For 70 years, Camp Hope has been a place where friendships flourish, confidence grows, and summer memories are created that last a lifetime. As The Arc of Essex County prepares to celebrate Camp Hope’s 70th anniversary season in 2026, we are honoring a remarkable legacy while looking ahead to another unforgettable summer filled with adventure, creativity, and inclusion. Camp Hope’s story began in 1956, when 60 boys and girls gathered at Shady Nook in the South Mountain Reservation for the very first camp season. Just a few years later, community support helped secure a permanent home in East Hanover, where Camp [...]

On May 27, The Arc of Essex County's Day Programs came together for the annual Walk and Fun Day at DeHart Park in Maplewood. With more than 100 participants in attendance, the event was filled with excitement, laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit. Day Program participants and staff enjoyed a refreshing group walk through the park before breaking off into a variety of engaging team activities. From relay races and field games to bowling challenges and peer-centered activities, everyone had the opportunity to participate, cheer on their friends, and celebrate their accomplishments. One of the highlights of the day was the relay [...]

The school year may be winding down, but Stepping Stones School has continued to bustle through the spring as students and families have enjoyed special events that brought our community together and created lasting memories. A highlight of the month was Family Fun Day, sponsored by the Candle Lighters. Families gathered in the multi-purpose room for an afternoon of food and entertainment together. Everyone enjoyed delicious fresh pizza from a food truck, and the karaoke machine quickly became a favorite attraction as students, siblings, parents, and staff took turns singing their favorite songs. Students also enjoyed a field trip to Huckle Berry [...]

The Arc Essex Day Program Jobs Club expanded its community partnerships in May with a new job-sampling opportunity at Clinton Elementary School in Maplewood. Participants from the West Caldwell Hub Day Program visit the school each Tuesday to assist librarian Jen Latimer with shelving books in the library and help organize the school's Giving Closet, which provides food and clothing to families in need. The partnership is supported by Special Education Teacher Casey Dickson, Principal Michele Butler, Assistant Principal LaVonne Wallace, and Social Worker Julia Celeste, who have worked closely alongside Arc staff to help create a welcoming and inclusive experience for [...]

A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of a dedicated team of volunteers who recently spent a day in May planting gardens at The Arc of Essex County’s Bloomfield, Montclair, and Verona residences. Longtime volunteers Al Ianacone, Susan Langner, and Frank Langner rolled up their sleeves and took advantage of the rainy weather, ideal conditions for helping new plants take root. Together, they filled the garden beds with a familiar mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, including tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, parsley, marigolds, and vinca. The annual planting tradition helps create welcoming outdoor spaces that residents and staff can enjoy and help nurture [...]

Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Recreation, Respite, and Community Inclusion programs enjoyed a variety of social, recreational, and engaging activities throughout May, including: A festive Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 3, where participants made and painted their own maracas out of empty water bottles, danced to mariachi music, and enjoyed taco bowls with a variety of toppings Bowling outings on May 2, 16, and 30 at Bowlero Belleville, where participants practiced teamwork, sportsmanship, and friendly competition while enjoying pizza and a beverage with peers A “Matinee & Mingle” outing on May 17, where participants enjoyed a trip to the [...]

Residents across The Arc of Essex County’s residential programs enjoyed a variety of social, recreational, and community-based activities throughout May, including: Girls’ Night In and Man Cave Monday events at Studio Arc, bringing together residents from across programs for fun, friendship, and creative activities Residents from 45 Beechtree attending performances at NJPAC, enjoying dinners out together, and celebrating Melvin’s birthday A Memorial Day gathering shared by residents from 21 and 45 Beechtree, bringing everyone together for food and fun in their shared neighborhood Residents from 21 Beechtree attending the Kiwanis Karnival and participating in the LACD Spring Party Newark Apartment residents enjoying an exciting outing [...]

Children and teens in The Arc of Essex County programs have had a busy spring, including: Saturday Respite participants picnicking in the park, attending a spring dance at the Livingston Senior Center, and exploring the rides and attractions at the Kiwanis Karnival in Livingston Parents’ Night Out participants working on springtime crafts and activities together Communi-Play sessions for children ages 2.5 to 5, offering interactive, play-based communication opportunities for young children and their families at Studio Arc, encouraging connection and early language development Social skills classes for children and teens each Tuesday afternoon A Family Fun Day and field trip to Huckle Berry Indoor Playground [...]

Bryan moved into the Newark Apartment Program in January and has been nothing but smiles ever since. “He’s so happy and ready to get engaged with any activity,” says Jessica from the residential staff. Bryan loves to watch movies, play Connect Four, and visit nearby Branch Brook Park, where he enjoys walks and picnics on the grass. “Everyone here is awesome and I’m enjoying it so much,” he says, adding that he gets along well with his fellow residents and loves the staff. “They treat me right, they really do.” His favorite part of his apartment is his bed (“It’s so nice [...]

As a teenager, Alexis Soled was initially interested in studying psychology, which then shifted to nursing. While volunteering as a candy striper at a local hospital, she found herself fascinated by the rehab department, and thought perhaps physical therapy was for her, arranging to shadow therapists at a hospital. What she didn’t expect was a conversation that would shape the rest of her life. An occupational therapist called her before the visit to see if she might be interested in observing the OT department as well. Unsure about what OT was, she was told, “You work with people physically, mentally, emotionally, and [...]