Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Self-Advocacy Club finished in second place in the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project (NJSAP) video contest and were celebrated at the group’s annual luncheon in April. The video, in which three Arc Day Program consumers share what self-advocacy means to them, was part of a contest sponsored by NJSAP in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March. The group’s video secured dozens of votes via social media “likes,” and participants were pleased with their silver-medal finish.

The Self-Advocacy Clubs meet at Arc Day Programs and cover various topics about how individuals advocate for themselves and others. In addition to the weekly in-person sessions, the group attends a virtual meeting once a month with NJSAP. Renee P., who lives in The Arc’s Irvington Apartment Program and attends the Opportunity Zone Day Program, is The Arc of Essex County’s Self-Advocacy Representative for NJSAP.

Do you have a loved one interested in attending The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Day Services? Click here to learn more about our programs, and reach out to The Arc of Essex County’s Director of Day Services, Traditional Programming Kristina Olszewski to learn how you can enroll: kolszewski@arcessex.org or (973) 535-1181 ext. 1295.