Please Consider Supporting our Holiday Matching Gift Campaign.

Throughout the year, we returned to a more normal cadence and rhythm with our programs and services as well as our fundraising activities and events. It has been wonderful reconnecting with the people we serve and the neighbors, friends and businesses who support SARAH’s mission. Your continued belief in our work is inspiring.

SARAH’s residential services, recreation and day programs, enrichment and employment services, respite and early intervention programs all focus on the individuals we are privileged to serve. It is through these programs and services that SARAH also has a positive and meaningful impact on the entire family of the person receiving services. We all know it takes a village to raise a child and the same holds true for an adult with special needs.

Jack’s story is one of family. Jack’s diagnosis with Autism affected the whole family, not just his parents but his siblings, grandparents and others. Jack is twenty-two years old and the middle child. His parents noticed around 18 months he wasn’t progressing as his older sister had and seemed to be lagging behind his peers. After rounds of tests his family received the news that would change their life and family dynamics forever. Jack was originally diagnosed as globally developmental delayed. Several others followed until age six when he was officially diagnosed. Their family circle got really small. Family outings, parties and even daycare were not possible.

Jack’s memory and hearing are amazing and he has some developed social skills. Those attributes allowed him to mainstream until high school when it became apparent he needed more support than the local school could provide. He had a positive experience at a specialized school where his violent behaviors significantly decreased.

Late in 2021, Jack transitioned to the day program at SARAH Tuxis. With support from the SARAH staff, it was seamless. Jack loves his daily program experience and always has a smile on his face. Jack’s family is grateful and overwhelmed by the empathy, care, respect and sensitivity displayed by the SARAH staff. Jack’s father says, “We have been extremely fortunate to have wonderful support staff, drivers, administrators and respite workers for Jack. The work and dedication you all have for individuals like Jack is amazing.”

During this time of Thanksgiving, I ask that you give generously to support families just like Jack’s. To help inspire your generosity, two generous donors have come together to offer an incredible matching gift opportunity. Every gift received by December 31^st will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $25,000. Our goal is to raise $50,000 by the end of the year. Every gift counts regardless of size. Your contribution of $10 becomes $20, $50 becomes $100 and so on. Thank you for your past support of SARAH and for considering a gift today.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving and holiday season.

With sincere appreciation,

Ken Alberti

Executive Director