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 [...]