the sale of the vehicle.

All vehicle donations are tax deductible.  LARC is partnering with Melwood Charity Car Donation Center, a nonprofit organization, to manage the vehicle donation program.  Since 1963, Melwood has provided job training and employment for over 2,000 individuals with disabilities.  For more information about the vehicle donation program, please contact Christina Emery, Director of Development at 860-482-9364 x39 or cemery@litchfieldarc.org.
April 18, 2013
Building a Community for All
The second phase of LARC's building project is well underway!  Through the generous support of the Draper Foundation Fund, new handicapped accessible male and female restrooms were completed in February.  The entire project includes renovating the lower level into 3,500 square feet of program space for the School to Community Transition Program.  Renovation will continue over the summer months so that students returning from the summer break have appropriate space to learn essential life and vocational skills.  For more information, contact Christina Emery, Director of Development, at 860-482-9364 x39.
 January 10, 2013
Gov. Malloy Visits LARC
LARC was honored to have Governor Dannel P. Malloy visit LARC on January 10th to learn about our vision of Community for All. The Governor met three individuals in our Day Support Option (DSO) program, and learned how fiscal cuts impact individuals, their families, and their service providers. He also met two young students from the School to Community Transition Program and heard about the work LARC is doing to prepare them for the workplace. For the full press release, click here.

December 26, 2012
LARC the recipient of Draper Fund grant
LARC is pleased to be the recipient of a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut. The money, awarded from the Foundation’s Draper Fund, is part of a larger campaign by LARC to fully renovate the lower level of their building at 314 Main Street. For the full press release, click here.

December 19, 2012
Festival of Trees winners announced
LARC is pleased to announce the winners of the 11th Annual Festival of Trees. The awards are based on 515 individuals that submitted ballots during the week-long event held at Valerie Manor. To view a full list of winners and read the press release, click here.