After more than a dozen years at its Roseland site, Stepping Stones School relocated to a brand-new building in Fairfield, bringing a fresh look and more space to the students in The Arc of Essex County’s care. The new location, nestled in the Kingsbridge office park and situated directly across the parking lot from Studio Arc, encompasses 23 rooms and offices and covers 12,333 square feet, all on a single ground-level. Construction lasted about six months. After a field trip visit from students and staff on Friday, February 16, the final move was made over the Presidents’ Day weekend, and the [...]

The Studio Arc class schedule is bursting with classes that welcome our youngest artists, including a STEAM class series for teens and an after-school printmaking class for elementary-aged children. For the STEAM classes, teenage participants have engaged in a variety of fun and educational activities, solving problems with peers through science, technology, engineering and design, art, and math. Starting on February 10 and running through March 2, the classes have included Art Creation (making paper and art supplies, including homemade watercolors, scented play doughs, and glue); Heart Health (making a plastic-bag heart pump, building a stethoscope, and creating a clay circulatory [...]

The Arc of Essex County congratulates and thanks the 18 Student Champions who are poised to help make the April 27 Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk, and Fun Fest a huge success. With dozens of applicants from throughout Essex County, the Student Champion program drew thoughtful responses from students of all ages. Each applicant shared why they wanted to be a Student Champion, what experiences they had interacting with people who are different from them, what makes them a good leader, and how they have been a good friend. After reviewing so many stellar applications, The Arc’s event committee ended up [...]

Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Recreation programs enjoyed a variety of events in February, including a Paint & Sip activity, a Super Bowl Party, and an exciting trip to Medieval Times. On February 4, the Community Inclusion crew gathered at Studio Arc to create Valentine’s Day-themed masterpieces, painting colorful hearts on canvases to take home. The group also enjoyed chatting over a meal together. On February 11, Group Respite hosted a pre-game party for the Super Bowl, where they prepared their own party nachos, made football-shaped rice-krispie treats, played football-themed competitions, and made their predictions for the big game. Medieval [...]

The Arc of Essex County continues to be a four-star rated charity, most recently receiving a 100% on the Culture and Community beacon from Charity Navigator. This is in addition to our 100% ratings for Finance and Accountability as well as Leadership and Adaptability beacons. Charity Navigator “assessed the organization’s overall culture and connectedness to the constituents and community they serve,” through measures in constituent feedback and a review of The Arc’s commitment to equity. The Arc of Essex County is proud of the four-star rating, which helps ensure our donors they can be confident that their contributions are being managed responsibly. Since [...]

With Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl, and several rounds of snowfall coming through in February, residents in The Arc of Essex County’s group homes and apartments had a busy month of activities. For the Super Bowl, several homes hosted special gatherings, with party snacks, football attire, and of course viewing the big game together, with commercials and the halftime performance reported as big hits among residents. Valentine’s Day brought festive decorations and special meals and treats for residents, along with the exchange of valentines and gifts. At the Millburn Group Home, the group even decorated a Valentine’s Day tree as part of [...]

Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Day Programs have let their creativity flow this winter. Each week, groups of Day Program artists from Bridges, Opportunity Zone, SYA, and West Caldwell Hub travel to Studio Arc to learn about different media and artistic styles and to try new techniques. Recent lessons included making colorful Valentine-inspired collages; replicating the “Golden Rule” painting by Normal Rockwell to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the beauty of all people; experimenting with gel-plate printing and collage to make cards inspired by print artist Chakaia Booker; and creating “kinetic” abstract painting using the movement of string and marbles [...]

The Arc of Essex County recently released its Annual Report for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, titled “Promises: Past and Future.” The publication includes the year’s financial report, as well as a review of important initiatives and a celebration of the agency’s 75th anniversary. In reflecting on this milestone, what rose to the forefront was a promise that has sustained The Arc of Essex County throughout its 75 years: a commitment to help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their best lives, and to provide services and support with dignity and care. That promise is reflected throughout the report: It’s [...]