Melvin is truly an Arc of Essex County icon, with a history that goes back 50 years in Arc programs. But even after decades in The Arc family, the 72-year-old still had a big year in 2024 as he went through two big transitions. First, he moved from the Branch Brook residence in Belleville to a new (and freshly renovated) Arc group home in West Caldwell. He also made the move from the Opportunity Zone Day Program in Maplewood to the West Caldwell Hub Day Program.

Both transitions have been huge successes. “Everything went very smooth,” he says.

With the new residence, “it’s a beautiful home and a nice, quiet neighborhood.” And with the new day program, “everybody likes me here, I’m a legend. They high five me all the time.”

Melvin can list many adventures over the years, including jobs he’s enjoyed (he especially loved working with the Villa restaurant partnership), the places he loves to go (the Liberty Science Center is a highlight), the staff members he had special connections with (he fondly remembers Mark from the Newark Apartment Program, and can list many of his favorite staff members of the years), and fun times with his roommates (Joe, Sam, and Robert are his buddies.) He also gushed about the opportunity to meet Sen. Cory Booker at a recent event advocating for Medicaid funding. “He shook my hand!”

Melvin is always quick to introduce himself and say hi; nobody he crosses paths with is a stranger for long.

Click here to learn more about The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Day Programs, or reach out to Kristina Olszewski at kolszewski@arcessex.org. For additional information about The Arc’s residential program, click here, or contact Rebecca Lorusso rlorusso@arcessex.org.