The Arc of Essex County is looking for students in grades 3-12 to be Student Champions for our 26th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Walk, & Fun Fest on Saturday, April 27. A Student Champion is the “face” of the event and uses his or her personal story to inspire, engage and educate the community. The Student Champion could have a disability, have a loved one with a disability, or simply be inspired by the mission of The Arc and want to support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through forming walk teams, participating in media interviews, and conducting [...]

Our Arc of Essex County group home residents were well taken care of as they celebrated the holiday season together. West Essex UNICO delivered meals to more than 30 residents and staff at The Arc of Essex County group homes on December 21, bringing food to our West Caldwell, Green Avenue, and Cedar Grove group homes and our Verona Apartment Program. The robust Italian feast was appreciated by our residents and residential staff. The Cedar Grove Elks Lodge #2237 hosted several Arc group homes for a Christmas Party on December 9 at St. Catherine of Siena School in Cedar Grove. Belleville, Cedar [...]

Holiday music may have filled the room, but the sweaters were the loudest part of the scene at the Saturday Children’s Respite Ugly Sweater Party on December 9. With an ugly sweater craft, cookie making, ugly t-shirt decorating, and gifts donated and delivered by Stars of Elegance #225 and I Am Men #224, it was a holiday extravaganza to remember for all in attendance. 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 [...]

During the November and December months, The Arc of Essex County collected food and gifts for the 15 families who participate in our Home Assistance Program (HAP). A food drive with drop-off locations at our Day Program locations, Stepping Stones School, and the main office brought in more than 550 grocery items for our families. Combined with 15 donated turkeys from ShopRite in Livingston, the collection helped ensure families had a stocked pantry and refrigerator going into the holiday season. In the annual Day Programs competition, Bridges and SYA were nearly tied in food donations, but Bridges edged out for the [...]

The Arc of Essex County is proud to have been selected as a finalist in the Nonprofit (101+ Employees) category for NJBIZ 2023 Business of the Year awards, which were presented on December 14 in Somerset. Launched in 2006, the program “recognizes the state’s most dynamic companies and business leaders who share a commitment to professional excellence, business growth and the community.” Finalists were selected by an independent panel of judges comprised of previous program honorees, who made selections in nine categories. For the Nonprofit (101+ Employees) category, The Arc of Essex County was joined by Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Coordinated [...]

Tributes are a beautiful way to acknowledge those you care for, and at the same time, help further The Arc’s mission. To purchase a tribute, please call Ann Burleigh at (973) 535-1181 ext. 1245 or visit our tribute page here. Tribute Donations (October to December 2023): In Memory of Lucille GoffAlbert and Patricia GraberMarlene LernerEllen L. Cooper In Memory of David OwenAl Lasso In Honor of Billy WrightBev Luehs In Honor of Richard WrightHoward Albert In Honor of Felicia RainesRobert Petzinger In Honor of Jane and Angelo VignaGail Dolan In Honor of Matthew RooneyRobert Comparato In Honor of Susan ComparatoEllen Rooney

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following January 2024 openings: 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 needs Access to an emergency on-call system for added safety 24 hours a day Apartment-style living in 5-floor building with elevator Located steps from public transportation and South Orange’s vibrant downtown For additional information about [...]