As we welcome fall, we are happy to share what has been happening over the last few months. Recently, SARAH Inc. announced that its continual growth and expansion of services has led to the natural progression to establish itself as an independent organization separate from the SARAH family of agencies. This decision allows us to align our mission and growth with long-term goals specific to our agency.
This exciting endeavor will include thoughtful rebranding, program expansion, and increased development efforts, all focused on continuing to provide high-quality supports to children and adults throughout Connecticut. You can click here to read the full history and announcement. We look forward to keeping you updated on this.
Additionally, this month holds special significance as we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Each day, we celebrate the achievements within our Employment Programs. Our dedicated staff is committed to assisting adults with differing abilities to secure meaningful employment, foster independence, and thrive within their community. Please scroll down to see some of our recent success stories.
I look forward to many exciting changes soon and wish everyone a healthy fall season.
Denise Daviau, CEO
Join Us: November Open Houses!
Make a Difference 2023
The holiday season is upon us, offering a wonderful opportunity to help make a positive impact with SARAH Inc.! Throughout November and December, we invite you to join us in making a difference in the lives of children and adults that we support. By donating during this time of year, you can support our mission.
Local businesses are donating to match your Make a Difference gift, effectively doubling the impact of your donation. This means that your support will go twice as far in empowering adults and children in your community, making this holiday season truly special for those we serve. We thank Saybrook Point Resort and Marina, Tower Laboratories, Bard Financial Services, Inc., Guilmartin, DiPiro & Sokolowski, LLC, The Lee Company, Dan Combs Real Estate Inc., UniFirst, Walt’s Auto Repair, Whelen Engineering Company, Inc., and Pat Munger Construction for their early support!
We also thank the Harold and Rebecca H. Gross Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven for their recent support.
Adult Services
DSP Appreciation Week
Every September, we celebrate Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week, a time to honor the hard work and dedication of individuals who provide essential care and support to individuals with differing abilities. During this week, we express our gratitude to our dedicated staff, who work hard to enhance the lives and skills of those we serve.
Employment Services
NDEAM: National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an important annual observance that takes place every October. NDEAM aims to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and equal employment opportunities for individuals with differing abilities. It serves as a platform to celebrate the diverse talents and contributions these individuals bring to the workforce while also promoting the removal of barriers that hinder their ability to obtain meaningful employment. In honor of NDEAM, SARAH Inc. celebrates the accomplishments of all individuals by sharing their recent success stories. You can view these stories by clicking the button below.
Michael's Story
Michael joined SARAH Inc. back in 2004. As of now, Michael participates in the Transitional Services program. Within the program, he volunteers at various locations during the week, including Tower Laboratories in Clinton, West Marine in Old Saybrook, Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford, and Big Lots in East Haven. These experiences are helping him grow and learn invaluable skills that will undoubtedly benefit his future employment opportunities. In his free time, he exercises at the Valley Shore YMCA in Westbrook and helps his mother with laundry and cleaning. Lastly, Michael aspires to be working his dream job as a landscaper.
Enrichment Services
Luau Party: North Haven Enrichment Day Program
In July, the North Haven Enrichment Program hosted its first Luau party. North Haven extended a warm invitation to individuals from the Westbrook Enrichment Program, making it an unforgettable gathering of friends, laughter, and pure enjoyment. During the Luau party, individuals enjoyed getting their face painted, trying out cool temporary tattoos, outdoor activities, and striking poses at the photo booth. North Haven Enrichment Program plans to host the Luau party next year, promising more opportunities for friendship, fun, and shared memories.
Show and Tell: Westbrook Enrichment Day Program
In September, our dedicated Westbrook Enrichment Program Coordinator, April, introduced an exciting new tradition – “Show and Tell.” Every Friday, individuals can bring something meaningful to them and share it with the rest of the program. One Friday, the spotlight was on Julie. Julie’s enthusiasm was contagious as she brought in her father for “Show and Tell.” But it wasn’t just any visit; her father arrived in style with his motorcycle. This new tradition not only brings everyone closer but allows each individual to shine, revealing their unique interests and stories.
Art and Soul: Madison Enrichment Day Program
At the beginning of June, the Madison Enrichment Program had its first Art and Soul session hosted by Art and Soul Art Therapy, LLC. These sessions let individuals self-express and let their personal narrative unfold on their canvas. Art therapy is a transformative tool, enabling personal narratives to unfold in vibrant, meaningful ways.
KIDSTEPS Early Intervention Services
Birth to Three 30th Anniversary Celebration
This September, Julie Hall, Chief Program Officer of Children and Family Services, along with SARAH Inc. KIDSTEPS Leadership Team, participated in the CT Birth to Three 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Connecticut Science Center. The event acknowledged the longevity and importance of Birth to Three Early Intervention services that provide critical support to children and families throughout the state.
“We were proud to celebrate the CT Birth to Three system’s 30th Anniversary and its accomplishments. It really made me reflect on our contributions. Our growing team is made up of dedicated professionals with more than 420 years of combined service to the children and families we support. I am so proud of our KIDSTEPS staff and their high-quality work!” said Hall.
In conjunction with this anniversary, we are proud to celebrate our employees who have dedicated an honorable amount of their career working within Birth to Three.
25 + Years: 3 Employees
20+ Years: 6 Employees
15+ Years: 6 Employees
10+ Years: 5 Employees
5+ Years: 15 Employees
Join Our Team
We are hiring! At SARAH Inc., we provide the highest-quality services to hundreds of children and adults with differing abilities across the state of Connecticut.
If you have any questions about an open role, please do not hesitate to contact us at hr@sarah-inc.org before you submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you!
SARAH Solutions Podcast: The Parent Perspective Series
In this episode of Parent Perspective, Jen and Tesha welcomed Riley Kokoruda, Riley’s sister, Karleigh, and Riley’s mother, Sharon, as special guests to talk about their experience with their brother and son, Jacob, during his time in high school. In the fifth episode of this series, Riley, Karleigh, and Sharon discuss Jacob’s challenges during high school and explain how Jacob has changed his sisters’ perspective on how they view interactions with people around them. This episode is an excellent and endearing resource for any family with a child with differing abilities starting high school.
