The Arc of Essex County is honored to once again receive a generous grant from the New Jersey State Golf Association Youth Foundation for Camp Hope. Since 2017, the NJGA Youth Foundation has supported Camp Hope with generous contributions every year, and The Arc is so grateful for their support. This year, the Foundation donated $11,000, which will go a long way toward enhancing the camp experience for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The New Jersey State Golf Association Youth Foundation supports deserving youth golf and sports-related programs throughout the state of New Jersey. This support is provided through grants and [...]
Read MoreLaughter, movement, and learning have returned in the new year for the children who participate in The Arc of Essex Countyâs Communi-Play communication parties. Starting on January 6, the bi-monthly sessions were back on the calendar for the new year, with a new addition: after the January 20 class, families were welcomed to stick around at Studio Arc for a fun art class for children. For the first class, the group made puppets together, a craft that helped reinforce some of the language lessons that had been part of the Communi-Play class. These Saturday morning sessions are held at no cost to [...]
Read MoreThe Arc of Essex County is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Camp Hope season, which will run for seven weeks, from July 1 through August 16. Visit the Camp Hope website (arccamphope.com) to apply; applications will be processed as they are received. Questions can be directed to Angela LoSapio at (973) 535-1181 ext. 1231 or [email protected]. Camp Hope has been providing an exceptional camp experience for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for nearly 70 years. Located in East Hanover, NJ, the camp property features a beach-entry swimming pool, accessible-friendly playground, splash pad, basketball court, outdoor pavilion, and [...]
Read MoreItâs time to pull out those sneakers and gather your walk and run teams, as registration has opened for The Arc of Essex Countyâs 26th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk, and Fun Fest. The event, which takes place on Saturday, April 27 at the Clipper Pavilion in West Orange, will feature a scenic 5K race, followed by a fundraising walk and a Fun Fest with family-friendly entertainment and activities. All proceeds will directly benefit local children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Registration is $30 for 5K runners and $10 for walkers, who are encouraged [...]
Read MoreThe Government Accountability Officeâa nonpartisan agency that conducts research for the U.S. Congressâhas been asked to conduct a survey on child care accessibility. If you would like to share your experience accessing child care, please take a few minutes to complete one of the following surveys: Are you a parent or guardian of a child with a disability? Click here to take this survey Are you a person with a disability who is a parent or guardian?* Click here to take this survey *You can take both surveys if both apply to you! If you need assistance with the online form, there is a [...]
Read MoreFor individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following February 2024 openings: NEW! Mount Prospect Supervised Apartment (1 Male or Female Vacancy) Single-bedroom apartment Licensed setting Perfect for someone with independent to moderate self-care skills Access to support staff on site Close to public transportation, shops, restaurants, etc. Orange Community Residence (1 Male or Female Vacancy) 24/7 supervision Single-family style group home located in a turn-of-the-century mansion with spacious living areas Co-ed living arrangement with active group of residents Near shopping, dining, and activities Care based on individual needs South Orange Supportive Living Apartment (1 Female Vacancy) 1 bedroom available in a 2-bedroom apartment Minimal community living support [...]
Read MoreIt was a bustling holiday season at Stepping Stones School, as students took part in a variety of fun activities to celebrate the December holidays. The annual Holiday Party, complete with a visit from Santa, live music, gift giving, and a special story time session, took place on December 14. All three classrooms and the early intervention programs joined in the festive scene. On December 15, students from The Deron School of New Jersey visited Stepping Stones for their annual gathering. Together, the Deron and Stepping Stones students completed a wooden tree craft together, which each of the children decorated and took [...]
Read MoreâTwas the season for merry events as the The Arc of Essex County Adult Recreation participants enjoyed a variety of activities that centered on the December holidays. On December 3, a Holiday Shopping Spree for the Community Inclusion group took shoppers to the Livingston Mall to purchase gifts for their loved ones. Group Respite participants enjoyed an Ugly Sweater Cookie Swap at the Opportunity Zone on December 10, where they made cookies, danced to seasonal tunes, and were awarded prizes for the ugliest sweaters. The following week, Group Respite met at Studio Arc for a Gift-Wrapping Workshop where they learned to [...]
Read MoreWith teen mosaics classes, a Parentsâ Night Out, and December Break Camp, Studio Arc was the place to be for Arc children and teens throughout the month of December. The two-part âIntro To Mosaicsâ art classes were held on December 9 and 16 for seven teen registrants. Participants laid out their glass and ceramic tiles the first week and then grouted and painted their mosaics the following week, under the guidance of Studio Arc Creative Arts Manager Debra McGauley-Eichhorn. At Parentsâ Night Out on December 15, children and teens ages 5 to 21 participated in seasonal activities at Studio Arc as their [...]
Read MoreThe SYA Day Program hosted a group of carolers from the United Presbyterian Church of Lyndhurst for a rousing morning of singing holiday songs together. The singalong featured four singers and a melodica player from United Presbyterian, who volunteered their time to bring music and joy to the program on December 11. The guest singers were frequently joined by SYA program participants at the front of the room, and together they led the group through holiday favorites such as Santa Claus is Coming to Town, the 12 Days of Christmas, and Silver Bells. The singing was accompanied by tambourine tapping and [...]
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