Changing Lives through a Bequest to Northeast Arc

For John and Laura Holian, the decision to name Northeast Arc as the remainder beneficiary of their family's estate was a natural progression of their involvement in the organization over the years. John's volunteer leadership has included serving on the committee for NeArc's signature event, as a member of the board of Directors and Chair of the House Committee, and in continuing roles as Chair of the Santa Fund and a member of the Planned Giving Committee.

Dana Curtin, 38, John's stepdaughter and Laura's daughter, participates in Northeast Arc's residential, day and recreation services. She inspires their desire to provide future support for the mission of inclusion and opportunity they champion.

"We want to make sure that Dana and the other people supported by the Arc continue to be cared for in the decades ahead," John said of the couple's decision to make a planned gift at a leadership level.

Dana was diagnosed with a significant developmental delay as a young child but it wasn't until she was 11 or 12 years old that she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Interacting with her classmates was a challenge.

"As a teenager she didn't talk about her classmates. That's changed since she's been at the Arc. She mentions her peers by first and last name and shares who makes her laugh," said Laura. "The Arc is a place where Dana and her peers can be themselves without fear of retribution or judgment. I think that's the greatest gift of all."

Dana takes part in NeArc's Endeavor program where participants focus on daily living skills like cooking, science, technology, arts and math. John and Laura credit the years that Dana has lived in one of NeArc's community residences with prompting even greater growth.

"It's not all about her now," Laura said regarding the benefits of Dana having new housemates. "I feared that Dana could not continue to grow - I was so wrong."

What has Northeast Arc meant to the Holian family?

"Hope and freedom. Trust," said Laura. "I don't know if it's given me more or Dana."

"It gave me time for my own life. Being able to take care of myself meant I could better support Dana."

John has recently retired and is continuing his focus on the family's philanthropic legacy. In addition to his involvement with Northeast Arc, John has been active in the Irish American Partnership. He and his father funded The Holian Library at a school in his great grandfather's village of Cong in County Mayo, Ireland through the organization.

"I've been very lucky to have had some success and a great employer. I've been blessed," said John.

For more information about Changing Lives through a bequest to Northeast Arc, please contact Susan Ring Brown at [email protected] or 978-924-5211.