It would be hard to find someone at The Arc of Essex County who smiles more than Gayle. Having started in Arc programs in 1988 as a resident of the Irvington Apartments and in the ARCompany day program, she has been a staple of Arc activities for nearly 40 years and always brings positive vibes.

Gayle currently lives in the Bloomfield group home, which underwent a major renovation in 2021. She approves, loving the new bedroom, kitchen, bathrooms, wider hallways for her walker, ramps, and deck area. She spent time at the Main Street Hub and West Caldwell Hub programs over the years, and is currently at Opportunity Zone in Maplewood, where her favorite activity is working on puzzles. “It keeps the brain occupied and out of trouble,” she says.

Gayle loves Camp Hope and enjoys visiting Studio Arc, where she has recently taken up crocheting and says it’s her number one activity there.

She proudly shares the news that she turned 60 in September and was happy to celebrate with her Arc staff, especially Marilyn, and all her housemates and OZ buddies.

“I’m just happy to keep doing fun things,” she says—with a smile.