As part of its Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office invited staff from The Arc of Essex County to make a presentation that would help first responders become better acquainted with the needs and issues related to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The training provides law enforcement, 911 dispatchers, EMS, paramedics, and mental health professionals with knowledge and crisis resolution skills to respond to individuals in crisis that minimizes the potential for injury, and takes place quarterly throughout the year. Arc staff members in the clinical services and community services departments participated in the training on [...]

During the month of January, the children in the Stepping Stones School primary class have been learning about healthy habits, the five food groups, and creating a balanced meal, all to kick off a healthy 2024. The children conducted a science experiment to see how much grease is produced by different kinds of potato chips. The potato chip choices were regular, baked, kettle cooked, and from a tube. Students observed that when a potato chip is crushed on a sheet of paper it leaves a different amount of grease on the paper. The children had fun doing this experiment and tasting [...]

Participants in the Community Inclusion and Group Respite program enjoyed several fun events during the month of January. On January 21, the group attended a Decoupage Art Class at Studio Arc, where they made decorative boxes using different materials and embellishments while learning about decoupage techniques. They each took home their unique pieces after spending the afternoon learning new skills alongside their peers. On January 28, they gathered at the Opportunity Zone for a Soup Day Party. The group made their own individuals bowls of soup and hot biscuits, answered silly “Get to Know You” questions, and played board games with friends. [...]

“Baskets 4 Buddies: A Winter Extravaganza” will take place on Sunday, March 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover. The fundraising event, hosted by the Candle Lighters, supports The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones Early Intervention program and other unfunded agency programs. The event is slated to feature 100 beautiful baskets valued at more than $100 each, a designer bag table, a wine pull, a 50/50 raffle, games, and a several grand prizes. Tickets cost $75 for a basic reservation (lunch and two sheets of prize tickets), or $115 for a deluxe reservation (lunch, [...]

Studio Arc has become the place to be for teens, with a variety of classes that provide opportunities for participants ages 13 to 20 to learn new skills alongside peers in a fun, creative atmosphere. Following a successful two-part mosaic class in December, teens enjoyed jewelry-making classes on January 20 and 27, where they crafted colorful bracelets and other accessories together. Coming up in February and March, a new STEAM-based series of classes will feature lessons that explore creativity and problem-solving with peers through science, technology, engineering & design, art, and math. Classes will run from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on February [...]

The vision for Studio Arc is coming to life as a spectrum of activities have been engaging The Arc of Essex County’s adult day program participants and residents, with more classes and activities regularly added to the schedule. Arc consumers have been studying an “artist of the month,” learning about their techniques and style, and then using a similar approach to create their own works of art. From Georgia O’Keeffe’s landscapes to Wayne Thiebaud’s still life paintings to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s bold collages to Claes Oldenburg’s sculptures, each month brings a new artist to be inspired by as Arc artisans complete their [...]

The Arc of Essex County is honored to once again receive a generous grant from the New Jersey State Golf Association Youth Foundation for Camp Hope. Since 2017, the NJGA Youth Foundation has supported Camp Hope with generous contributions every year, and The Arc is so grateful for their support. This year, the Foundation donated $11,000, which will go a long way toward enhancing the camp experience for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The New Jersey State Golf Association Youth Foundation supports deserving youth golf and sports-related programs throughout the state of New Jersey. This support is provided through grants and [...]

Laughter, movement, and learning have returned in the new year for the children who participate in The Arc of Essex County’s Communi-Play communication parties. Starting on January 6, the bi-monthly sessions were back on the calendar for the new year, with a new addition: after the January 20 class, families were welcomed to stick around at Studio Arc for a fun art class for children. For the first class, the group made puppets together, a craft that helped reinforce some of the language lessons that had been part of the Communi-Play class. These Saturday morning sessions are held at no cost to [...]