Health and Safety Net

HEALTH AND SAFETY NET

BUILDING A CARING COMMUNITY FOR ALL OF US

6 Impact Winter|Spring 2011

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JORDAN ANDREINI IS MATTER-OF-FACT ABOUT HER EXPERIENCES AS A YOUNG ADULT WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY. Jordan’s journey began when she was diagnosed with

“She realized that it was

Williams Syndrome at 14 months – and HARC, a United

the right place for her.

Way Community Investment partner, has been there for

She took that step into

her and her family every step of the way.

adulthood and she’s never looked back. Jordan has

“HARC has been my best friend for 26½ years,” says

worked so hard to get

Jordan’s mother, Pamela Sobering. The agency has provided

where she is today.”

socialization for Jordan, support for her family, job placement and coaching, and a group home setting that

Today, Jordan works

has enabled Jordan to live semi-independently since age 19.

three days a week in the cafeteria at CIGNA in

Jordan assists her friend Tina Gasper, HARC's coordinator of vocational operations, in the HARC mailroom.

“HARC turns 60 this year, and United Way has played an

Bloomfield and two days a

integral role helping us emancipate people with intellectual

week in the HARC offices

disability from large, overly restrictive and often inhumane

in Hartford. In her free time, despite difficulties with

institutions,” explains Dr. Stephen Becker, HARC’s

physical balance, she dances the cha-cha and the tango

president and CEO. “Virtually all of HARC’s lifespan

and plays defense on a Special Olympics basketball team.

services – including early intervention, family support,

She’s a keen UConn women’s basketball fan and also

advocacy, employment, recreation and residential living

keeps up with world events on her computer.

– got their start with United Way support.”

And every morning, Jordan makes the rounds at HARC,

Hundreds of intellectually disabled individuals

greeting staff and clients by name.

“Jordan is our touchstone,” says Sue Noonan, HARC’s

in our region are able to live full and productive lives

director of residential services. “She contributes so much to our community.”

because you give to United Way Community Investment.

“I care about all these people,” Jordan replies with a smile.

Those services have made a world of difference for Jordan and hundreds of other HARC clients.

Your contributions to United Way Community Investment support a robust network of education, income, health

“After high school, when her brother and her friends

and safety net services – including programs that help our

were getting ready to go to college, Jordan looked at me

intellectually disabled neighbors reach their full potential.

and said, ‘I want to go to the group home,’” says Pamela.

To learn more, visit unitedwayinc.org/health.

Impact Winter|Spring 2011

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