For Donna Jones, the Claremont Group Home isn’t a workplace so much as a second home. She knows the residents’ favorite foods, celebrates their accomplishments, and makes sure their holidays are filled with joy. Even when she’s on vacation, she calls to check in. It’s this extraordinary level of care, combined with her infectious personality and unwavering dedication, that has made Donna such a treasured member of The Arc of Essex County family for more than 27 years, and recently earned her recognition as The Arc’s honoree at the 2026 Empowering Excellence Conference.

Donna’s career supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities began with a family connection. Growing up, she was especially close with an uncle who had Down syndrome. Years later, another uncle who worked in the field encouraged her to consider a position at The Arc, recognizing her natural patience and caring spirit.

At the time, Donna was working at a psychiatric hospital in Wyckoff. She joined The Arc as a substitute staff member in December 1998 and quickly realized she’d found something special. “Just working with these guys is like working with family,” Donna said. “You have to have a heart to work with the IDD population. You have to have a loving spirit.”

Over the years, Donna worked in several of The Arc’s group homes before transitioning to a full-time position in 2014. Today, she’s an integral part of Claremont’s close-knit team, where colleagues describe her as dependable, hardworking, exceptionally organized, and always willing to go the extra mile. Give Donna a challenge, and she won’t give up until she finds a solution.

But what truly sets Donna apart is the lasting connections she’s formed. Even residents she hasn’t seen in years recognize her voice when their paths cross. And those relationships extend beyond the workplace. Donna’s own family has become part of the Claremont family, too. Her mother, whom the residents affectionately call “Grandma,” and her children have gotten to know the residents over the years.

The holidays are especially meaningful to Donna. When asked to name highlights from her 27 years with The Arc, she doesn’t hesitate: Thanksgiving and Christmas. She takes pride in preparing special meals, remembering everyone’s favorite foods, and creating the excitement that makes the season memorable. Even when she’s not scheduled to work, she makes sure everything is prepared so the residents can enjoy their traditions.

“Just to see their faces light up, it means so much” she said.

That attention to each individual’s personality and preferences defines Donna’s approach to her work. She also credits her longtime colleagues with helping create a true family atmosphere at Claremont, where staff know the residents so well that they can often anticipate their needs without a word.

Donna’s dedication, generosity, and commitment to excellence led to her selection as The Arc’s honoree at this year’s Empowering Excellence Conference. She attended expecting to learn and connect with colleagues, with no idea she’d be receiving an award. “It feels so good to be recognized for what you’re doing,” Donna said. “I really appreciate it.”

That said, Donna is quick to point out that recognition isn’t what motivates her. The greatest rewards come from everyday moments: a resident excitedly sharing an accomplishment, a warm greeting when she arrives for her shift, or the joy of celebrating a holiday together.

For Donna, those moments have made 27 years at The Arc so fulfilling. And for the residents and staff at Claremont, her warmth, enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication have helped make their group home a place that truly feels like home.