During the November and December months, The Arc of Essex County collected food and gifts for the 15 families who participate in our Home Assistance Program (HAP).

A food drive with drop-off locations at our Day Program locations, Stepping Stones School, and the main office brought in more than 550 grocery items for our families. Combined with 15 donated turkeys from ShopRite in Livingston, the collection helped ensure families had a stocked pantry and refrigerator going into the holiday season. In the annual Day Programs competition, Bridges and SYA were nearly tied in food donations, but Bridges edged out for the win.

Arc staff and board members also donated coats and pajamas to the families based on their sizes and needs, totaling 67 cozy items.

And with a $2,000 donation from the Sumas Foundation for gifts and $500 from Sax LLP for toys, we were able to wrap and deliver toys and gift cards to all 50 children and teens in the HAP program.

The Arc thanks everyone who contributed to the drives and helped make it a more joyful holiday season brighter for our HAP families.

The HAP program provides services in the areas of transportation, community resources, housing, navigating school systems, recreation, and skill trainings to low-income families whose child and/or parent has an intellectual or developmental disability. The goal is to maintain the family unit, attain independence, and assist parents and families in becoming more self-sufficient both economically and personally.

If you or a loved one is interested in joining the HAP program, please contact Laurie Best, Senior Director of Children & Adult Day Services, to see if you qualify.  Laurie can be reached at (973) 535-1181 ext. 1264 or lbest@arcessex.org.