LARC members named to Leaders Under 40

TORRINGTON — Leaders Under 40 gained five local representatives this month, all of whom serve or work for The ARC of Litchfield County or LARC.

The five individuals were chosen by the Northwest Connecticut Chamber’s Young Professionals Organization, and either serve on LARC’s board of directors or work for the organization, according to a statement from the chamber.

They were selected by a panel of local leaders who evaluated each nominee based on criteria that included career or educational achievements, industry commitment, leadership and involvement in their communities.

LARC board members are Ruth Nadeau Dwyer, Ackerly Brown; Sarah Dziedzic, Union Savings Bank; James Steck, Ebersol, McCormick, Reis & Steck, and Timothy Waldron, City of Torrington. LARC staff member Andrew Deacon works at LARC’s Camp MOE in the summer and Torrington Public Schools the rest of the year.

LARC is a 50-year-old nonprofit agency in northwest Connecticut founded by families to support loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC promotes individual empowerment, choice, respect and dignity, according to a news release.

On a daily basis, LARC serves 220 individuals with disabilities throughout northwest Connecticut. Services include residential group homes, in-home support, transportation, day and employment programs. LARC’s Social Enrichment program provides critical respite and recreational opportunities for 120, such as group outings, social gatherings and Special Olympics.

LARC’s Camp MOE provides an integrated day camp setting for 294 children to develop friendships, leadership skills, responsibility for self and respect for others.

Contributed photo Leaders Under 40 on LARC’s board of directors and staff, from left, are Timothy Waldron, Ruth Nadeau Dwyer, Sarah Dziedzic and Andrew Deacon. Missing is James Steck.