MARC: Community Resources to Offer Expressions II

Everyone enjoys finding ways to express themselves, whether it’s through art, music, writing, cooking, gardening, or even sports. We all deserve a creative outlet that allows us to grow and experience thoughts and feelings we might not have in our everyday lives. It makes us stronger, better, and more well-rounded people in the long run.

It’s just this philosophy that led , a funding partner, to present a new play co-written by and featuring the organization’s consumers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A Friend is Who You Make It is an original theatrical performance, and highlights the significance of music, work, and friendship. According to MARC, these are three aspects their consumers have identified as keys to a wonderful life.

MARC: Community Resources empowers adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their dreams and make choices about their lives. The organization was founded in 1955 by eight inspired families seeking public school education for their children. Today, MARC serves more than 200 people in residential, vocational, leisure, and self-advocacy programs and is consistent with United Way’s goal of improving the health and increasing the safety of individuals.

A Friend is Who You Make It is the second in a series of projects that MARC calls Expressions. The first project in 2009 featured the original paintings, sculptures, and other works of consumers.

According to Andy Heuer, Development Director at MARC, “Our Expressions projects are designed to give people with disabilities another forum for creativity.”

The play was co-written by Rodney Moore, an artist from Young Audiences of CT in New Haven, and MARC consumer Kaitlyne McNamara, who is also starring in the play along with several other consumers assuming roles. The group has had about 15 scheduled rehearsals, but they’ve also been busy practicing on their own time to make this a memorable performance for all that attend.

This is a one-night-only performance on Aug. 28 at Oddfellows Playhouse, so I encourage you to make your reservations now. The event is free of charge, but seating is limited.

Oddfellows is kindly donating the use of its theater for this unique performance. Doors open at 5:30 and the performance begins at 6 p.m. There will be a brief reception at 6:30 p.m.

The evening is made possible through support from the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation and Brown & Brown Insurance of CT (doing business as McCutcheon Burr & Sons).

Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis and can be made by calling MARC by Aug.17 at (860) 342-0700, ext. 210 or emailing to admin@marc-cr.org.

Live United!