“Baskets 4 Buddies: A Winter Extravaganza” will take place on Sunday, March 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover. The fundraising event, hosted by the Candle Lighters, supports The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones Early Intervention program and other unfunded agency programs. The event is slated to feature 100 beautiful baskets valued at more than $100 each, a designer bag table, a wine pull, a 50/50 raffle, games, and a several grand prizes. Tickets cost $75 for a basic reservation (lunch and two sheets of prize tickets), or $115 for a deluxe reservation (lunch, [...]

Studio Arc has become the place to be for teens, with a variety of classes that provide opportunities for participants ages 13 to 20 to learn new skills alongside peers in a fun, creative atmosphere. Following a successful two-part mosaic class in December, teens enjoyed jewelry-making classes on January 20 and 27, where they crafted colorful bracelets and other accessories together. Coming up in February and March, a new STEAM-based series of classes will feature lessons that explore creativity and problem-solving with peers through science, technology, engineering & design, art, and math. Classes will run from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on February [...]

The vision for Studio Arc is coming to life as a spectrum of activities have been engaging The Arc of Essex County’s adult day program participants and residents, with more classes and activities regularly added to the schedule. Arc consumers have been studying an “artist of the month,” learning about their techniques and style, and then using a similar approach to create their own works of art. From Georgia O’Keeffe’s landscapes to Wayne Thiebaud’s still life paintings to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s bold collages to Claes Oldenburg’s sculptures, each month brings a new artist to be inspired by as Arc artisans complete their [...]

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 [...]

Laughter, movement, and learning have returned in the new year for the children who participate in The Arc of Essex County’s 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 [...]

The 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 [...]

It’s time to pull out those sneakers and gather your walk and run teams, as registration has opened for The Arc of Essex County’s 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 [...]

The Government Accountability Office—a nonpartisan agency that conducts research for the U.S. Congress—has 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 [...]

For 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 [...]