Profile of a Spurwink Donor:
Nancy Harvey
Nancy Harvey has been a Spurwink donor for over 20 years. “Spurwink is an extraordinary organization,” she states. “I don’t think there is anything else like it.”
A mother of four grown children and retired psychiatric social worker, Nancy learned about Spurwink in1985 when searching for a residential program for her son, Christopher, who has autism. Diagnosed with the developmental disability when he was very young, Chris spent much of his childhood in various programs before coming to Maine. As he moved toward adulthood, Nancy dreamed of finding “a house in the country with a strong program for Chris.” Her dream came true when she found the Spurwink Residential Program in Limerick, a rural campus consisting of a residence and two day programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
“It’s been a godsend for me to have this program,” Nancy said. “I’m incredibly lucky. I don’t think I could have Chris in a better place.”
Today, Chris is 52 years old; he is an active participant in the farm-like community Spurwink has developed in Limerick. He shares his “country” life with five other adult consumers, 14 staff, a flock of chickens and two pigs.
Nancy has experienced the value of Spurwink’s work firsthand and understands how important it is for families like hers. She chooses to include Spurwink in her annual charitable giving to help the agency continue its good work and encourages her friends to join her with their financial support.
“This has made all the difference in my life – and in Chris’s life,” Nancy said. “That’s why I’m indebted to Spurwink.”
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