The Arc of Essex County is excited to kick off registration for the 70th season of Camp Hope. Registration opened to all campers on February 2, 2026 and applications are now being accepted for staff and volunteers for the upcoming season. The 2026 Camp Hope season will run from June 29 through August 14, offering seven themed weeks of enriching summer fun for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (The final two weeks are open to children and teens only.) Applications are processed on a rolling basis. To apply, visit arccamphope.com. For camper-related questions, contact Camp Manager Ynit [...]

As The Arc of Essex County enters a new chapter, we are pleased to launch our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, a roadmap designed to guide our work over the next several years while strengthening our ability to meet the evolving needs of the individuals and families we serve. Rooted in our mission, vision, and values, the new Strategic Plan reflects an honest assessment of where we are today and a clear vision for where we are headed. With strong governance, a diversified service model, and a long history of innovation, The Arc is well positioned for thoughtful, sustainable growth, even through funding [...]

Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Recreation, Respite, and Community Inclusion programs enjoyed a variety of social, recreational, and creative activities in January and early February, including: Bowling outings on January 10, 24, and 31, where participants enjoyed friendly competition and time together at the lanes. An extra lively Saturday Respite on January 10, where folks enjoyed a variety of “Minute to Win It” table games that brought teams together to work toward a shared goal. Matinee and Mingle on January 11, featuring a trip to AMC Clifton to see Anaconda, followed by time to socialize and discuss the movie. A high-energy [...]

Children and families in The Arc of Essex County’s Children’s Services programs enjoyed a variety of engaging and inclusive experiences in January, including: Children’s Saturday Respite participants cheering on one of their own at a basketball game in Livingston, and also enjoying a fun group bowling outing together. Parents’ Night Out featuring a winter-themed craft activity in addition to other fun and games. Communi-Play sessions continuing for children ages 2.5 to 5, offering interactive, play-based communication opportunities for young children and their families. Life Management participants attending Disney on Ice together, enjoying a memorable live performance and community outing. To learn more about The Arc [...]

Residents across The Arc of Essex County’s residential programs enjoyed a variety of social, creative, and festive activities in recent weeks, including: Beechtree residents enjoying community outings to the movies and local restaurants, spending time together while exploring films and food. West Caldwell residents getting into the Valentine’s mode by decorating festive Valentine’s Day creations together at home. Marmon residents dressing in matching outfits for a fun-filled ’80s Night during Man Cave Monday, showing off their creativity and group spirit. Washington Group Home celebrating Andre’s birthday with a day of festivities, including a community lunch trip and a pizza party and cake back at [...]

Evette has been a joyful presence in Arc programs for decades, and she is currently an active part of the SYA Day Program, the Nutley Group Home, and Camp Hope. She loves choosing what she is going to do for the day at SYA and doing activities with her friends. Studio Arc trips are one of her favorite things. She especially loves to dance, and she showed off her talents during the Day Program Talent Show in January at Studio Arc, where she moved to Beyonce’s “All the Single Ladies.” Her time with The Arc goes all the way back to [...]

Kevin Taylor, an Arc of Essex County Assistant Director of Residential Services, loves finding solutions and putting together a game plan to support the residents in his care. As the point person for apartment programs in Newark, West Orange, Irvington, Maplewood, and Fairfield, he works closely with the managers and staff in each program to support the dozens of residents he oversees. It’s a natural place for him to land after moving through the ranks as a direct-support professional, then a shift supervisor, and then a manager, before ending up at The Arc’s main office in his current role in 2023. But [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following February 2026 openings: Beechtree Group Home (1 Male Vacancy) Single-family style home in a quiet West Caldwell neighborhood 24/7 supervision Fully renovated in 2024 Spacious deck for outdoor time Care given based on individual needs Linden Apartment Program (1 Male Vacancy and 1 Female 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 [...]