July 18, 2012
ORGANIZATION HONORS REP. ROJAS WITH 2012 LEADERSHIP AWARD
HARC Inc. Cites Advocacy Of Group’s Goals
HARC Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with intellectual disability and their families, has given its 2012 Governmental Leadership Award to state Rep. Jason Rojas.
Rojas, an East Hartford Democrat who also represents parts of Manchester and Glastonbury, is vice chairman of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. He is also a member of the Education and Planning and Development committees and the state Achievement Gap Task Force.
“I am really humbled to receive HARC's 2012 Governmental Leadership Award,” Rojas said. “From day one of becoming a legislator, HARC has been a great advocate for their clients and families and has provided numerous opportunities for me to become informed about the challenges that they face as an organization serving the developmentally disabled community.”
HARC recognized Rojas because of his outstanding accomplishments in advocating for civil rights and opportunities for people with intellectual disability.
“These efforts may take the form of supporting legislation, which would benefit HARC's cause. It may also take the form of special attention, responsibility and overall special concern for HARC as an agency and for its people,” HARC officials said in a statement.
“In the short time he has been our representative, Jason has been an extraordinary advocate for HARC. He takes the time to understand the issues that affect our families and provides wonderful counsel. We are so fortunate to know Jason and count him as a friend to HARC,” said Andrea Barton Reeves, HARC vice president of administration.”
“Representative Rojas has devoted considerable time to learning about HARC’s programs, services and the support needs of our people throughout their lives. He has taken a personal interest in our clients and their families by visiting and spending time at family meetings and in our group homes throughout Greater Hartford. He is a wonderful friend and partner to our organization and has helped us in all of our activities,” said Stephen Becker, HARC president and chief operating officer.
HARC was founded in 1951 by families long before community services were available and institutionalization was the only option. HARC prides itself in being a strong and visible advocate for civil rights and opportunities, and a major provider of clinical and supportive programs that span the entire lifetime.
“I have dined in a group home with clients (my constituents) and HARC employees. I have visited other facilities and attended their breakfast informational meetings. While they honor me, I want to honor them for their effort in helping me be a better legislator,” Rojas said.