On September 6, Stepping Stones School opened its doors for the new school year, welcoming 31 students to classrooms full of learning and loving support from teachers and staff. The school had a successful return to in-person Back to School Night at the end of September. An October 3 trip to the Turtle Back Zoo was a highlight of the new year, where students enjoyed observing the animals, riding the train and carousel, and exploring together before returning to Stepping Stones for a tasty pizza lunch. The coming weeks will feature the annual Fall Festival of pumpkin picking and outdoor activities, [...]

The Arc of Essex County’s recreation participants enjoyed a medley of fun activities, including an celebration of Elvis Presley, a delicious brunch, an arcade trip, and a street fair. On September 11, a change in plans took participants to a lovely brunch at the Stage House Tavern in Mountainside. (This was in place of the scheduled trip to Bear Mountain, which was not offering brunch.) In addition to delicious food, the group enjoyed live music and fun conversation together and had a great time. A gathering the following week on September 18 featured a celebration of the King of Rock and Roll [...]

In September, The Arc of Essex County’s Hotel Respite group enjoyed an interactive “Paint by the Pond” at Warinanco Park in Roselle. As part of the weekend activities, participants viewed several installations by a local artist and, with his direction, painted their very own miniature houses, which they got to take home with them. The group stayed at Piscataway Embassy Suites Hotel from September 23 to 25. The Hotel Respite program gives caregivers and families a break while giving Arc consumers the opportunity to enjoy community inclusion with their peers. Participants enjoy going out for lunches and dinners at local popular [...]

Novartis US granted The Arc of Essex County $4,000 for telemedicine services for residential homes. The support will help cover the cost of monthly Station MD services. The Arc of Essex County thanks Novartis for its generous contribution and its commitment to our mission.

On Friday September 23, Studio Arc hosted its first “Girls’ Night In” for some of the women from The Arc of Essex County’s Irvington Supervised Apartment program, the first of many social gatherings to be held in this newly opened space. The ladies enjoyed pizza and then had a paint-and-sip session with sparkling cider and alcohol-free wine.  They chatted and laughed and got to know each other better. The evening ended with an exuberant Motown dance party. Everyone had so much fun that there are now plans to hold two such events each month. Studio Arc is The Arc of Essex County’s [...]

During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, which ran from September 11 to 17, The Arc of Essex County took the opportunity to show our front-line DSP staff how much they are valued and appreciated. Each DSP staff member was celebrated with a gift of an Arc mug and chocolate as a thank you for all they do every day to look after the individuals in their care, keeping them safe, healthy, and happy. The Arc also featured a series of gratitude from family members of residents and consumers, including: “I have always appreciated The Arc's staff. That appreciation has tripled over the [...]

Children in The Arc’s Saturday Respite Program had an adventurous September. First the group attended the 12th Annual Weequahic Park House Music Festival in Newark on September 10, where they enjoyed live music that blended Caribbean and House music. On September 24, they explored the SeaQuest Aquarium in Woodbridge, where they observed a variety of marine life, fed and touched animals, and purchased souvenirs to remember the experience. And on October 1, the group celebrated Octoberfest by painting pumpkins, eating pretzels, and dancing together. The Children’s Saturday Respite Program is a community-based program for children ages 5 to 21. The program [...]

The day was beautiful, the golf was excellent, the on-course beer and spirits tastings were refreshing, and the food was delicious at the 2nd Annual Craft Beer Open, which raised funds for The Arc of Essex County while delivering a fun day to participants. The event, which was held at the Crestmont Country Club in West Orange on Monday, September 12, took place under sunny skies and featured on-course tastings from tasting partners Allagash Brewing Co, Four City Brewing, Troegs Independent Brewing, and Next Century Spirits. After completing 18 challenging holes of golf, attendees gathered for a dinner reception sponsored by [...]

After a pause of more than two years due to COVID-19, The Arc of Essex County is excited to be reopening its After-Work Program in October 2022. The After-Work Respite Program is a community integration program for adults that allows caregivers to take the time they need to relieve stress, restore energy, and manage family life. Attendees to After-Work Respite sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays enjoy a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, music, dancing, and community trips. A light dinner is also included. The sessions run from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Opportunity Zone in Maplewood, and transportation [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following October 2022 openings: Maplewood Supervised Apartment Program (2 Male Vacancies) 24/7 Staff SupervisionCondo-style living in a unit with elevatorOff-street parkingLocated near public transportation and within walking distance of Maplewood's downtown shopping & restaurants Linden Supervised Apartment (1 Male Vacancy) 1 Bedroom Available in a 3-Bedroom Supervised Apartment in Bloomfield24/7 Staff SupervisionLarge Two-Family Home with Great Front PorchLocated near public transportation and within walking distance of beautiful parks, shopping, and restaurantsCurrent roommates enjoy spending time pursuing their own interests such as reading, watching TV, being active, going on community outings, [...]