Donations

Dear Friends of The Arc of Quinebaug Valley:

At our strategic planning meeting this spring, our President, Gene Michael Deary said, “All roads lead to The Arc from somewhere.” The people who travel to The Arc of Quinebaug Valley are searching for a place they can be safe, helped, accepted, cared about, find opportunity, learn, achieve success and most of all find friendship.

They come from a variety of places on their journey. Some live with their families, some on their own and some live with other people who help them. Where they live is not as important as where they are on their life’s path. Everyone has goals and dreams. Each step we take to realize those dreams is a testament to our strength, our courage and our desire to be the best we can be. For someone with a life-affecting disability those steps may require extra effort, extra time and extra support.

It is said each one of us has a purpose, something we are in this world to do. The Arc of Quinebaug Valley helps individuals discover their abilities and strengths and not focus on their disability. For the past 58 years we have been there for families to turn to from the birth of their child through their retirement years with comprehensive programs and supports.

This year the need is especially critical. Changes in state contract reimbursements have severely cut thousands of dollars from our annual budget. As a non-profit in today’s economy the need to do more with less has never been more challenging. While we have tried to diversify our funding sources and be creative with our approach to services, the shortfall of funds to meet the needs is endangering our programs. In addition, we have had a major capitol expense this year having to install a new $70,000 septic system at our Cook Hill Road program center. Space is also an issue. As the state tries to decrease their budget, more and more individuals are being referred to nonprofit agencies like The Arc for services. We need to expand our physical space to accommodate more individuals in need of support.

You can help. Your investment in The Arc will allow needed services to make a difference in someone’s life. You will help someone with a life-affecting disability take the next step to independence and achieving their dreams. Your tax deductible contribution will make a difference - but not just for anyone - for your neighbors right here in Northeastern Connecticut who need a helping hand. Thank you on behalf of all of us at The Arc of Quinebaug Valley for supporting our annual campaign.

Sincerely,