February was a busy and celebratory month at Stepping Stones School! Students kicked off the month with Super Bowl–themed activities that combined fine-motor skills and imaginative play. Children pinched and picked up small football erasers and placed them into a cup designed like a football field, played tabletop football by flicking paper triangle “footballs” through goal posts, and colored football-themed pages while stamping their predictions for the Super Bowl winner. Valentine’s Day brought opportunities for more themed fun. During sensory activities, students stacked heart-shaped rings onto paper straws and built bridges using cups and tongue depressors, carefully balancing heart erasers across their [...]

In a field where change is often the norm, the Claremont Group Home stands out for something increasingly rare: decades of consistency. For the staff and residents who call Claremont home, longevity provides a foundation of trust, stability, and family. Sylvia, Gale, and Donna have each spent 27 years working at Claremont. Gauthie has been there for 26 years, and Shaniqua for 13. Together, they represent more than a century of shared experience under one roof. It’s a remarkable commitment, and one that has deeply shaped the lives of the six residents they support, many of whom have lived at Claremont [...]

The Arc of Essex County is proud to recognize the 15 Student Champions who have been selected to support the 28th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk, and Fun Fest, taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This year’s Student Champion cohort is strengthened by the return of nine Student Champion Mentors, who previously served in the role and are coming back to guide and support the new champions. Together, they form a dedicated team of young leaders committed to promoting inclusion, empathy, and community engagement. The Arc reviewed dozens of applications from students across Essex County that reflected thoughtful perspectives [...]

A lively crowd filled the Hanover Manor on March 1 for The Candle Lighters’ annual fundraiser, “Baskets 4 Buddies,” an afternoon that combined community spirit with some friendly competition. Three hundred supporters gathered for the event, which raised thousands of dollars to benefit participants in The Arc of Essex County’s programs. Guests had plenty to explore throughout the afternoon, with nearly 200 themed tricky tray baskets anchoring the festivities alongside several specialty prize tables, including designer handbags, grand prizes, and more. Offerings ranged from electronics and kitchen appliances to cozy blankets to food and wine baskets and more. Several raffles and [...]

The Arc of Essex County released its 2024–2025 Impact Report, titled The Architecture of Possibilities, this February, highlighting a year of thoughtful growth, innovation, and progress in support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The report lays out a series of investments in infrastructure and programs. In residential services, The Arc expanded housing options while strengthening existing residences. A newly renovated group home opened in West Caldwell, two supported living apartments launched in Fairfield near Studio Arc, and key renovations were completed at long-standing properties, designed to increase accessibility, comfort, and independence. Programs also expanded across age groups. New Social Skills [...]

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 February, including: Making Valentine’s Day cards together for loved ones at Studio Arc on February 1 Gathering to make a Valentine’s craft during Saturday Respite on February 7 Pregaming for the Super Bowl with a party at the Opportunity Zone on February 8 Bowling together on February 7, 21, and 28 Showing off moves during a bustling Valentine’s Dance on February 15 Enjoying a Hotel Respite weekend packed with fun activities, including a trip to the Palisades Center, the weekend of February [...]

Participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Day Programs have had an active month in February, including: Making candy apples for Valentine’s Day at Bridges Entrepreneurship Club participants selling Valentine’s Day merchandise and learning how to make cards and candles together SYA participants crafting special Valentine’s Day cards for their loved ones The Photo Club visiting Studio Arc taking part in a “mindful photography” challenge, finding art in photos of items and scenes they came across naturally Do you have a loved one interested in attending The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Day Services?  Click here to learn more about our programs and reach out to The [...]

Residents across The Arc of Essex County’s residential programs enjoyed a variety of social, creative, and festive activities in recent weeks, including: At the Beechtree Group Home, the residents cooked for their own Super Bowl Party, plus savored a night out at Flaming Grill The West Caldwell Group Home enjoyed a pampering trip to the nail salon Tamera at the Fairfield Apartments had a festive birthday party, inviting friends from across Arc group homes The Irvington Ave Apartment residents gathered for a Valentine’s Day party with sweet treats, berry drinks, and lots of pink and red balloons James at the Washington Group Home enjoyed his [...]

Children and families in The Arc of Essex County’s Children’s Services programs enjoyed a variety of engaging and inclusive experiences in February, including: Parents’ Night Out participants painting a Valentine’s Day craft and enjoying games and activities together on February 20 Communi-Play sessions on February 7 and 21 for children ages 2.5 to 5, offering interactive, play-based communication opportunities for young children and their families at Studio Arc (sign up for future sessions, offered at no charge to families, at bit.ly/communi-play) Children’s Saturday Respite participants getting dressed up for a fancy (and sparkly!) dance party together on February 28 A variety of seasonal celebrations, [...]

Joanne, affectionately known as Jojo, goes back decades with The Arc of Essex County, to her days as a student in our Stepping Stones School and Early Intervention programs. Now in her 30s, she is a vibrant and active part of the SYA Day Program. When asked what she loves best about her program, Jojo smiles and says “everything!” At the program center in Nutley, she likes making artwork, and out in the community she enjoys getting meals with her friends and going shopping (especially for coloring supplies). She is a regular visitor to Studio Arc, where she loves learning new [...]