Andre has been a student at Stepping Stones School since he was 3 years old and has attended alongside some of his best friends through preschool, TK, primary, and in the newly added primary plus classroom. As he gets ready to graduate out of Stepping Stones this June, his family is sad to say goodbye to a school that has guided him for nine years, but is also excited for his next chapter. Andre will continue to be a part Arc programs as a Camp Hope camper and a participant in activities such as the weekly social skills classes in Maplewood. “We [...]

When Dina Meixner was in college, she didn’t know that a job like the one she currently has—Clinical Team Lead of Behavioral Supports—existed as a career. She was focused on becoming an attorney and studying political science when she discovered sociology, which sparked an entirely new interest for her. “I realized how much I liked learning about people and how they function,” she says. The discovery redirected Dina away from studying law and toward minoring in sociology and looking for positions in that field. About 15 years ago, she began working for both public and private schools, beginning as a teaching assistant [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following January 2026 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 [...]