This mild winter season may not be generating many snowy memories, but the residents of The Arc of Essex County’s group homes have been enjoying special activities, at home and out and about, throughout the season. Some highlights include a fancy Valentine’s Day dinner at home in Belleville for the Branch Brook residents, who also recently explored the Newark Museum of Art during a day trip. At the Washington Avenue group home in West Orange, they went all in for the Super Bowl, with a spread of delicious game-day treats and some friendly competition between the Kansas City and Philadelphia fans in [...]

Studio Arc was the backdrop for The Arc of Essex County’s Parents’ Night Out on February 24, where the children in attendance had fun making fake snow for a lively indoor snowball fight. The evening also included playing games on the interactive Obie projection table, participating in art and craft projects, and eating dinner together. Parents’ Night Out events provide children with an entertaining few hours while Arc parents can enjoy an evening to themselves, knowing their children are safely enjoying activities with their peers. The Parents Night Out program costs were offset by generous donations to The Arc of Essex County’s [...]

Rather than selling or trading in your used car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, RV, or boat on a trailer, consider donating it through The Arc of Essex County’s vehicle donation program. Proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle will fund innovative and essential programs for children and adults living with developmental disabilities. The car donation program is an excellent way to support the largest service provider for children and adults living with developmental disabilities in Essex County. Donors can rest assured that vehicle donations to The Arc of Essex County will directly aid in these efforts. We work hard to maximize [...]

Runners and walkers who register for The Arc of Essex County’s 25th Annual Building Tomorrows event can still claim their free boxed lunch from Jersey Mike’s Subs, which is available for the first 300 registrants. The Building Tomorrows 5K Run and Family Walk will take place on Saturday, April 29 at the Clipper Pavilion in West Orange. The inclusive event will feature a scenic 5K race, followed by a fundraising walk and a Fun Fest packed with family-friendly entertainment and activities. All proceeds will directly benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Registration is $30 for [...]

Although David was new to The Arc of Essex County’s services when he joined the West Orange Group Home in September, he immediately became part of The Arc family and settled into his new routine in no time. David particularly enjoys watching movies, playing games, and talking to loved ones—his girlfriend, his sister, his nieces—on the phone. “I like to be in my room the best,” he says, though he also was quick to mention the fun times he shares with housemates Jeff and John, the memories he makes attending the West Caldwell Hub Day Program, and how much he [...]

The Arc of Essex County is pleased to announce that The Lillian Schenck Foundation has generously granted $4,000 to the Camp Hope Fee Assistance Project. The funds will allow low-income children from across northern New Jersey to attend the 2023 Camp Hope season. Located in East Hanover, N.J., Camp Hope welcomes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the summer season with a property that features a beach-entry swimming pool, accessible-friendly playground, splash pad, basketball court, outdoor pavilion, and expansive recreation field. Learn more at ArcCampHope.com. The Arc of Essex County extends its sincere appreciation to The Lillian Schenck Foundation for its [...]

It is with great sadness that The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones School shares the news of the passing of speech therapist Nicole Fiorilla. She died peacefully on February 11 surrounded by her family. A Bloomfield resident, Nicole grew up in New Jersey and studied at Kean University, where she received a B.A. in Speech Correction and an M.A. in Speech Language Pathology. She began working at Stepping Stones School in Roseland in 2007, and in the 16 years that followed she has helped countless students and families by teaching speech and feeding skills to infants, toddlers, and children with [...]

The Arc of Essex County and Stepping Stones School lost a dear friend and long-time colleague with the passing of James Paden after a short illness. James started working for The Arc of Essex in 1984 in Day Services and Respite Programs. In 2004, he transferred to the Stepping Stones School and continued in The Arc’s Hotel Respite Program. “James was an amazing person: calm, compassionate, positive, caring, hardworking, and endearing to all,” says Stepping Stones Principal Sue Brand. “To say that James had a positive and unforgetable impact on the many students and staff at the school, as well as the [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following March 2023 openings: NEW Belmont Group Home (1 Male vacancy) Single-family style home Located in a great Livingston neighborhood. 24/7 supervision Can accommodate residents with additional medical supports and aging needs NEW Meadowbrook Condo (2 Male or Female Vacancies) 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 [...]