March was a month full of excitement and learning at Stepping Stones School, as students and staff started making memories at their new building in Fairfield. The students celebrated reading in many ways during Read Across America Week, listening to stories read by parents, siblings, and friends who visited as guest readers. They also had fun dressing up for special spirit days, including crazy hair day and international day. On March 15, students from the Deron School visited Stepping Stones and helped the children create St. Patrick’s Day themed wooden crafts and coloring pages together. Stepping Stones students also celebrated World Down Syndrome [...]

Animal Yoga, Tumbling Ninjas, and Teen Jam Band are among the new classes scheduled for The Arc of Essex County’s youngest participants at Studio Arc this spring. Offered on Tuesday afternoons, Animal Yoga will allow young yogis, ages 6 to 12, to learn simple animal and nature poses to stretch, move, and calm their bodies and minds. Participants will join friends in fun yoga games to reinforce what they learn, explore the world through play, and socialize with one another. Classes are scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. on April 2, 16, and 30, May 14, and June 4 and 18, [...]

On March 24, the Hanover Manor was filled with excitement and generosity as more than 250 people attended the "Baskets 4 Buddies" tricky tray and raffle event organized by The Candle Lighters. The Candle Lighters are a group of dedicated volunteers who raise funds and awareness for The Arc of Essex County's Stepping Stones School and Early Intervention programs, which serve children with intellectual and developmental disabilities from birth to age 10. The event offered more than 150 amazing prizes for guests to win, including Apple products, a pizza oven, a large-screen TV, a Cricut machine, designer handbags, beautiful jewelry, themed [...]

March was a month full of fun and excitement for the participants in The Arc of Essex County's Community Inclusion, Recreation, and Respite programs. They enjoyed a variety of activities that celebrated the arrival of spring, the luck of the Irish, and the joy of friendship. On March 10 a Community Inclusion group visited the Mount Airy Casino, playing on game machines and enjoying a buffet lunch together. The trip is always a crowd favorite and this year’s was no different. Community Inclusion participants also enjoyed a visit to the movies and several bowling trips during the month. Group Respite had a [...]

After nearly 41 years with The Arc of Essex County, Assistant Director of Community Services Candes Reid retired on March 18. Candes’s entire Arc family wishes her the best in her retirement and thanks her for decades of service to the families we serve. Candes started working for The Arc in 1983, beginning with overnight shifts at the Bloomfield group home. She would soon switch to weekends, eventually moving up to be an assistant manager at the West Orange Community Residence, and later become manager. Over the years, Candes held many different titles, trying new things when opportunities arose. “Every time [...]

The Arc of Essex County is pleased to announce that Camp Hope has received three generous grants. The Orange Orphan Society has granted $15,000 to Camp Hope, with $11,150 going toward the Camp Hope fee assistance program for young campers from Maplewood and the Oranges, and $3,850 going toward camp equipment. In addition, The Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation granted $10,000 toward general operating support for Camp Hope. The William E. Simon Foundation has also made a Director’s Designated Gift of $5,000 to Camp Hope for general operating support. Located in East Hanover, N.J., Camp Hope welcomes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during [...]

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 (January to March 2024): In Memory of Barbara Calderone Susan Hagedorn In Memory of Eileen Corcoran Herbert Lev In Honor of Glennise Ranae Hillman Sherleen Hillman In Memory of David Owen Donna Hrebin In Honor of Marian Sroka David Gortz Supporters can host Facebook Fundraisers for birthdays and celebrations to raise money on behalf of The Arc of Essex County. We are very grateful for the following individuals who fundraised [...]

The Arc of Essex County is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Ann Marino, a resident of the Green Ave group home. Annie was truly an icon in The Arc family, having been in our services since 1981. Born in 1942, Annie lived with her family for the first 20 years of her life, then moved to the North Jersey Developmental Center. In 1981 she moved to The Arc’s Orange group home and lived there for six years. In 1987, she moved to the Nutley group home and remained there for 32 years. In 2019, Ann’s [...]

It is with great sadness that The Arc of Essex County announces the passing of our beloved Charles “Charlie” Thomas. Charles Thomas, affectionally known as “Charlie,” was the Man of the West Caldwell (Beechtree) group home. He had lived at Beechtree for almost 17 years. During that time, Charlie could be seen hanging outside, waving to the neighbors in the community and chatting with the postman. He was known for his feistiness, charming ways, and being full of energy. He loved spending time outside, in his bedroom watching Mass, playing board games, discussing baseball, or dining out at his favorite [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following April 2024 openings: (NEW!) Green Ave Group Home (1 Female Vacancy) Ranch-style home on a quiet suburban street in Roseland 24/7 supervision Barrier-free layout with opportunity to support individuals with mobility challenges Near parks, shopping, and other activities (NEW!) West Caldwell Group Home (1 Male or Female Vacancy) Single-family style home in a quaint neighborhood 24/7 supervision Care given based on individual needs Group enjoys taking day trips together, pursuing hobbies at home, and enjoying backyard picnics (NEW!) Washington Avenue Residence (1 Male vacancy) Single-family style group home in a quiet Montclair neighborhood 24/7 supervision Within walking distance of [...]