Staff members from The Arc of Essex County joined colleagues from Arc chapters across New Jersey in September for the inaugural Empowering Excellence: New Jersey Chapters Statewide Conference, an event focused on learning, professional growth, recognition, and connection.

The conference was created especially for direct-support staff, frontline supervisors, emerging leaders, program managers, and other staff whose work directly impacts the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A group of Arc Essex staff attended the conference, stepping away from their everyday routines for a couple of days to learn alongside colleagues and spend meaningful time learning and connecting with one another. The experience offered a chance to strengthen relationships within the Arc Essex team while also exchanging ideas with professionals from other chapters throughout the state.

The conference featured keynote presentations and breakout sessions covering topics including leadership and career development, workplace relationships, communication, professional accountability, wellness and resilience, and person-centered supports. Between sessions, networking opportunities gave attendees time to share experiences, learn from one another, and celebrate the important work taking place throughout New Jersey’s Arc community.

A particularly proud moment for The Arc of Essex County was the recognition of Donna Jones, Shift Supervisor at the Claremont Group Home, as the agency’s Empowering Excellence honoree. Donna has been part of The Arc of Essex County since December 1998 and is known by her colleagues for her dependability, organization, determination, and willingness to go the extra mile. Even more important, she has developed deep relationships with the men who live at the Claremont Group home, making sure they know she is there for them and treating them as an extension of her own family.

Staff returned from Empowering Excellence with new ideas, strengthened connections, and a renewed appreciation for the work they do together each day. The conference provided an opportunity to learn and grow professionally, and also to connect as colleagues and celebrate the people whose commitment makes The Arc’s mission possible.