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. Special Occasions (April to June 2022): In Honor of Bob GebroeKevin Reilly In Honor of JoAnn RainesCara L. SchnaperSchwab Charitable In Honor of Joseph BergmanScott BergmanBetsy Bergman In Honor of Lee BergmanMadeline Dreifus In Honor of Richard WrightMary Tranchetti In Honor of Robert DunphyCaitlin DiRuggiero In Memory of Kevin CarrMichael and Suzanne BloomAmelia BoudjoukAnonymousRonald Carr Jr.George KuhnCaitlin Cascino In Memory of Brian Caufield                                                       Brendan OFlahertyPatti McHughMelissa BeneKevin Campbell Esq.Robert & [...]

The Arc of Essex County’s West Caldwell Hub day program participants were treated to a tour of Santander Bank, where they toured the office and learned about how a bank operates and what happens when you open a bank account. The group had such a wonderful time that Alex made a return trip to thank the staff with a card and flowers. Do you have a loved one interested in attending The Arc of Essex County's Adult Day Services?  Click here to learn more about our programs, and reach out to The Arc of Essex County's Director of Adult Day Services, [...]

It is with tremendous sadness that The Arc of Essex County announces the passing of Billy O’Flynn, a longtime Arc resident and day program participant. Billy moved to the Arc’s Belleville group home in 1982. In 1987 he moved to the Ashwood home and in 1993 he moved to Linden where he resided until his passing. Billy also attended numerous Arc day programs, specifically the Livingston, Caldwell, and Verona Community Resource Centers and Community Link.  Since 2008 he had been attending Opportunity Zone. Billy affected so many people in the 40 years that The Arc was privileged to serve him. He [...]

The Arc of Essex County fondly remembers Valerie Good, who recently lost a long battle with cancer. Valerie and her family joined The Arc’s Home Assistance Program (HAP) in the early 1990s. She had been an active participant in the program up to the time of her death. Valerie valued the support she received from her long-time HAP staff, Lorraine Harris. Valerie will be remembered as wanting to spread joy and offering support to others. She exuded positive energy and it showed in her actions. She would reach out to other families in the HAP program with advice or a simple [...]

After years of planning and a year of construction and building preparation, Studio Arc opened in limited capacity to Arc of Essex County consumers in June, offering a variety of creative activities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 5,500-square-foot leased space, on the ground floor of an office building in Fairfield, includes expansive space for activities such as yoga and Zumba, as well as art studios for learning new skills, cultivating passions and talents, and exploring new opportunities for creative expression. The furnishings and special equipment were installed after extensive research on the best options for those with IDD. In [...]

On Wednesday, June 15, Stepping Stones School gathered for outdoor moving-up ceremonies for all three classes of students. Families gathered on the decorated front lawn of the school during designated one-hour ceremonies for Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, and Primary classes. Each student received a certificate to mark the successful completion of a school year full of educational milestones, exploration, and fun, as proud loved ones, teachers, and staff looked on. It was a beautiful day with many smiling faces. Principal Sue Brand thanked families for entrusting the school with their children, whom she said bring joy to the staff every day. The [...]

With trips to Alstede Farms, Wild West City, and Lake Hopatcong, The Arc of Essex County’s recreation participants enjoyed a variety of community inclusion trips that took them on adventures throughout New Jersey. Nine Community Inclusion participants enjoyed a day at the Strawberry Festival at Alstede Farms in Chester on Sunday, June 5. They had fun petting the animals, listening to live music, and shopping in the gift shop. Everyone took home a quart of strawberries from the farm, and at the end of the day enjoyed dinner at Wendy’s, where they discussed the good times they had enjoyed. The following weekend, [...]

Help make a difference! You can spread awareness about The Arc of Essex County and raise money for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by creating a personal fundraiser to share with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. The Arc can help you set up a crowdfunding campaign, which can be used to spread the word via social media channels and/or through a special event, such as a birthday, anniversary, or retirement. And whether it’s celebrating a milestone or reaching a goal, a personal fundraiser allows your entire network to be part of that celebration while uniting toward a common [...]

The Arc of Essex County thanks Marnie McNany, who has served as the organization’s Board President since 2018, for her years of steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to The Arc’s mission. Marnie is concluding her time as President going into the 2022-2023 fiscal year after serving two consecutive two-year terms in the role. “Marnie is not only a champion for The Arc of Essex County, she also guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with calm determination,” said CEO Linda C. Lucas. “Throughout her time on the board, she has been a true partner, exemplifying quiet but strong [...]

The six residents of The Arc of Essex County’s Bloomfield group home returned to their beautifully renovated community residence in June, after months of extensive construction work that increased accessibility throughout the home. Nestled on a quiet street full of 100-year-old homes, the Bloomfield residence underwent comprehensive updates, with the entire first floor gutted and renovated to feature wider hallways and doorways, a new accessible kitchen, accessible bathrooms, and an expanded deck and access ramp, reconfigurations that have made the home more maneuverable and comfortable for The Arc’s residents and staff. New office and laundry areas also improved the overall utility [...]