The Arc of Essex County’s Day Programs brought energy and creativity to Studio Arc for an action-packed talent show on Friday, January 23. The event, dubbed “Arc’s Got Talent,” filled the space with music, cheers, and heartfelt performances. Thirty-six performers took the stage, wowing the audience with diverse acts that showcased their individual personalities and talents. Most participants delivered solo performances, though there were a handful of duo and trio acts. Performers rotated through the spotlight with dancing, singing, stand-up comedy, and poetry readings. Each presentation was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause from the full house of attendees. To the left [...]

As The Arc of Essex County looks to the future, we are excited to share an important leadership update from CEO Kathleen Hinnigan-Cohen. Effective February 1, 2026, a new executive leadership team was established to help guide the agency forward with clarity, collaboration, and a shared vision for growth and impact. This team brings deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and a strong commitment to the individuals and families The Arc serves. Please join us in congratulating the following leaders on their new roles: Laurie Best, Chief Services Officer (formerly Senior Director of Children and Day Services) Heather Comstock, Chief Development Officer (formerly Senior [...]

In recent months, Studio Arc has hosted Community Connections, a weekly art class for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities open to the wider community. This class was intentionally designed for individuals who don’t attend other Arc of Essex County programs but are interested in taking an art class in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Community Connections offers a chance to explore creativity, learn new skills, and build social connections in a relaxed, supportive setting. Each Friday from 2 to 3:30 p.m., participants gather at the studio for a hands-on art experience led by Creative Arts Manager Debra McGauley-Eichhorn and Creative Arts Supervisor [...]

Grab your sneakers and rally your crew: registration is officially open for The Arc of Essex County’s 28th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk, and Fun Fest! Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Clipper Pavilion in West Orange for a feel-good day that brings together fitness, family fun, and community spirit. The morning kicks off with a scenic 5K run, followed by a fundraising Family Walk and an action-packed Fun Fest designed for all ages. Every step taken and dollar raised helps support local children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their families. Registration is [...]

The Arc of Essex County is excited to kick off registration for the 70th season of Camp Hope. Registration opened to all campers on February 2, 2026 and applications are now being accepted for staff and volunteers for the upcoming season. The 2026 Camp Hope season will run from June 29 through August 14, offering seven themed weeks of enriching summer fun for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (The final two weeks are open to children and teens only.) Applications are processed on a rolling basis. To apply, visit arccamphope.com. For camper-related questions, contact Camp Manager Ynit [...]

As The Arc of Essex County enters a new chapter, we are pleased to launch our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, a roadmap designed to guide our work over the next several years while strengthening our ability to meet the evolving needs of the individuals and families we serve. Rooted in our mission, vision, and values, the new Strategic Plan reflects an honest assessment of where we are today and a clear vision for where we are headed. With strong governance, a diversified service model, and a long history of innovation, The Arc is well positioned for thoughtful, sustainable growth, even through funding [...]

Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Recreation, Respite, and Community Inclusion programs enjoyed a variety of social, recreational, and creative activities in January and early February, including: Bowling outings on January 10, 24, and 31, where participants enjoyed friendly competition and time together at the lanes. An extra lively Saturday Respite on January 10, where folks enjoyed a variety of “Minute to Win It” table games that brought teams together to work toward a shared goal. Matinee and Mingle on January 11, featuring a trip to AMC Clifton to see Anaconda, followed by time to socialize and discuss the movie. A high-energy [...]

Children and families in The Arc of Essex County’s Children’s Services programs enjoyed a variety of engaging and inclusive experiences in January, including: Children’s Saturday Respite participants cheering on one of their own at a basketball game in Livingston, and also enjoying a fun group bowling outing together. Parents’ Night Out featuring a winter-themed craft activity in addition to other fun and games. Communi-Play sessions continuing for children ages 2.5 to 5, offering interactive, play-based communication opportunities for young children and their families. Life Management participants attending Disney on Ice together, enjoying a memorable live performance and community outing. To learn more about The Arc [...]

Residents across The Arc of Essex County’s residential programs enjoyed a variety of social, creative, and festive activities in recent weeks, including: Beechtree residents enjoying community outings to the movies and local restaurants, spending time together while exploring films and food. West Caldwell residents getting into the Valentine’s mode by decorating festive Valentine’s Day creations together at home. Marmon residents dressing in matching outfits for a fun-filled ’80s Night during Man Cave Monday, showing off their creativity and group spirit. Washington Group Home celebrating Andre’s birthday with a day of festivities, including a community lunch trip and a pizza party and cake back at [...]

Evette has been a joyful presence in Arc programs for decades, and she is currently an active part of the SYA Day Program, the Nutley Group Home, and Camp Hope. She loves choosing what she is going to do for the day at SYA and doing activities with her friends. Studio Arc trips are one of her favorite things. She especially loves to dance, and she showed off her talents during the Day Program Talent Show in January at Studio Arc, where she moved to Beyonce’s “All the Single Ladies.” Her time with The Arc goes all the way back to [...]