In celebration of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week from September 8 to 14, The Arc of Essex County celebrated the hundreds of DSPs on staff with a series of special acts of appreciation. Each DSP received an Arc belt bag as well as a collection of snacks and treats throughout the week. On Friday, all staff was encouraged to wear their favorite jerseys to work to celebrate the teamwork that takes place among our direct support team every day. A thank-you video from The Arc of Essex County’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer went out to all DSP staff members [...]

Each fall, The Arc of Essex County recognizes those employees whose long-standing commitment and dedication have helped shape the agency into what it is today. The Arc would like to recognize the following individuals for their tremendous service to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 45 Years Linda C. Lucas 30 Years Jermayne Tims Lorraine Harris Troy Thomas Alexis Soled 25 Years Toshonda Johnson-Hall Dwan Armstrong Phyllis Kleckley Donna Jones 20 Years Esther Mensah Pamela Meadows Christine Bridge Stacey McDowell Laurie Best Philomena Eneh 15 Years Margilene Dorcent Dacia King-Sarkodie Hasan Atkinson Martha Nelson Wali Cooper Katria Archie 10 Years Elisa Cohen Brenda Lowrie Cynthia Smith Shaniqua Williams Richard Mahon Stefanie Robinson-Thomas Rasul Parrish Catherine Christiano LaTonya Moore 5 Years Shamirah Suggs-Morin Odeysia Phillips Annakecia Norfort Shaniquah Harris Angela Lenzi Marisol Rodriguez Carmella Angelo Ogochukwu Onuigwe Linda Macario Joselin Jimenez Saida Khalid Paola Cartagena Samantha Hershfield Christina Kirwin Sandy Bell Brenda [...]

Make this October a Cartober and help drive change for The Arc! You can donate your used car, truck, RV, or boat and proceeds from its sale will directly support The Arc of Essex County. Simply visit https://thearc.careasy.org/ and select The Arc of Essex County as your beneficiary. Schedule your free pick-up and you’ll receive a receipt for a tax deduction. Can’t donate today? You can still help spread the word by telling your friends about Cartober, or you can pledge your car for a future donation. Every dollar from your vehicle donation will help support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities [...]

Shareem McElhaney was studying sociology at William Paterson University when she first saw a job posting for The Arc of Essex County in 2009. She inquired among friends who worked in the field and learned more about The Arc and what kind of work she would be doing. “Even in my retail jobs, I always enjoyed helping people,” she says. “So when my friends told me about The Arc, I thought, ‘okay, let me try this out.’” In the years to come, it would prove to be a great fit. Shareem started working as a direct support professional at the Ashwood [...]

The Arc of Essex County graciously accepted a generous donation from the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Mountains Council in September. The Livingston-Based Knights of Columbus #11982 presented a check for $1,620 to The Arc of Essex County during a special ceremony on September 17. The Arc was one of several organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who received generous contributions at the meeting. The Arc of Essex County thanks the Knights of Columbus members for their ongoing support of individuals with IDD and appreciates the generosity and commitment of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of [...]

An important message from The Arc of NJ: For the past 75 years, The Arc of NJ has worked to ensure the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that includes the ability to make your voice heard by voting. Voting is an essential way to participate in our democracy. To help individuals with IDD and their families understand the voting process and to learn more about how to cast a ballot, we are proud to present our annual Get Out the Vote Guide for 2024. This Election Day, New Jersey residents will not only cast a ballot for a [...]

Tributes are a beautiful way to acknowledge those you care for, and at the same time, help further The Arc’s mission. To purchase a tribute, please call Ann Burleigh at (973) 535-1181 ext. 1245 or visit our tribute page here. Tribute Donations (July to September 2024): In Memory of Ann Marino Steve Hollander In Memory of Davey Owens Al Lasso In Memory of Elizabeth Waeschle Scott Nuzzo Patricia Wilson Kim Regan In Memory of Kathleen Manfra Kathleen Fernandez In Memory of Vincent Feliciano Belmira Matos In Honor of Felicia Raines Robert Petzinger In Honor of Glennise Renae Hillman Sherleen Hillman Supporters can host Facebook Fundraisers for birthdays and celebrations to raise money on behalf of The Arc of Essex [...]

It is with great sadness that The Arc of Essex County shares that Berneda Fields passed away on September 30, 2024. Berneda has been a beloved member of the Arc family since 1982, residing at the Ashwood Group Home, and attending first Livingston CRC, and most recently West Caldwell Hub for day program. Berneda was a sweet, loving, strong, and lively woman.  Berneda was known for her signature jewelry collection of beaded bracelets, which she often showed off while having her nails done.   Berneda was adored by her housemates, who she equally loved and cared for. Berneda shared years of traditions [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following October 2024 openings: Beacon (New!) (1 male vacancy) Single-family home on a quiet, dead-end street in Livingston 24/7 supervision Barrier-free home for wheelchair accessibility Located near shopping and dining Belleville Group Home (New!) (2 male vacancies) Two-family supervised apartment on quiet dead-end street 24/7 supervision Located near Branch Brook Park and other outdoor spaces Residents enjoy activities together, including trips to area destinations as well as picnics on their spacious deck Washington Avenue Residence (1 Male vacancy) Single-family style group home in a quiet Montclair neighborhood 24/7 supervision Within walking distance of parks and shopping Residents enjoy going on local [...]