Studio Arc will once again be lively with music, play, and bubbles as the free children’s Communi-Play parties return for the fall season. Led by speech therapist Jaquetta Perry-Boyd, children ages 2.5 to 5 and their parents learn skills for better communication while singing and playing together. Jaquetta presents parents with innovative techniques to teach neuro-divergent children new ways to express themselves. The first fall Communi-Play party is scheduled for Saturday, September 9 at 10:30 a.m., followed by sessions on September 23, October 7 and 21, and November 4. Registration is required, visit bit.ly/communi-play to sign up. This program is provided to families [...]

Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Community Inclusion and Respite program had a robust schedule of events in August that took them to the shore, to Princeton, and to Studio Arc for a variety of fun adventures and activities. On August 6, the group made a trip to the Just Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards in Princeton, where they ate peaches and peachy treats, visited the traveling zoo, and enjoyed live music. On August 13, it was off to Asbury Park, where participants explored the Silverball Museum, trying their hands at pinball, skee-ball, shuffle board, air hockey, and more. The group [...]

Starting on September 15, Parents Night Out will be resuming for the fall season and, thanks to Partnership for Children of Essex and Essex County Community Resource Development Funds, the respite care for children and teens will be provided free of charge for families. Activities will be based at Studio Arc in Fairfield and run from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants can pay $5 for pizza and drinks or bring their own dinner. Space is limited and registration is required. Three-to-one coverage is provided for all participants, including siblings. One-to-one coverage may be provided upon request; call to discuss possible additional fees. After [...]

Carmella and Donna-Marie are both longtime participants in The Arc of Essex County’s SYA Day Program in Nutley. They also both became members of The Arc’s residential program in 2023, with Carmella joining the Ashwood group home in Livingston and Donna-Marie joining the Belleville group home. For both of them, the transition into their new homes has gone wonderfully. “I am so happy where I am,” Carmella says, sharing stories about helping to set the table and make dinner with her friends and the staff. She raves about her new room as well. “I am so happy in my own room. [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following September 2023 openings: Meadowbrook Condo (1 Male or Female Vacancy) Unlicensed two-bedroom condo in Maplewood Candidates would be on the Supports Program Close to public transportation Care based on individual needs 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 Maplewood Supervised Apartment Program (1 Male Vacancy) 24/7 Staff Supervision Condo-style living in a unit with elevator Off-street parking Located near public transportation and within walking distance of Maplewood's [...]