The nonprofit has raised more than $50,000 this year for its mission of enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Haircuts or blow-outs were all $25 at Cardon’s on Nov. 4, with all proceeds going to The Be Thoughtful Movement. Courtesy photo

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Over one hundred people visited Cardon’s Hair Salon is West Hartford on Sunday, Nov. 4, to support “The Be Thoughtful Movement,” a non-profit dedicated to supporting local businesses that employ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants received a haircut or blow dry for $25, with all proceeds going to The Be Thoughtful Movement.

The Be Thoughtful Movement was started by Cardon’s stylist Susan Johnson and her husband Steven Tarca in the Spring of 2018, and is inspired by her son Harold, who is 22 years old and has quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

In less than a year, the organization has held three fundraisers – including the West Hartford Kitchen Tour on Oct. 20 – and raised more than $50,000.

During the past two years as Harold approached graduation and aging out of school services, he and his family knew things would change and something had to happen to fill the void left by expiring school and services. This understandably brought considerable anxiety for both Harold and his family.

Harold developed a passion for a vocation in the travel industry, starting “The Thoughtful Travelers” which helps people with disabilities and their families navigate and experience the joys of traveling.

Unfortunately, Harold’s story is not the case for many in the special needs community in Connecticut and across the country. As government budgets and services are cut, uncertainty and anxiety is prevalent. The Be Thoughtful Movement believes passionately that everyone has a gift and purpose and helps individuals of all abilities find theirs. They also work hard to create more employment opportunities within local communities.

For more information, please visit www.thethoughtfultravelers.com and www.bethoughtfulmovement.org.

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A fundraiser was held at Cardon’s on Nov. 4 to support The Be Thoughtful Movement. Courtesy photo

Haircuts or blow-outs were all $25 at Cardon’s on Nov. 4, with all proceeds going to The Be Thoughtful Movement. Courtesy photo