Harc Celebrates Partial Reopening Of Day Programs

Press release from Harc:

July 17, 2o20

July 17, 2020 (Hartford, CT) – Harc welcomed back many of its daily program participants to 900 Asylum Avenue on Wednesday as part of its first phase of reopening since the COVID-19 shut down in March. This first cohort returning to onsite day programs and virtual programming represents 50% of the participants who would spend all or part of their day at Harc under regular circumstances. Most of the participants would normally be working at their job sites throughout the day, but are furloughed indefinitely. Others have not left their homes since the shutdown and are excited to get back to socializing, learning, and working. All Harc staff employed at the 900 Asylum Avenue location have returned to working full time on site.

Participants were greeted with a celebratory atmosphere on the outdoor patio featuring Into the Groove DJ Dale Griffith playing favorite tunes. Festive decorations and party favors were handed out to happy participants entering the building for the first time since March 11.

“As we opened our doors back up and I stood in the lobby with excitement, I was reminded of a quote that a dear friend shared with me from Helen Keller: ‘Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature. Nor do the children of the earth as a whole experience it. Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing.’ Welcome back Harc! Our adventure has just begun!” exclaimed an emotional Annette Hargrove, Interim President & CEO of Harc.

Many safety precautions and protocols are now in place including marked social distancing spots, hand sanitizing stations, mandatory masks, and restrictions on movement between floors. Behind the scenes, constant cleaning and sanitizing of common areas is now required in an effort to prevent any chance of contracting or spreading the virus.

“We are all in this together. With many people from all departments, we have managed a very successful reopening, and look forward to the return of our participants and to making everyone's time here a success,” said Ramona Rancourt, Director of Operations.

Plans are in place to complete phase two on September 1, bringing the participant numbers up to 75% capacity. Phase three is slated for October 1, when Harc will have 100% capacity present for day programming.

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About Harc: Harc was founded in 1951 by visionary parents of children with intellectual disabilities who knew that their children had worth and immense possibilities. They became fierce advocates fighting against exclusion, isolation, discrimination, lack of opportunity, unemployment, and low expectations, and their grassroots efforts led to partnerships with generous individuals and corporations to raise funds and create life-changing programs. Today, Harc’s services begin at birth and continue throughout the lifespan, with a range of supportive, enrichment, employment, and residential services throughout Greater Hartford for participants and their families. For more information visit harc-ct.org.

This press release was produced by Harc. The views expressed here are the author's own.