The spirit of the season was in full swing on December 2 as The Arc of Essex County welcomed Holiday Express for their annual party at The Woodland in Maplewood. This much-anticipated event brought together more than 100 participants from across The Arc’s day and residential programs for a day filled with music, laughter, and holiday cheer. Guests were treated to a lively performance by Holiday Express, whose talented musicians, dressed-up characters, and festive volunteers created an atmosphere of pure joy. From seasonal tunes to interactive sing-alongs, the energy in the room was contagious as participants danced and celebrated the holiday [...]

Hiyas from The Arc of Essex County’s SYA Day Program was recognized for her artistic talent this fall, when her “Milagros” art piece, created at Studio Arc, was featured on the cover of the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey conference program and notebook. “I’m so excited,” Hiyas said when she received her own copy of the notebook with her art featured on the cover. “I’m very happy about it and I can’t wait to draw in the book.” In addition to receiving her own copy of the notebook, Hiyas also received a gift card from SHA NJ as the art-contest [...]

November was a month full of excitement and memorable moments at Stepping Stones School. Students and staff came together to celebrate the season of gratitude with a festive Thanksgiving feast. The gathering, which included students, teachers, staff, and parent volunteers, featured delicious food and engaging activities, including turkey bowling and a colorful turkey craft. Children also enjoyed a special story time with principal Kassie Pierinelli. In addition to the Thanksgiving festivities, November was packed with learning opportunities and milestones. Classrooms buzzed with energy as students explored new concepts and participated in hands-on projects that incorporated the autumn harvest season. One of the [...]

It’s never too early to start planning for an unforgettable summer, and Camp Hope has been creating joyful experiences for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for nearly 70 years. The Arc of Essex County invites you to join us for one of our virtual information sessions where you’ll learn all about the upcoming 2026 Camp Hope season, meet our team, and get answers to all your questions. Session Dates: December 15th | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Register at: https://bit.ly/camp-hope-Dec15 February 20th | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Register at: https://bit.ly/camp-hope-Feb20 Choose the session that works best for you. Whether you’re a returning family or [...]

As families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities approach the transition to adulthood, understanding the complex landscape of government benefits becomes critical. The Arc of New Jersey’s Planning for Adult Life initiative recently hosted an in-depth presentation, “An Overview of SSI & Medicaid for Individuals with IDD Transitioning into Adulthood,” led by Connor Griffin, MPH, Director of Health Care Advocacy. The session offered practical guidance for families navigating Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and related supports as young people age out of children’s services and enter adult programs. The presentation included important information about how to apply for SSI, how [...]

November was packed with opportunities for fun, creativity, and connection in The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Recreation programs. Some of the month’s memorable events included: Matinee & Mingle on November 2, when moviegoers kicked off the month with a trip to the cinema to see Tron, followed by a visit to a favorite snack spot for good food and lively conversation about the film. Bowling Saturdays on November 8, 15, 22, when the bowling crew met at Bowlero Belleville for friendly competition, pizza, and plenty of cheering each other on. A Pinecone Winter Craft at Studio Arc on November 9, with creativity [...]

There was much to be thankful for during Thanksgiving celebrations and other seasonal fun in The Arc of Essex County’s residential programs in November, including: The Ashwood Group Home gathering with residents, staff, and families for a festive Thanksgiving feast together Residents at the Linden Group Home helping to prepare at Thanksgiving meal together The Belmont Group Home doing some early holiday shopping and visiting the Adventure Aquarium in Camden The Newark and Mt. Prospect Avenue Apartment residents enjoying the light show at the Turtle Back Zoo Studio Arc hosting Girls’ Night In and Man Cave Monday, bringing together women and men from across group [...]

November was a month of connection, learning, and fun for families in The Arc of Essex County’s Children’s Services programs, including: Social Skills Classes on Tuesday afternoons at Opportunity Zone in Maplewood for children and teens. To learn how to register for the weekly classes, which are offered at no charge to families, call Toshonda Johnson-Hall at 973-535-1181 ext. 1275. Communi-Play on November 8 and 22, where children ages 2.5 to 5 and families enjoyed engaging play sessions designed to foster social skills, creativity, and community inclusion. Sessions are offered to families at no charge, but registration is required at bit.ly/communi-play. The first [...]

It would be hard to find someone at The Arc of Essex County who smiles more than Gayle. Having started in Arc programs in 1988 as a resident of the Irvington Apartments and in the ARCompany day program, she has been a staple of Arc activities for nearly 40 years and always brings positive vibes. Gayle currently lives in the Bloomfield group home, which underwent a major renovation in 2021. She approves, loving the new bedroom, kitchen, bathrooms, wider hallways for her walker, ramps, and deck area. She spent time at the Main Street Hub and West Caldwell Hub programs over [...]