Day Program Participants who have joined The Arc of Essex County's Entrepreneurship Club have received their first checks from the sale of items they crafted at Studio Arc. The milestone was celebrated at Studio Arc with a sparkling cider toast. With pop-up shops at The Arc office and the Building Tomorrows 5K, as well as displays at local shops, the Arc artisans have had the opportunity to not just craft the items for sale, but also learn sales techniques and help manage the business of operating a small arts enterprise. Handmade items, which can be viewed at the Studio Arc Online [...]

Although July brought some sticky days, the campers at Camp Hope kept their cool through a series of fun themes and activities throughout the month. After starting the season with “Holiday Week” festivities, campers of all ages enjoyed “Four Seasons in One Week,” with activities that ranged from wintry ice sensory bins to autumn leaf rubbings. Then it was “Make a Splash” week, with water relay races, watercolor painting, and the annual Camp Hope Car Wash. “Let’s Take a Trip Around the World,” took campers to Australia, Africa, Brazil, Japan, and Hawaii. And this past week was “Disney Week,” which featured [...]

The students at Stepping Stones School have taken a virtual trip to Paris during their Extended School Year, with the Summer Olympics helping shape a variety of lessons and activities. With weekly school-wide activities, such as a torch-passing ceremony, Olympics-themed bulletin boards throughout the building, social-work sessions that focus on different sports, and classroom activities that feature global and athletic lessons, the Olympics have been a theme throughout the summer season at Stepping Stones. The Extended School Year has also featured water play, yoga, dance classes, and other ways to move bodies and learn new skills while staying cool and being [...]

In a partnership with Chase Bank and the United Way of Greater Newark, participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Opportunity Zone Day Program had the opportunity to participate in a series of financial literacy lessons during the month of July. The weekly sessions, which lasted about an hour, took place over four consecutive Mondays and featured topics such as budgeting, credit, cyber scams, and fraud. Each was taught by an instructor from Chase Bank, who led a PowerPoint presentation and a discussion with 12 to 15 program participants. The Arc of Essex County thanks Chase Bank and the United Way of [...]

Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Recreation programs had the opportunity to listen to live tunes and play some retro arcade games during their July adventures. On July 14, a group attended Maplewoodstock in downtown Maplewood, where they enjoyed the live music on stage while also shopping in the booths and enjoying each other’s company. On July 21, they took a trip to Asbury Park, where they played retro arcade games in the Silverball Museum. Favorites included pinball, air hockey, skee-ball, and shuffle board. The month also featured two bowling sessions at Bowlero in Belleville on July 13 and 27, as [...]

Residents in The Arc of Essex County’s residential homes and supervised apartments have enjoyed a busy summer of activities, traveling near and far and making memories together. Highlights include trips to the State Fair and the American Dream Mall for the residents of the Verona Apartments, and a day trip to Atlantic City for the Irvington Ave Apartments’ residents. The Park Place residents enjoyed a wide range of trips and activities together, including lunch at the South Mountain Recreation Complex, game nights, karaoke, bowling, and trips to the movies. During the heat wave, the Washington Ave residents visited the mall for [...]

Before joining The Arc of Essex County, Dacia King-Sarkodie had a variety of jobs, but most recently had spent six years working in the banking industry. “I wanted a change and an opportunity to do something different and more fulfilling with my time,” she says. Having grown up as the niece of a primary school headmistress, Dacia has strong memories of her aunt providing a listening ear and loving care to students, which was an inspiration to her. “I was brought up with that nurturing spirit, and I knew I was destined to be in a field where I could give [...]

Whether playing a sport or cheering on a favorite team, people with disabilities deserve to be valued and included in all aspects of life. Sports are a big part of our society, and the experiences we share help us recognize what we have in common and build connections. The Lids Foundation and The Arc share a vision of a world in which people with disabilities have the resources needed to lead active, healthy lives on their own terms. In August, The Arc has partnered with Lids—in stores nationwide—to spread the word about The Arc mission. There are three different ways to participate: Buy [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following August 2024 openings: 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 Washington Avenue Residence (1 Male vacancy) Single-family style group home in a quiet Montclair neighborhood 24/7 supervision Within walking distance of parks and shopping Residents enjoy going on local trips together Orange Community Residence (1 Male or Female Vacancy) 24/7 supervision Single-family style group home located in a turn-of-the-century mansion with spacious living areas Co-ed living arrangement with [...]