Lori and Scott had the wonderful opportunity to work under Anne while providing a variety of home and community services and supports for families in Southern California while with JNCS. Anne was instrumental in Lori’s administrative development and mentored Lori to eventually take on the position of Director of Community Services. One of the services Scott and Lori worked in under Anne was the “Saturday Program”, a community based, social recreation service for families. Lori and Scott met many of the families we support in that setting, including eleven of the people Avenues SLS has supported through the years. Lori was appreciative of how Anne “allowed me to think outside the box and to work on innovative solutions and services way before it was the norm.” In the early 1990’s, under Anne’s tutelage, Lori developed integrated summer camp opportunities for youth as an alternative to more traditional segregated camps. We are proud to honor Anne Ruwet as one of our honorees this year for Women’s History month.
Anne’s Bio:
Anne Ruwet has spent a lifetime contributing to improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Early on, her journey began at Southbury Training School in CT. She then worked for the Jay Nolan Center in California running services for individuals with autism and their families to live fulfilling lives in their community by providing supports customized to their needs. Upon moving back to CT, Anne worked in the development department at Farmington Valley Arc, building relationships with people and organizations to secure financial and in-kind support that helped to fuel programs or projects to benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by the Arc. Her last role was the CEO for CCARC, Inc. in New Britain, CT for 26 years until her retirement in 2021. Anne grew the organization into a highly regarded non-profit; respected for high quality programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thanks to Anne’s strong commitment to the rights and dignity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, CCARC also became known as a strong advocate at the State Capitol as well as municipalities where CCARC had programs operating. Anne sat on the Board of many groups and organizations; too many to mention. She was a state of Connecticut Legislator; representing the 65th District from 2003 to 2009. In her retirement, Anne now offers consultation for non-profit leaders; sharing her experiences and insights with others. Anne is a change agent! Her visionary leadership, advocacy, building teams, generating ideas, cultivating perspectives and guidance have inspired others and truly have made dreams happen for many!
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