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Author: Jessica Murphy

The Arc of Essex County > Articles by: Jessica Murphy

Children’s Respite Creates Mother’s Day Crafts

May 30, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

The children in The Arc of Essex County’s Saturday Respite program enjoyed a special visit to Studio Arc to make Mother’s Day crafts together in early May. The group used mixed media to make cards that looked like teacups, each of which held a tea bag gift for mom. The Children’s Saturday Respite Program is a community-based program for children ages 5 to 21. The program participates in both community-based and in-center activities including visits to parks, festivals, cooking, arts and crafts, and more. The in-center location is based out of Maplewood. To learn more, visit our Children’s Respite page or [...]

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Volunteers Beautify Group Home Gardens

May 30, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

Volunteers Al Ianacone, Susan Langner, and Frank Langner have lent their gardening expertise to the Cedar Grove, Washington Avenue, and Bloomfield group homes this spring, continuing their 10-year tradition of bringing a green-thumb bounty to the Arc residences. Planting basil, parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, and flowers, the volunteer crew spent hours this spring prepping the garden beds, planting the seedlings, and watering the gardens. They plan to check in every three or four weeks during the spring and summer months to weed and maintain the plants; in the meantime, the residents help keep the gardens watered. Al, who along with Susan has a [...]

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The Arc of Essex County Remembers Susan Knipper

May 30, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

It is with deep sadness that The Arc of Essex County reports that our long-time friend and colleague, Susan Knipper, passed away in May. Susan began her journey at The Arc 30 years ago as a manager in Residential Services, where she developed and maintained many long-lasting friendships. Susan has made an everlasting impact as the agency trainer for more than 25 years. Because of Susan’s commitment, dedication, and love of our residents and consumers, she always found ways to remain involved in their lives. Using her talents as a trainer in this capacity, Susan developed and led many impactful [...]

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June 2023 Residential Corner

May 24, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following June 2023 openings: West Caldwell Group Home (1 Male or Female Vacancy) Single-family style home in a quaint neighborhood 24/7 supervision Care given based on individual needs Group enjoys taking day trips together, pursuing hobbies at home, and enjoying backyard picnics Belmont Group Home (1 Male vacancy) Single-family style home Located in a great Livingston neighborhood. 24/7 supervision Can accommodate residents with additional medical supports and aging needs Meadowbrook Condo (1 Male or Female Vacancy) Unlicensed two-bedroom condo in Maplewood Candidates would be on the Supports Program Close to public transportation Care based on individual needs Orange Community Residence [...]

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June Virtual Resources Roundup

May 24, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

The Arc has a variety of resources for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Here, we provide a monthly roundup of the virtual options available to The Arc community throughout the month: § The Arc of Essex County Mystery Movies (Mondays: June 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 3 p.m.)The Arc of Essex County Game Day (Tuesdays: June 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 3 p.m.)The Arc of Essex County Book Buddies (Wednesdays: June 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 3 p.m.) § The Arc of NJ Self-Advocacy Project: Stay Healthy at Home: 6/6/23: Mystic Aquarium: Seals & Sea Lions 6/13/23: [...]

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Arc Residents Explore Springtime Activities

May 3, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

As the weather warmed up this spring, residents at The Arc of Essex County’s group homes enjoyed getting out and exploring the outdoors together. The Verona Apartment Program attended the Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park and became superheroes at the West Caldwell Recreation Center. The gentleman in the Branch Brook home also beat the spring heat by heading over to Rita’s for some cool treats, which they enjoyed in the sunshine together. The West Caldwell, Green Avenue, Branch Brook, Claremont, Beacon, and Belleville group home residents and those in the Irvington Avenue, Verona, and Linden apartments joined the fun at [...]

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Stepping Stones Students Celebrate Earth Day and Autism Awareness Month

May 2, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

The children in the Stepping Stones School’s transition kindergarten class marked Earth Day and Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month with an assortment of educational activities. To celebrate Earth Day, the students used blue and green Jell-O for a tong activity, played in “dirt” made of cocoa powder, flour, and oil to dig and plant pretend flowers, and explored Earth Day-themed sensory bins. They also planted beans and are excited to watch them grow. The class also enjoyed the beautiful fresh air that the springtime brings, with outdoor adventures that included visiting blooming trees and flowers, playing outdoor sports, and flying kites [...]

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Animals, Arcades, and Art for Recreation Group

May 2, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

The Arc of Essex County’s Community Inclusion and Recreation participants visited the Turtle Back Zoo, Dave & Buster’s, and Studio Arc during a fun-filled April. On April 16, a group of 18 visited the Turtle Back Zoo, exploring the animal exhibits, feeding the giraffes, getting hands-on with sea life in the touch tank, and riding the train together In preparation for Mother’s Day, participants gathered at Studio Arc on April 23 to make a gift bag that featured handmade soaps, bath bombs, lip balms, and essential oils. And on April 30, the group traveled to Dave & Buster’s at the Willowbrook Mall to [...]

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The Arc of Essex County Celebrates 75 Years with “A Million Dreams” Gala on June 15

May 2, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

In celebration of The Arc of Essex County’s 75th anniversary, the agency is holding “A Million Dreams” gala on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. This milestone event will feature cirque entertainment, fine dining, open bar, live music, and celebration. The Arc of Essex County will recognize the following honorees during the gala: Legacy of Philanthropy: PSEG Legacy of Leadership: Board Presidents, The Arc of Essex County Legacy of Advocacy: Tom Baffuto, The Arc of New Jersey Executive Director Tickets to the event cost $225 per person, or $400 per couple, with a RSVP deadline of June 1. There are [...]

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Day Programs Enjoy the Spring Season

May 2, 2023 Jessica Murphy 0

With Easter egg hunts, spring crafts, and kite flying, the participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Day Programs have been fully embracing the spring season. At West Caldwell Hub, the group hand-crafted and painted Easter baskets for collecting eggs. Bridges dyed eggs and made other Easter-themed crafts together. At SYA, Easter eggs were scattered across the outdoor area, making for a very exciting egg hunt for participants. SYA also took advantage of the blustery spring days to do some kitemaking and kite flying. As part of the ongoing global curriculum, the Opportunity Zone participants are continuing to learn about other countries, [...]

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