The weekly West Caldwell Hub yoga class at Studio Arc included special visitors from West Caldwell Tech on May 31, in what is hoped to be the start of a lasting partnership between the Essex County Schools of Technology and The Arc of Essex County. Before the visiting special education students practiced yoga poses alongside a group of Arc day program participants, they toured the Studio Arc space, learning about the different creative arts lessons and activities that take place on site. Going forward, the intention is for special education and neurotypical students from the Essex County Schools of Technology to [...]

Whether running, walking, or cheering, the day program athletes and supporters who participated in track races on May 10 brought a wave of positive energy to the spring fitness event, which took place under bright and sunny skies. The annual spring races returned to the Underhill Sports Complex in Maplewood after a three-year Covid hiatus, and were part of The Arc of Essex County’s new “Couch to 5K” fitness programming. Participants could choose to run quickly, run slowly, or walk the track. Each group completed one lap around the track while dozens of their fellow day program participants cheered them on [...]

We often find ourselves thinking of health as an individual concern: calories counted, steps tracked, fitness goals set. But being healthy is, at its heart, a community effort, and one that is particularly collaborative when it comes to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Parents, guardians, and caregivers work as a team in order to help their loved one be as healthy as possible. That responsibility, which spans birth through adulthood, can also feel daunting. This spring, The Arc of Essex County is investing in new ways to equip our consumers, residents, families, and staff with the tools they need to [...]

The students at Stepping Stones School have been enjoying the May holidays and the lovely spring weather together. The children have marked several holidays this spring, including Star Wars Day, where they wore Star Wars-themed outfits, listened to a Star Wars story, and posed with robes and light sabers. For Cinco de Mayo, the students enjoyed the Mexican hat dance, completed sombrero sensory activities, played maracas, and enjoyed a special snack of chips, salsa, and guacamole. In addition, the warm weather has given students the opportunity to explore nature and observe the flowering plants, as well as play soccer and other games [...]

A group of seventeen partygoers showed off their best dance moves at the Spring Fling Dance on May 21. The Group Respite event took place at the Opportunity Zone in Maplewood, and it featured a butterfly clothespin craft, lunch together around beautiful floral centerpieces, and, of course, plenty of dancing. The group also celebrated Jamal’s birthday with some delicious cupcakes. If your loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities is interested in educational programming, community experiences, seasonally themed events, or weekend group respite programs, you can learn more about all of these activities at The Arc’s Recreation Services page, and view [...]

As The Arc of Essex County prepares to celebrate at “A Million Dreams,” the 75th Anniversary Gala this month, even those who cannot attend the milestone event in person on June 15 can participate through our virtual auction, which is already open and accepting bids. Prizes include airline vouchers, Yankees tickets, overnights at New York City hotels, beach vacations, weekend getaways, skincare products, pottery lessons, and more! Visit ArcAuction.com to see all the full list and to register and bid. New items are being added weekly, and the auction will close on Thursday, June 15 at 9 p.m. Click here to visit [...]