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 [...]

For more than 22 years, Esther Mensah has been a pillar of The Arc of Essex County’s Day Programs, known for her compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and technician. Esther started as a substitute before taking on full-time work with The Arc. Although she had worked in group homes before she joined The Arc team, she has been in Day Programs throughout her time at The Arc of Essex County, starting in Verona and then Caldwell, before finding her home at the West Caldwell Hub. In that time, she has developed a natural connection to [...]

The Arc of the United States has taken a significant and unprecedented step to safeguard the rights of students with disabilities. Just before Thanksgiving, The Arc announced that it has joined a lawsuit against the federal government as an organizational plaintiff. The case—Somerville Public Schools et al. v. Trump et al., now consolidated with New York v. McMahon—was filed in response to actions aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The lawsuit seeks to block these efforts and preserve the essential programs and protections the Department provides to students, families, and educators. The Arc’s decision to join this litigation reflects [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following December 2025 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 [...]