As the weather has warmed up, residents in The Arc of Essex County group homes and supported-living apartments have enjoyed a variety of activities together: The Irvington Avenue apartments held an international day on March 22, when the staff prepared dishes from their cultures and provided food for the residents to enjoy. The group also learned, danced, and asked questions of staff about the different cultures and music. Oakwood Group Home enjoyed a community outing at the Montclair Art Museum. The ladies of Belleville, Bloomfield, Green, Orange, and West Caldwell group homes gathered for a Girls’ Night In at Studio Arc. The gentleman of [...]

March included a fun mix of activities for The Arc of Essex County’s children’s programming, offering toddlers, children, and teens educational and engaging experiences together: Children’s Respite celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by making shamrock drinks with sprite and green sherbet, visited the Zimmerli Museum at Rutgers University, and went out to a buffet meal to discuss healthy meal choices Communi-Play provided engaging and musical communication lessons for our 2.5- to 5-year-olds, with sessions on March 1 and 15 Children and teens who attended Parents’ Night Out on March 15 had the chance to make St. Patrick’s Day gnomes as well as stress balls The [...]

Adults in The Arc of Essex County’s Day Programs have enjoyed a fun March together, highlighted by some special activities: Readers from West Caldwell Hub visited Stepping Stones School in Fairfield to read Dr. Seuss books to students during Read Across America Week Visits to Studio Arc included art projects such as cardmaking for the SYA Entrepreneurship Club; gel-plate and collage creations for artists from West Caldwell Hub; festive Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day art lessons for all programs, as well as opportunities to paint, draw, and create spring-inspired art, such as cherry blossoms and “zentiles” Participants at all four program centers [...]

Melvin is truly an Arc of Essex County icon, with a history that goes back 50 years in Arc programs. But even after decades in The Arc family, the 72-year-old still had a big year in 2024 as he went through two big transitions. First, he moved from the Branch Brook residence in Belleville to a new (and freshly renovated) Arc group home in West Caldwell. He also made the move from the Opportunity Zone Day Program in Maplewood to the West Caldwell Hub Day Program. Both transitions have been huge successes. “Everything went very smooth,” he says. With the new residence, [...]

When Felicia Minnigan first started at The Arc of Essex County in 2006, she worked as a direct-support professional in a household of nonverbal residents at the Seven Oaks home in Orange. Some DSPs might have been overwhelmed, but Felicia thought it was the best possible entry into her new field. “Learning to communicate with non-verbal people forced me to pay such close attention to body language, different mannerisms and energies, watching where their eyes went; you have no choice but to pay attention to every intricate detail,” she says. “After working there, you can work at any program, because you [...]

The Arc of Essex County is grateful to announce the recent awarding of two grants that will help support the Camp Hope summer day camp program. The Orange Orphan Society has granted $15,000 to Camp Hope, with $11,700 going toward the Camp Hope fee assistance program for young campers from Maplewood and the Oranges, and $3,300 going toward camp equipment. In addition, the Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation granted $10,000 toward general operating support for Camp Hope. The Arc thanks the Orange Orphan Society and the Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation for their generous contributions to Camp Hope, which will help make the [...]

It is with great sadness that The Arc of Essex County announces the passing of our beloved Susan Kurz. Susie had been a member of The Arc family for the last 45 years. During that time, she could be seen relaxing in her bedroom or in her recliner at the West Caldwell Group Home. Susie enjoyed spending time with her housemates, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and was always excited when Tina would cook dinner out on the grill. She loved all Arc social events, going out into community to her favorite restaurant, Olive Garden, and attending the annual Seton Hall [...]

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 (January to March 2025): In Memory of Barbara Calderone: Susan Hagedorn In Memory of Davey Owens Al Lasso In Memory of George Seals Roberta Housel In Memory of John Covello Vincent J. Covello, Jr. In Memory of John Tidaback Diana Hnat In Memory of Mark Conniff Denise McGuire In Memory of Susan Kurz Erica KingEllen L. CooperCaren GutmanMary Lou FischerJohn J. McGarry In Honor of Glennise Renae Hillman Sherleen Hillman In Honor of Heather Comstock Herbert Lev Supporters can [...]

More than 200 people attended The Candle Lighters’ “Baskets 4 Our Lucky Charms” event on March 16 at the Hanover Manor, for an event that raised $38,000 to support those in The Arc of Essex County’s programs. The annual fundraiser featured 160 tricky tray baskets as well as a designer bag table, an Apple product table, a grand prize table, and more. Baskets and prizes included wine baskets, American Girl dolls, LEGO sets, kitchen appliances, sports tickets and memorabilia, designer luggage, and more. The day also featured a sit-down meal, opportunities to socialize with other supporters of The Arc mission, and [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following April 2025 openings: (NEW!) West Caldwell Group Home (1 Female Vacancy) Single-family style home in a quaint neighborhood 24/7 supervision All-female home Care given based on individual needs Group enjoys taking day trips together, pursuing hobbies at home, and enjoying backyard picnics Belleville Group Home (1 Male Vacancy) Two-family supervised apartment on quiet dead-end street 24/7 supervision Located near Branch Brook Park and other outdoor spaces Residents enjoy activities together, including trips to area destinations as well as picnics on their spacious deck Washington Avenue Residence (1 Male Vacancy) Single-family style group home in a quiet Montclair neighborhood 24/7 [...]