Two different Friendsgiving celebrations and a trip to Mount Airy Casino provided fun in-person social activities for The Arc of Essex County’s community inclusion, recreation, and respite consumers this fall.

On November 7, a group of 10 adults traveled to Mt. Airy Casino, where they tried their luck at game machines (with some coming home with winnings!) and enjoyed a buffet lunch.

On November 20, children gathered at The Arc’s Opportunity Zone program center in Maplewood for music, games, arts and crafts, a Thanksgiving feast, and more for their Friendsgiving celebration. And on November 21, our adult respite program met at the Orange Hub for a Friendsgiving that included crafts, puzzles, games with prizes. All partygoers socialized with each other and shared a Boston Market meal with their peers while discussing what they were most thankful for this year.

If your loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities is interested in educational programming, community experiences, seasonally themed events, or weekend group respite programs, the offerings for individuals 18 and older can be viewed in our Community Inclusion, Recreation, & Respite Fall Calendar. For any questions, contact Manager of Community Supports Services Dacia King-Sarkodie at (973) 535-1181 ext 1272 or dking@arcessex.org.