It was an extra special celebration for Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week as The Arc of Essex County welcomed officials from the N.J. Department of Human Services and leadership from The Arc of New Jersey at an event at the Opportunity Zone in Maplewood on September 12. OZ hosted Department of Human Services Deputy Commissioner Kaylee McGuire, Assistant Commissioner Jon Seifried, and Policy Advisor Jack Teters, as well as The Arc of New Jersey Executive Director Tom Baffuto, Associate Executive Director Celine Fortin, and Senior Director Sharon Levine, who toured the facility and met and interacted with day program participants—including engaging [...]

As the autumn season gets underway, The Arc of Essex County’s offerings for our youngest participants are going strong with free programming and respite care available throughout the season. The Arc is offering free respite care for children ages 5 to 20 during the NJEA Teachers’ Convention on November 9 and 10. Families can opt for a morning session (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.), an afternoon session (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) or a full day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on one or both days. The Teachers’ Convention Camp will take place at Studio Arc in Fairfield, and children will [...]

More than 100 Day Program participants from across of The Arc of Essex County’s locations attended a seasonal “Fall Ball” dance on September 28 at the Woodland in Maplewood. Bridges, the Opportunity Zone, SYA, and West Caldwell Hub each sent a group of partygoers to the dance, which featured a high-energy playlist of music—including crowd favorites the Electric Slide and Macarena—that kept attendees on the dance floor, moving and grooving with their peers. The event also featured a sit-down meal together, catered by Hoboken’s Pizzeria in Pompton Plains. Do you have a loved one interested in attending The Arc of Essex County’s [...]

As students started the 2023-24 school year on September 7, it was a time of new beginnings at Stepping Stones School for the children and staff. The school year is off to a successful start as the children received new backpacks packed with supplies (thanks to generous donations by Prudential employees) and welcomed Little Molars Pediatric Dentistry to the school for lessons about dental care. Students visited the Turtle Back Zoo for the West Orange Elks Friendship Festival on October 2, and Stepping Stones hosted Back to School Night for families on October 5. The coming weeks will include the annual [...]

Make this October a Cartober and help drive change for The Arc! You can donate your used car, truck, RV, or boat and proceeds from its sale will directly support The Arc of Essex County. Simply visit https://thearc.careasy.org/ and select The Arc of Essex County as your beneficiary. Schedule your free pick-up and you’ll receive a receipt for a tax deduction. Can't donate today? You can still help spread the word by telling your friends about Cartober, or you can pledge your car for a future donation. Every dollar from your vehicle donation will help support children and adults with intellectual and [...]

From watching jousting knights to enjoying a freshly prepared seasonal meal, participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Community Inclusion and Group Respite program had an adventurous September together. On September 17, participants first went to Shop Rite to purchase fresh seasonal ingredients and then prepared customized fruit and vegetable salads at Studio Arc, which made for a beautiful autumn spread. On September 24, the group went back to the Middle Ages, as they visited Medieval Times in Lyndhurst. There, they watched a battle of the knights, marveled at the horseback riding in the tournament, and enjoyed a robust feast together. September also [...]