Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Day Programs have had an active month in February, including: Making candy apples for Valentine’s Day at Bridges Entrepreneurship Club participants selling Valentine’s Day merchandise and learning how to make cards and candles together SYA participants crafting special Valentine’s Day cards for their loved ones The Photo Club visiting Studio Arc taking part in a “mindful photography” challenge, finding art in photos of items and scenes they came across naturally Do you have a loved one interested in attending The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Day Services?  Click here to learn more about our programs and reach out to The [...]

Residents across The Arc of Essex County’s residential programs enjoyed a variety of social, creative, and festive activities in recent weeks, including: At the Beechtree Group Home, the residents cooked for their own Super Bowl Party, plus savored a night out at Flaming Grill The West Caldwell Group Home enjoyed a pampering trip to the nail salon Tamera at the Fairfield Apartments had a festive birthday party, inviting friends from across Arc group homes The Irvington Ave Apartment residents gathered for a Valentine’s Day party with sweet treats, berry drinks, and lots of pink and red balloons James at the Washington Group Home enjoyed his [...]

Children and families in The Arc of Essex County’s Children’s Services programs enjoyed a variety of engaging and inclusive experiences in February, including: Parents’ Night Out participants painting a Valentine’s Day craft and enjoying games and activities together on February 20 Communi-Play sessions on February 7 and 21 for children ages 2.5 to 5, offering interactive, play-based communication opportunities for young children and their families at Studio Arc (sign up for future sessions, offered at no charge to families, at bit.ly/communi-play) Children’s Saturday Respite participants getting dressed up for a fancy (and sparkly!) dance party together on February 28 A variety of seasonal celebrations, [...]

Joanne, affectionately known as Jojo, goes back decades with The Arc of Essex County, to her days as a student in our Stepping Stones School and Early Intervention programs. Now in her 30s, she is a vibrant and active part of the SYA Day Program. When asked what she loves best about her program, Jojo smiles and says “everything!” At the program center in Nutley, she likes making artwork, and out in the community she enjoys getting meals with her friends and going shopping (especially for coloring supplies). She is a regular visitor to Studio Arc, where she loves learning new [...]

Even though she grew up as the youngest of four children, Shaniquah Harris’s older brother called her “mama,” since she was always instinctively caring for her siblings and attentive to others’ needs. That natural gift for caregiving followed her through her professional life and to her role today as Senior Manager of Bridges Day program. When Shaniquah first entered the IDD field, she had been working in residential services, but soon realized she was drawn to a different kind of setting. Day programs seemed more her speed. “I liked being able to plan trips into the community and really fill the [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following March 2026 openings: Linden Apartment Program (1 Male Vacancy) 1 bedroom available in a 3-bedroom Supervised Apartment in Bloomfield 24/7 supervision Large two-family home Located near public transportation and within walking distance of beautiful parks, shopping, and restaurants Current roommates enjoy spending time pursuing their own interests such as reading, watching TV, being active, going on community outings, and through art and other creative outlets. West Caldwell Group Home (1 Female Vacancy) Single-family style home in a quaint neighborhood 24/7 supervision All-female home Care given based on individual needs Group enjoys taking day trips together, pursuing hobbies [...]