Mark enjoys looking out for his neighbors, lending a helping hand, and taking pride in the place he calls home. A resident of The Arc of Essex County’s Irvington Avenue apartment program in Maplewood since April 2023, Mark has become a familiar and helpful presence around the building. Whether he’s helping with basic maintenance or keeping an eye on the property, Mark enjoys doing his part to make his home a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

“I try to keep things as decent as I can,” he explains.

That sense of responsibility extends to the people around him, too. Mark takes pride in being a self-advocate and speaking up for others. “Mark advocates, in his own way, for the residents and staff in the building,” says Director of Residential Services Shareem McElhaney. “He is also a great helper and takes pride in ensuring the building is well kept inside and out.”

A New Jersey native who grew up in Morristown, Mark has a long history of helping others, including time spent as a volunteer firefighter. These days, he enjoys riding his bicycle around town, listening to country-western music, and going grocery shopping with his program manager, Roderica Graham.

He also enjoys getting away from time to time. He fondly recalls a trip to Atlantic City, occasionally heads into New York on weekends, and looks forward to spending an extended visit with his sister in Vermont around Thanksgiving each year.

Although Mark acknowledges that sharing an apartment building with others can have its ups and downs, he is happy with his living situation and especially appreciates the staff who support him. He has found a place where he can enjoy his independence, pursue his interests, and make a difference in his own way. And whether he’s fixing something around the building or simply looking out for his neighbors, he continues to show that being a good resident is about taking pride in your community and the people who share it.