More than six months ago, The Arc of Essex County closed the doors to our in-person day, respite, and recreation programs for what we thought might be a few weeks. Our greatest responsibility was to keep our program attendees, residents, and staff safe in the midst of an unprecedented public health emergency.
As the weeks turned into months, The Arc of Essex County not only prioritized the physical health of those we serve, but began rolling out virtual programming to increase opportunities for social engagement and reduce the feelings of isolation. Adopting technologies like Zoom and Facetime, today, The Arc offers more than 150 virtual activities a month to ensure continued and varied opportunities for learning, socializing, and fun.
While a virtual platform will never fill the void of in-person experiences, it can serve as a valued enhancement to round out The Arc’s offerings. With an eye on innovating for the future coupled with no concrete timeline to fully resume life as we knew it, The Arc is doubling down its efforts to provide individuals and their families with a lifeline to their communities.
We need you. We recognize that limited access to technology, especially during times like these, leads to greater feelings of isolation and only enhances the need for human connection. Will you make a donation today to help us close the digital divide and ensure that all members of The Arc family have the technology they need to fully engage with their community?
The Hopton Family has challenged you – when XX individuals make a contribution to The Arc of Essex County’s annual appeal for the very first time, they will contribute $3,000 to the cause! (This is actually a $1 for $1 match for new donors. I don’t think we should put this in the article though I think we are going to use this as a push for Giving Tuesday) To make your contribution, visit www.arcessex.org/annualappeal, call us at (973) 535-1181 ext. 1245, or mail a check made payable to The Arc of Essex County to 123 Naylon Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039.