The music, energy, and laughter of children’s programming returned to Studio Arc in September after a break for the summer season, with Communi-Play and Parents’ Night Out offering opportunities for toddlers, children, and teens to have enriching experiences together. The Communi-Play communication parties, which are geared toward ages 2.5 to 5, took place on September 14 and 28. Led by speech-language specialist Jaquetta Perry-Boyd, each highly engaging and interactive session helps children and their parents practice communication and conversation skills such as listening, eye contact, body language, and gestures. This program is offered at no cost to families, but registration is [...]

The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Recreation activities in September included a delightful array of engaging experiences. Participants enjoyed a farm-to-table meal, a lively Zumba class, and a creative craft session together. Throughout these activities, participants had a wonderful time socializing and building connections, making every moment memorable and fun. At the Farm-to-Table meal on September 15, the Group Respite participants shopped a local farmer’s market for fresh produce and returned to The Arc’s Opportunity Zone to prepare a fruit or vegetable salad of their choice, all with local seasonal items. On September 22, the Community Inclusion group enjoyed an afternoon of [...]

The students at Stepping Stones School joyfully returned for the 2024-25 school year, marking their first September at the new building in Fairfield, where they relocated last winter. The state-of-the-art facility has been warmly embraced by both students and staff, providing an enhanced learning environment that aligns with the school's commitment to excellence and innovation in education. One of the most exciting additions to the school is the "Primary Plus" classroom, which now accommodates students up to age 12. This expansion allows for a more inclusive and comprehensive educational experience, catering to the developmental needs of older children. The new playground [...]

It was a lovely day for The Arc of Essex County’s 4th Annual Golf Classic on September 16, 2024, held at Crestmont Country Club in West Orange. The event featured a shamble-format golf competition with on-course tastings from tasting partners Allagash Brewing Co., Autodidact Beer, Howie’s Spiked Al-Ca-Chino, Links Drinks, Owl’s Brew, and Troegs Independent Brewing. After the golf was complete, participants enjoyed a cocktail reception that featured delicious food from the Crestmont Country Club, plus tastings from Chef Jesse Concepts, Mezoco, Lena y Carbon, Walia, and Bake to Square One. Guests also bid in a virtual auction that featured [...]

In celebration of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week from September 8 to 14, The Arc of Essex County celebrated the hundreds of DSPs on staff with a series of special acts of appreciation. Each DSP received an Arc belt bag as well as a collection of snacks and treats throughout the week. On Friday, all staff was encouraged to wear their favorite jerseys to work to celebrate the teamwork that takes place among our direct support team every day. A thank-you video from The Arc of Essex County’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer went out to all DSP staff members [...]

Each fall, The Arc of Essex County recognizes those employees whose long-standing commitment and dedication have helped shape the agency into what it is today. The Arc would like to recognize the following individuals for their tremendous service to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 45 Years Linda C. Lucas 30 Years Jermayne Tims Lorraine Harris Troy Thomas Alexis Soled 25 Years Toshonda Johnson-Hall Dwan Armstrong Phyllis Kleckley Donna Jones 20 Years Esther Mensah Pamela Meadows Christine Bridge Stacey McDowell Laurie Best Philomena Eneh 15 Years Margilene Dorcent Dacia King-Sarkodie Hasan Atkinson Martha Nelson Wali Cooper Katria Archie 10 Years Elisa Cohen Brenda Lowrie Cynthia Smith Shaniqua Williams Richard Mahon Stefanie Robinson-Thomas Rasul Parrish Catherine Christiano LaTonya Moore 5 Years Shamirah Suggs-Morin Odeysia Phillips Annakecia Norfort Shaniquah Harris Angela Lenzi Marisol Rodriguez Carmella Angelo Ogochukwu Onuigwe Linda Macario Joselin Jimenez Saida Khalid Paola Cartagena Samantha Hershfield Christina Kirwin Sandy Bell Brenda [...]

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 developmental disabilities [...]

Shareem McElhaney was studying sociology at William Paterson University when she first saw a job posting for The Arc of Essex County in 2009. She inquired among friends who worked in the field and learned more about The Arc and what kind of work she would be doing. “Even in my retail jobs, I always enjoyed helping people,” she says. “So when my friends told me about The Arc, I thought, ‘okay, let me try this out.’” In the years to come, it would prove to be a great fit. Shareem started working as a direct support professional at the Ashwood [...]