The Arc of Essex County is pleased to announce that The Lillian Schenck Foundation has generously granted $4,000 to the Camp Hope Fee Assistance Project. The funds will allow low-income children from across northern New Jersey to attend the 2023 Camp Hope season. Located in East Hanover, N.J., Camp Hope welcomes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the summer season with a property that features a beach-entry swimming pool, accessible-friendly playground, splash pad, basketball court, outdoor pavilion, and expansive recreation field. Learn more at ArcCampHope.com. The Arc of Essex County extends its sincere appreciation to The Lillian Schenck Foundation for its [...]

It is with great sadness that The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones School shares the news of the passing of speech therapist Nicole Fiorilla. She died peacefully on February 11 surrounded by her family. A Bloomfield resident, Nicole grew up in New Jersey and studied at Kean University, where she received a B.A. in Speech Correction and an M.A. in Speech Language Pathology. She began working at Stepping Stones School in Roseland in 2007, and in the 16 years that followed she has helped countless students and families by teaching speech and feeding skills to infants, toddlers, and children with [...]

The Arc of Essex County and Stepping Stones School lost a dear friend and long-time colleague with the passing of James Paden after a short illness. James started working for The Arc of Essex in 1984 in Day Services and Respite Programs. In 2004, he transferred to the Stepping Stones School and continued in The Arc’s Hotel Respite Program. “James was an amazing person: calm, compassionate, positive, caring, hardworking, and endearing to all,” says Stepping Stones Principal Sue Brand. “To say that James had a positive and unforgetable impact on the many students and staff at the school, as well as the [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following March 2023 openings: NEW Belmont Group Home (1 Male vacancy) Single-family style home Located in a great Livingston neighborhood. 24/7 supervision Can accommodate residents with additional medical supports and aging needs NEW Meadowbrook Condo (2 Male or Female Vacancies) Unlicensed two-bedroom condo in Maplewood Candidates would be on the Supports Program Close to public transportation Care based on individual needs 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 active group of residents Near shopping, dining, and activities Care based on [...]