Participants in all of The Arc of Essex County’s Day Programs marked Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2 with a variety of Read Across America Day activities. At the Opportunity Zone in Maplewood, festivities included reading Dr. Seuss books together, playing a game of “musical hat” with a Cat-in-the-Hat striped top hat, and a celebratory dance party. At SYA in Nutley, the day featured Dr. Seuss bingo, Truffala tree crafts from “The Lorax,” hat making, and Thing 1 and Thing 2 Jell-O. At West Caldwell Hub, participants made Cat-in-the-Hat fruit kebabs and "The Big Foot" Rice Krispie treats, and planted trees [...]

The Arc of Essex County has openings for paid Camp Hope staff and volunteer “counselors in training” for the summer of 2023. Located on six acres in East Hanover, Camp Hope is a summer day camp for children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Paid positions include lifeguards, camp counselors, 1:1 behavioral counselors, and activity specialists, and require a full seven-week commitment. Volunteer “counselor in training” positions participate in all activities involving campers. CITs must be age 14 or older, and must commit to a minimum of one week. The 2023 camp season will run from July [...]

Graduation season is approaching and the class of 2023 will soon begin their transition from school to adult life. The Arc of Essex County is now offering personalized Adult Day Program tours for soon-to-be graduates and families who are seeking a new service provider. During the tour, families can learn about The Arc’s approach to Day Services, walk through the program facilities, meet the staff, and have their questions answered. The Arc hosts Day Programs at locations throughout Essex County, with facilities in Maplewood, Nutley, Fairfield, and West Caldwell. Individuals interested in scheduling a program tour can contact Assistant Director of Community [...]

This month, The Arc of Essex County will mark the 25th Anniversary of the Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk, and Fun Fest. The event will take place on Saturday, April 29 at the Clipper Pavilion in West Orange and will feature a scenic 5K race, followed by a fundraising walk and a Fun Fest packed with family-friendly entertainment and activities, including face painting, sensory tables, kids’ cooking station, instrument play, bubble making, character visits, and more. The first 300 registrants for the run or walk can claim a free Jersey Mike's boxed lunch. Register while supplies last! Registration is $30 for [...]

The Arc of Essex County is pleased to announce that Camp Hope has received four generous grants. The Orange Orphan Society has generously granted $15,000 to Camp Hope, with $12,450 going toward the Camp Hope fee assistance program and $2,550 going toward camp equipment. In addition, the Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation has granted $10,000, the William E. Simon Foundation has granted $5,000, and the Investors Foundation has granted $1,500 to Camp Hope. All three grants will provide general support for the upcoming 2023 summer season. Located in East Hanover, N.J., Camp Hope welcomes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the summer [...]

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. Special Occasions (January to March 2023): In Honor of Nick BlougourasKirsten D. Francis-Booth In Memory of Meryt LyonsEdward and Diane Budd In Memory of David OwenAl LassoSue PfefferNick Casale and Chrissie Smyth CasaleBryan SkokandichMargaret SkokandichKathryn PalettaRose & Robert SalinardoTimothy & Genevieve SalinardoCeleste C. MartinelloJoan RattiAl Lasso In Memory of James Paden Jr.Kanita Sandidge In Memory of Barbara ErmatingerJoe BJon and Jodi Mendelson Supporters can host Facebook Fundraisers [...]

When The Arc of Essex County launched a new website in 2022, it featured a new suite of accessibility tools through a partnership with Recite Me. The accessibility toolbox (featured at the top of each page when “Accessibility Tools” is clicked) is fully customizable, with features including an audio read-aloud of the page text, adjustable font sizes, color controls, a magnifying glass, language translation, and more. Recite Me has created this technology to allow individuals with disabilities or who are not fluent in English to be able to communicate and learn independently. During the year it has been in place, the [...]

Everyone with intellectual and developmental disabilities who has DDD services must have NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid. During the COVID pandemic, no one was terminated from Medicaid, even if they were no longer eligible. However, the automatic continuation of Medicaid coverage, which has been in effect for three years, is ending, and Medicaid redetermination applications will be required. The process of requiring a Medicaid redetermination application has been referred to as Medicaid "unwinding.” Even if nothing has changed for individuals with IDD, all NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid enrollees will be required to have a "redetermination" of their Medicaid eligibility, and this process will start in [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following April 2023 openings: NEW 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 (2 Male or Female Vacancies) Unlicensed two-bedroom condo in Maplewood Candidates would be on the Supports Program Close to public transportation Care based on individual needs Orange Community [...]