For Immediate Release
Contact: Bill Furgueson
The Arc Eastern Connecticut
bfurgueson@thearcect.org  
860-889-4435 x118
www.TheArcECT.org

July 10, 2023

Eastern CT Savings Bank Foundation Awards Grant to The Arc Eastern Connecticut

The Arc ECT’s Community Life & Advocacy (CL&A) program received $700 from the Eastern
Connecticut Savings Bank Foundation to offset the cost of meeting space for its Self-Advocacy
group. Additionally, the grant will allow for the purchase of a wireless voice amplifier for the
peer facilitator. “This is great news,” said Debbie Densmore, CL&A’s Program Coordinator. “Our
Self-Advocacy group has grown exponentially this year and has tackled some important issues
such as coping with grief, securing safe and affordable housing, and championing civil rights.”
Many CL&A participants also testified at Family Hearing Day at the Capitol this spring, urging
legislators to increase funding for programs that support people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD) and the staff who assist them.
“Having a meeting space convenient to both our northeast and southeast CT participants is so
helpful in getting people back to in-person sharing and discussions,” noted Ms. Densmore. “Our
peer facilitator is a good public speaker but can’t project his voice very far; the amplifier will
allow him to be heard by everyone in the room.”

To learn more about The Arc Eastern Connecticut’s Community Life & Advocacy program and its
other programs for people with IDD throughout eastern Connecticut, please visit: www.TheArcECT.org
or contact Denise Tift at (860) 889-4435, ext. 116.